When the mercury rises, Southern Californians are faced with a fashion dilemma. On one hand we want to feel cool in breathable, loose and comfortable fashions, while on the style front we want to look hot – maintaining a polished and pulled-together look. Here are a few of my tips for maintaining four-star style during triple-digit heat.
PITCH THE PLASTICS
Plastic “Patent leather-type” sandals can be slippery when wet, not to mention hot. Same goes for “jelly” shoes. Instead, look for breathable, natural leather insoles for your summer footwear. Also consider swapping out your vinyl or leather handbags for a straw or canvas variation that won’t make you hot and bothered as you lug it around. Guys can try a canvas or nylon messenger bag.
RELINQUISH AND REPLACE
Relinquish last year’s yellowed “whites” and replace them with crisp, fresh tees and tanks. Get rid of anything that that doesn’t fit, flatter or make you look and feel fabulous.
LAYERING = COOLING COMFORT
While Southern California summer days can be brutal, they typically start and end with a touch of coolness. Get dressed starting with your lightest weight tops and bottoms, then add gauzy scarves, loosely-knit natural fiber sweaters, hoodies or pullovers. As the heat rises it’s easy to peel away the outer layers, and then add them back when the sun goes down.
LIGHTEN UP!
Get out your whites and lights. They’ll reflect the rays keeping you much more comfortable than your darker pieces. Don’t be afraid to wear all white. Nothing says “chic” like white jeans, a white camp shirt, and gold or silver accessories. Yes, even for men!
SPARKLE AND SHINE
Put you heavy metal jewelry and cumbersome accessories go into hibernation. Instead, choose clothing pieces with sewn-on embellishments, such as crocheted necklines and edging, embroidered appliqués, matte sequins, tiny crystals or creative ribbons. You won’t feel a thing but you’ll still have that “bling.” Another way to get your sparkle on is to wear metallic sandals or a pair decorated with beautiful jewels. Just make sure you’ve got a fresh pedicure!
PROMENADE WITH PARASOL PROTECTION
Sun protection is a must, especially during the summer when rays are the strongest. A hat is a great choice for shade but not everyone likes what it does to your hair. I like the idea of the “sunbrella.” Buy one designed especially for sun protection at www.coolibar.com or www.sunprecautions.com and promenade down the avenues with great hair and protection.
HOT SHADES ARE COOL!
In Southern California sunglasses say so much about us – especially for men who don’t usually get to have as much fun with accessories as women. If you’re sporty, wear a hip pair of gold-or silver rimmed aviators. If you’re a glam gal, pull out all the stops and get a large-framed, rhinestone-embellished pair.
SHOW THE BEST AND COVER THE REST
To stay cool and classy, choose one area to cover, and one to show off. For example, if you’ve got attractive legs, wear a frothy little knee-length skirt while making sure you wear a tank that has wide straps and a not-too-revealing neckline. Gentlemen, feel free to casually roll up your shirtsleeves and unbutton just one more front button.
CLEAN IS COOL!
Summer is the time to stay clean shaven, lotioned-up, pedicured and perfumed. Keep sweat under control with a super strong invisible solid antiperspirant, and go with colognes that are light with a touch of citrus.
Karen Karlsen AICI FLC, is an image consultant with Wear It Well Wardrobe and Image in Rolling Hills Estates. You can email Karen with your summer style questions or suggestions to wearitwellonline@gmail.com, or visit her website at www.wearitwellonline.com.
