Let’s be honest: summer is great, but it’s also hot. And while we’re here for the longer days, rooftop drinks, and the thrill of swapping sweaters for sundresses, there’s no denying the seasonal struggle: How do you stay stylish when you’re also sweating through everything you own?
If you love fashion, the start of a new season usually means experimenting with trends, refreshing your wardrobe, and leaning into the main character energy of it all. But when temps start pushing 90 degrees, even the most style-savvy among us can feel stumped. Being the fashionable girl and the sweaty girl? It requires some serious strategy.
Yes, summer has its perks (hello, linen everything and vacation OOTDs), but the heat is always looming, threatening to ruin a good time. The good news, though? You can embrace the warm weather without feeling like your outfit is working against you. Ahead, we’re breaking down the six essential steps to looking cool when it’s anything but. Consider this your style survival guide for the hottest months of the year.
1. Plan your outfits ahead of time
In the heat of summer, checking your weather app ahead of time is a non-negotiable. The difference between 90 and 100 degrees? It’s a thin line between pulling on your go-to denim shorts or that breezy maxi you forgot all about. While planning ahead won’t solve all your summer woes, it can certainly make things easier. Take a few minutes at the start of the week to scope out the forecast and pull together a few outfits you know you’ll feel good in. That way, even when you’re in a rush—or are just too hot to think—you’ll have stylish, sweat-friendly options ready to go.
2. Be strategic with your fabrics
It might sound obvious, but dressing in the right fabrics is half the battle to surviving summer in style. Organic materials like crisp cotton, breathable linen, and airy gauze will always be your best bet. These fabrics are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and will allow your skin to breathe—even when the air outside feels heavy and thick. Try to steer clear of polyester and synthetic blends, which tend to trap heat and sweat. Pro tip: While lighter colors are great at reflecting heat, darker shades are often better at hiding sweat. It’s a tiny tweak that can make a major difference.
3. Choose silhouettes that won’t cling
We love a baby tee around here, but in peak summer heat? Not so much. The trick to dressing for those sweltering days is to avoid anything that clings—especially in high-sweat areas like your underarms, lower back, and chest. Instead, lean into silhouettes that flow away from the body, like airy tanks, oversized button-downs, and wide-leg trousers. These are the pieces that will allow for maximum airflow to help regulate your body temperature and give you that easy, thrown-together look all summer long.
4. Let your accessories do the work
Come summer, when layering is out of the question and the goal is wearing as little as possible, consider accessories your wardrobe MVPs. We’re talking bold sunnies, a statement necklace, a silk scarf tied around your waist, or a colorful woven tote. And of course, hats, which are the ultimate styling power move disguised as sun protection.
5. Don’t limit deodorant to just your armpits
Yes, you read that right: Deodorant isn’t just for your underarms. There are plenty of body care products specifically designed to target high-sweat zones like your lower back, chest, or even behind your knees (no judgment here). Whether you opt for a classic stick or a body-specific antiperspirant, a quick swipe in your most sweat-prone areas can help keep you feeling fresher, longer.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
