I Grew Up in Arizona and Now Rely On These 5 Heatproof Outfits

by Michaela Bushkin

Welcome to Weekday Wardrobe, a series in which one Who What Wear editor or staffer will snap a pic of the outfits they wear from Monday to Friday. We'll break down where you can shop it all to inspire your own everyday style, no matter what's on your weekly agenda.

After living in California for nearly seven years, I've finally stopped rolling my eyes at friends complaining about the heat on an 80-degree day. In my defense, I grew up in Arizona where hot takes on a whole new meaning. I'm talking summer afternoons that are upwards of 110 degrees, with lows only dipping into the 90s. It's just as intense as it sounds. (At least there's no humidity, though!).

Naturally, I was forced to learn how to dress for these ultra-hot days, regardless of whether or not I actually ventured outdoors. Now, there are five specific outfits I rely on any time it's over 90 degrees outside (like it was all last week). The key is to focus on lightweight materials, like linen and cotton, and generally just opting for as few layers as possible. It also helps if you avoid daydreaming about cozy fall weather—that will be here soon enough.

Photo:

@michaela_bee

Jeans are absolutely out of the question when it's really hot outside, but I can get behind denim shorts, especially pairs that are at least 90% cotton. Here I paired my shorts with an eyelet crop top that's polished enough for all of the back-to-back video meetings I had this day. Oh, and that bag—which by the way gets compliments every time I wear it—is on sale right now for $49. You know what to do.

Photo:

@michaela_bee

Say it with me, "Linen is my best friend in the heat." Shorts, overalls (see below), dresses, tops—you name it, and I want it in linen. I didn't have any meetings this day (shocking), so I went really casual with linen shorts and my favorite white ribbed tank. I accessorized with some layered necklaces and my two new favorite Amazon finds, this hat and these white sneakers.

Photo:

@michaela_bee

A minidress is a no brainer for warm days. I wore this pastel one at the end of my workday and then headed out to an outdoor socially distanced dinner (with my pastel mini bag, too!). And no, I did not remember to snap an Instagram picnic photo, sadly.

Photo:

@michaela_bee

Yes, more linen, but don't say I didn't warn you. I've gotten more use out of these linen overalls this summer than anything else in my closet, except for the square-toe sandals also pictured here. I highly recommend pairing looser overall styles like this with a bodysuit so you don't have to awkwardly reach down the sides to tug in your tank. Been there, done that.

Photo:

@michaela_bee

I take summer Fridays very seriously, whenever possible. That means wearing my pajamas until 2 p.m. when I promptly throw on a bikini and head to the beach. Long sleeves are almost always out of the question between May and August, but a linen one acts as a great bikini cover-up, so I sometimes make the exception. Waterproof slides, a straw hat, and some jewelry make this more of a look, which I'm always into.

I Grew Up in Arizona and Now Rely On These 5 Heatproof Outfits

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