Style Tips for Keeping Cool on Sweltering Days

The summer season enters its final sultry phase with August just a few days away. Styling casual looks, office attire and formal pieces is more challenging when the temperature and humidity increase. But there are still ways to stay — and look — cool this season.

WWD spoke with stylists Fabio Immediato, who’s worked with Bella Ramsey, Sarah Paulson and dressed Joseph Quinn during the actor’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” press tour, and Jasmine Caccamo, who works with Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan, about the best ways to style an outfit for every occasion this summer.

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At Work

“If we are calling a spade a spade, you want to sweat discreetly; not show up looking like you bathed in your iced coffee,” Caccamo said. “Sticking to breathable but boss-worthy fabrics, will help you beat the heat.”

For an office setting, “linen, silk and some light cottons” are Immediato’s recommendation for the best fabrics of summer. The fabrics, while breathable, still look polished enough for meetings. For added pops, Immediato recommends “cotton shorts à la Thom Browne, a moisture facial hydrator from Aesop” are go-to brands to adhere to the dress code and keep skin cool.

While summer may lead some to warmer tones, Immediato says “white, navy, ecru, oatmeal, brown” serve as a neutral, understated color palette in the office. Caccamo agrees, citing “ivory, taupe, dove gray, chambray blue, blush. They all give the vibe that, ‘I’m calm, cool and won’t pit-stain through this meeting,’” she said.

Layering options or chillier office settings with overactive AC might have some feeling temperature whiplash. But “a fine wool knit in the same color palette” is a perfect go-to piece for layering.

“Opt for structured flow. Think a relaxed blouse tucked into a high-waisted loose fitting trouser, or a midi dress. Look for pieces that skim the body, not hug,” Caccamo said. “And don’t sleep on tailored culottes, they scream ‘I read spreadsheets and Vogue.’”

Clothes to avoid in an office setting during sultry summer days may feel like a given, but if you want to stay on-trend, styling those oversize, heavy or wool pieces might be tempting. Immediato, however, says to avoid “boots, sports socks, heavy coats or sports jackets” in the office.

At Parties

“Nothing beats a beautiful linen suit or a breezy cotton shorts suit,” Immediato said for summertime soirees and fetes. Not everyone will want to wear a full button-down or even a stiletto, for instance, at an outdoor summer party. In that case, Immediato recommends a “polo instead of T-shirt; a flat, low-rise trainer” instead, adding it “takes away the sports vibe,” he said.

“Wearing pieces like slipdresses in silk or satin give glam with airflow,” said Caccamo. “Linen jumpsuits with a cinched waist allow you to move and mingle. My go-tos are cut-out maxidresses that are tastefully spicy, and honestly, your skin will thank you.”

With the boho vibe in for the summer, Immediato says “you can’t go wrong with a hippie Chloé dress,” for weddings, engagement parties and more. Accessories should be kept minimal. “The less you hand carry the better so accesorize with jewelery, do not go [over-the-top],” Immediato said.

The finishing touch, of course, is footwear. “Find your outfit first and then match the shoes at the end based on your height and avoid any skin-hugging leather from the ankle up,” Immediato says.

Casual Outings

“Nothing too tight, or body-hugging,” Immediato says, referencing the types of casual styles to be avoided during the summer season. “I also like to go one size up to allow extra movements with my body and avoid those horrible sweat stains,” he says. “T-shirts, shorts, trainers” are the classic trio to style for running errands around the neighborhood.

Elevating the style ever so slightly, Immediato recommends “a cool vintage top, a nice easy trainer” for an added touch of individuality and personality. “I personally cannot leave my apartment without a cap,” Immediato says, referencing playful, casual accessories like hats to wear outside.

“Do what New Yorkers do in July: look chill while silently suffering,” Caccamo said. “Wear breathable co-ords or light dresses that you can throw on without having to think. Stick to no-fuss silhouettes, avoid layering (unless it’s a sheer mesh moment), and take a water bottle like it’s an accessory,” she said.

As for footwear, though, Immediato is not a fan of one style in particular: “Whatever you do, do not wear flip-flops!”

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