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Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It’s Hot & Look Stylish

October 7, 2020

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

This post is not sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. To learn more, hop over to our Disclosure page.

It’s a common problem that fashion blogs often ignore. Just how exactly am I supposed to dress cute when it’s too hot to even think about wearing more clothes?!

My guess is that they ignore this conundrum because they have no reason to come up with a solution. I mean, do we really think these “fashionistas” go about their daily chores wearing their snazzy, layered looks? Likely not.

For the record, winter is my favorite season. I love layering on cute clothes and building stylish outfits with multiple pieces. But living in Hawaii, it’s rare that I actually get to do that. In fact, I often struggle just to look decently put-together, thank you, humidity. I live by these tips for the majority of the year, and it is essentially what gets me though until the next 70° Hawaii winter.

If you live somewhere perpetually warm, or you just want to look as stylishly layered during summer as you do in the fall, then this post will definitely help you!

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

 

breathable fabrics

This is sort of a no-brainer, but it needs to be said. Choose “breathable” fabrics that will allow heat to move away from your body instead of remaining trapped.

WEAR THESE: Cotton, Linen, Rayon, Modal/Lyocell, & Tencel

Cotton and Linen are breathable, natural fibers that we’re all familiar with. Rayon, Modal/Lyocell and Tencel are man-made fabrics made up of threads created from natural materials, such as bamboo. They are breezy and sustainable.

AVOID THESE: Leather, Wool, Silk, Faux Fur, Feathers, & Polyester.

And whatever you do, stay far, far away from polyester things, because they are basically plastic clothes. That doesn’t sound cool to me.

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

 

loose-fitting styles

Go for looser fitting clothing for your warm weather outfits. This will allow for more airflow around your body. That means sweat will be able to evaporate like it’s supposed to, instead of pooling under your clothes with nowhere to go. Plus, these types of clothes just feel less constricting and more comfy. Things like flowy skirts, breezy blouses, and roomy shorts will make you infinitely more comfortable in the summer heat.

If you’re worried about looking sloppy wearing oversized clothing, then check out this post about all the little tricks you can do to make your simple outfit more flattering.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Gap Ruffle Hem Midi Skirt
Loft Vintage Vine Soft Tee
Gap Tie-Front Blouse in Linen
Old Navy Mid-Rise Soft Twill Pull-On Shorts

tip: more lightweight fabrics vs. less heavy fabrics

You may be tempted to wear less (or smaller) clothing in the warm weather. Don’t do it. Here’s the thing, the smaller the piece is, the tighter it often is. I think it’s because when an item of clothing is skimpy, what little fabric is there really needs to stay in place. Likewise, when the garment consists of more fabric, you can afford to have it flopping around and you’ll still be covered.

Wearing more of a breathable, flowy fabric will keep you cooler than wearing something less breathable but with more skin exposed. For example, choose an airy midi skirt over teeny denim shorts, or a cotton t-shirt over a snug crop top.

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

 

light base layers

The theory here is that you can wear more layers, if the layers individually are lighter. Makes sense, right?

Cute bralettes are a staple in my summer wardrobe, and they are so helpful when creating warm weather outfits. Bralettes are meant to be seen. You can feel secure while wearing tops that are sheer or that tend to shift around. One of my favorite ways to wear a bralettes is pairing it alongside an oversized boat-neck top that drapes off one shoulder.

Another tip is to look for pieces that have panels made from lace, mesh, crochet, or eyelets. These sections let more air through and they reduce the overall weight of the garment. I also like how I can wear these fabrics and not feel naked, (especially when I have another layer over top,) but still have some skin showing to lighten the look and feel of my outfit.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Love By Gap Lace Bralette
Loft Beach Eyelet Drawstring Short
Chelsea28 Keyhole Back Ice Tee
Old Navy Sleeveless Tie-Front Cutwork Top

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

 

lightweight layering pieces

Just because it’s warm out, doesn’t mean we can’t add extra pieces to our outfits. We just need to be more strategic about it. Remember the fabric rules I mentioned earlier? Those still apply. It’s all about finding lighter and thinner and more breathable versions of the layering pieces we’re used to.

Dusters and kimonos are great places to start, and they go so well with the whole summer vibe. But if you aren’t into that look, I found some examples of pieces I would wear for different occasions.

I love a good black sweatshirt outfit, but wearing my favorite black sweatshirt is out of the question in the summer. This black mesh “sweatshirt” from Alo looks super awesome. The mesh cardigan with embroidered flowers looks very elegant and proves that “mesh” doesn’t have to be synonymous with “trashy.”

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Alo Row Long Sleeve Sweatshirt
Ann Klein Floral Lace Cardigan
Teddy Trucker Denim Vest
Xhilaration Floral Print Long Sleeve Midi Kimono

tip: wear it, but don’t wear it

Adding a third piece almost always makes an outfit look complete, but what happens when that’s just not an option? Well, cheat a little. You can have the illusion of a third piece without actually wearing it.

Tie a flannel or chambray shirt around your waist.

Tie a bandana or silk scarf around your wrist, onto your handbag, or around your ponytail or bun.

Drape a jacket or chiffon scarf loosely over your shoulders. <– Great for photos or your “grand entrance.”

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

 

wear one-piece outfits

When all else fails, (or you just need a change,) head for the all-in-one instant outfits! If you are reading this post in the first place, it is probably because you are feeling sticky and overheated, but still want to wear cute summer outfits. Pieces like dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers could be your answer. They are for me at least 50% of the time.

Throwing on a cute jumpsuit, romper or dress is incredibly easy. You never have to worry about pairing a top and a bottom that are equally cool and comfortable, but that look good together, too.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Loft Drapey Utility Romper
Denim Shortalls
Old Navy Sleeveless Bow-Tie Front Chambray Jumpsuit
Loft Striped Sleeveless Tie Waist Shirtdress

Warm Weather Outfits || How To Layer When It's Hot & Look Stylish

That’s all for today!

Like this post? You’ll want to check this one out too >> Style Hacks: The Ultimate Guide! || How To Look Stylish Everyday

If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!

Till next time ♥︎

Sign up for my free monthly e-journal, The Millennial Maven Love Letters for exclusive content + millennial inspiration and lifestyle hacks. Plus get instant access to my library of on-the-go style downloads!

FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.

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