Beat The Heat In Style

So it’s 378 degrees outside with 95% humidity. Your already exhausting search for something cute/sexy/comfortable/fashionable but bearable in this weather has you feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. Fear not! I am Eli Breiding, stylist at large, here to help you survive this apocalyptic summer!

So, let’s begin. For this week I chose a couple of items that you can find at your local Saks, Macy’s or lately JCPenney, which, I have to say, has really upgraded its fashion/jewelry sections beautifully (not a paid endorsement).

If major department stores are not your deal, try smaller stores such as Gap, Old Navy and Target, or, for those who are frugal with an eye for brands, your local Goodwill!

The key to determining your fashion goals for the summer is to choose one trend to use at a time, for example:

Long dresses, commonly referred to as 'maxi' dresses

These are incredible for the summer. Dress them up or down, by adding flat sandals or a wedge heel for the evening. A statement necklace or patterned bag is an ideal way to play up the colors of your dress.

Pro tip:

If you choose to don a maxi dress in a bright color, play down your other accessories, such as your shoes or purse, in coordinating or matching colors. Basics, such as navy, black or brown, are great with bright shades of pink, orange, blue, etc ... If you are opting for an evening out, then use metallic, gold or silver to dress up your outfit without overwhelming your look.

Striped or printed shorts with a cotton camisole or tank top

This is a basic and essential look for the summer. You can also mix and match this look by using tops in varying colors so that your outfit is interchangeable — a plus when traveling for the weekend!

Pro tip:

Some women are afraid of wearing anything striped or printed for fear it will exaggerate their "problem" areas. There is a simple fix — if you really like the printed look, opt for items in which the pattern and color of the item are the same, so that the short, top, dress or skirt looks like it’s a print, not a stamp on the material. See the orange shorts featured for an example.

Accessories

These are a great way to play up or down an outfit during the particularly hot summer months. Because of the heat, we want to wear as little as possible, but you still want to look sexy and fashionable. There are great stores such as Forever 21, JCPenney, Francesca’s or even Macy’s that have great summer items to add some bling to your outfits., without breaking the bank.

Look at the suggestions that I have put together for you. It’s my job to think of your outfits, and it's your duty to add your own special twist, flair and personality to your wardrobe; that, my sweets, is the definition of YOUR personal style.

And, finally, some accessories that never go out of style: water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a great hat to protect your skin for the many seasons to come!