How to Look Cool When the "Feels Like" Temp Hits 100+ (Yes, It's Possible)

Is it just me, or does it feel like every other week there is a heat wave? My AC unit is constantly working overtime, and I can barely stand on the subway platform for more than two minutes without overheating. While I'd love to stay indoors and bask in the coolness, life calls for me to be out and about, which means I have to pull out my lightweight pieces and put together a cute outfit.

In the past, I thought it was impossible to get dressed in a way that allowed me to stay cool and look chic. But this year, after sourcing elegant breathable pieces like linen minidresses, cotton shorts, and thin tank tops, and taking inspiration from fashion people who live in warm climates, my mindset and process for getting dressed have changed.

I have my own method for curating polished summer outfits with lightweight pieces, but I was also curious about the processes other fashion people follow. So in pursuit of adding a new styling trick or two to my repertoire, I reached out to five fashion insiders—including Who What Wear editors, celebrity stylists, and content creators. Prepare to take home some new fashion advice and discover elegant and breathable pieces that experienced shoppers rely on when the heat advisory alert comes on. Continue reading to discover it all.

Erin Fitzpatrick

WHO: @fitzpatrickerin, associate director, fashion news

"If you're wondering what to wear when it's really hot out, I have one word: linen. It's my summer-dressing silver bullet—the perfect solution for all of my weather-related gripes. Linen is breathable and non-clingy, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. In the summer, I'm always self-conscious about sweating through my clothes, so I wear a lot of whites or patterns because they won't show pit stains."

Shay

WHO: @shayinjune, stylist and content creator

"This kind of weather is challenging because you cannot layer (not even a poplin overshirt feels wearable). My workaround is adding pops of color with accessories. A fun mesh bag, a colorful bandana. You also can't go wrong with a vintage-inspired sundress."

Allyson Payer

WHO: @allypayer, senior fashion editor

"I live in hot and humid North Carolina, so heat indexes that are over 100ºF are the norm in the summer. To stay cool, I wear a lot of linen dresses, with the ones from Posse and Reformation being my favorite. But on most days, you'll find me in lightweight pull-on poplin or linen shorts (it's far too hot for denim shorts lately) with T-shirts or tanks. Sandals and mesh shoes are pretty much all I want to wear lately, along with raffia bags and minimal jewelry (because humidity)."

Kristen Nichols

WHO: @kristenmarienichols, associate director, special projects

"I'm typically not a hat person beyond a baseball cap, but the Celine S/S 26 runway show has me rethinking my stance on the accessory for hot summer days. I'm particularly drawn to the straw styles from Michael Rider's debut collection and just ordered a similar version from Janessa Leone."

Zoe Gofman

WHO: @zoegofman, celebrity stylist

"I have never been a 'throw on a cute little dress and go' girl, but this summer's crazy heat has me fearing it might be one of the only ways to bear it. Light linen dresses that are not too tight are the answer for me."

Nikki Chwatt

WHO: @nikki.chwatt, associate fashion editor

Getting dressed in the summer, especially during a heat wave, isn't my favorite thing to do, so I make it easy for myself by sticking to the same outfit formula—lightweight shorts, sandals, and a white tank top. While flowy dresses are a great option, I find that a tight tank top (my favorite is from Zara) and loose shorts flatter my figure best and give me the most confidence to tackle my day. This look is also easy to take from day to night just by switching out flats and adding kitten heels and a statement necklace or earrings.

Jordanna Sharp

WHO: @jordannasharp, stylist

"An easy way to look chic and effortless when it's hot outside is to work in some interesting textured accessories. For example, pair a simple white linen minidress with a brown suede shoulder bag and a brown suede mule. The texture adds dimension to a look, allowing it to feel intentional and not just thrown on in the heat. Using a belt to elevate a minimal look, such as linen Bermuda shorts with a tank top, is another styling technique I rely on when I want to get dressed without thought."