How to dress when it’s hot (#everydaystyle inspiration)

Nikki Parkinson Fashion, How to 32 Comments

Today is officially the first day of autumn in Australia but it seems that the weather gods failed to get the memo that we’re very ready to change up our wardrobes.

Thankfully throughout February the real women of #everydaystyle have provided us with much inspiration for how to dress when it’s hot, sharing their style via the #SYheat hashtag.

(Read on to see who won the first monthly challenge and details of March’s style challenge)

I’m re-sharing just a fraction of that inspiration here – along with some tips to embrace in your wardrobe. Make sure you click on the Instagram link below each photo and follow these fab women if you don’t already.

The dress

There is no denying that the dress is the number one garment of choice when the heat is on. For starters, it’s one garment. That makes it a no-brainer. Plus, if you opt for a loose shift style in a natural fabric, then the cool(ing) factor will be high. Making this look your own is as easy as changing up your footwear – sandals for sneakers; adding a pair of heels to take a more casual frock out to dinner; or simply letting the frock’s pattern and colour do the talking.

@sophisticatedmumma

@sophisticatedmumma

@emhawkerblog

@emhawkerblog

@ali_lennard

@ali_lennard

The tunic

The tunic is a close and clever relative of the frock. Typically shorter, it can also double up as a top with skinny jeans if the weather is cool enough to embrace. It is a perfect option for throwing on over a swimsuit for a trip to the beach – especially in a sleeved version for sun protection. Embroidery and detailing make this style – think summer boho in one piece.

@beachstylemum

@beachstylemum

@lovefromcaro

@lovefromcaro

The maxi

At first glance you might dismiss the mighty maxi – dress or skirt – as a way to stay cool but they really do work in designs that allow the breeze to flow. Knot up the hem if you feel it’s too long for you. Dress them up for an evening out by adding a bit of bling but ditch the heels and walk out in comfort in flats. Strappy sleeves just need a little confidence and either a strapless bra or bra in the same colour as the sleeve.

@the_stylish_teacher

@the_stylish_teacher

@styleandshenanigans

@styleandshenanigans

Skirts

The skirt really did make a comeback last summer. Some might say it never went away. If you can do it, embrace the full, high-waisted midi skirt. In my head I can but my hips and short waist very vocally say no. A straight “to the knee” (or shorter) or slightly a-lined works so much better for my shape. Whatever your skirt shape, it’s worth playing with different styles to find your signature skirt. While the dress is queen of the wardrobe, the skirt is very much a princess in waiting.

@trysomecolour

@trysomecolour

@retiring_not_shy | @queenofthrift

@retiring_not_shy | @queenofthrift

Shorts

So many are scared of the short but I tell you, I cannot get through a summer without them. They are the yin to my dressy yang. They take me from the cricket sidelines right through to a meeting or dinner out (with the addition of a heel or wedge). This post may help you find your perfect pair. It really is worth the effort to widen your wardrobe options.

@robynamummyandminx

@robynamummyandminx

@kirstenandco

@kirstenandco

@what_brooke_wore

@what_brooke_wore

Workwear

Finding a balance between looking professional and keeping your cool is the most tricky task of hot-weather dressing. This post has some pointers for you and these women below just nail it.

@sher_followyourbliss

@sher_followyourbliss

@flatbummum

@flatbummum

@ilovethatskirt

@ilovethatskirt

Off-the-shoulder – anything!

It seems this past summer I’m far from alone in my love for anything off the shoulder in the clothing department. You have embraced it for its summer vibe, despite having to pull on a strapless bra. This is a style that you’ll see moving on into autumn so don’t put away those shoulders just yet. The sleeves will just be longer. Perfect trans-seasonal compromise, I say.

@icadoo

@icadoo

@ninnys_style

@ninnys_style

@istyl

@istyl

And the 2016 February style challenge winner is …

Congrats @loveface_beauty … we love your dedication to keeping cool in summer … by heading all the way to Tahiti. Please email [email protected] so we can organise your Birdsnest gift card prize.

@loveface_beauty

 

Share your outfit to WIN

Every month in 2016 I’m giving away a $100 gift card to help freshen up your wardrobe.

This month you could win a $100 gift card from Bohemian Traders.

Each month, I’ll propose a different wardrobe theme for you to consider incorporating into your #everydaystyle outfit planning.

Each day that you incorporate that theme, simply upload your photo as you would normally, using the #everydaystyle hashtag. To be in the running for the prize, you just need to add the specific hashtag for each month’s theme. You can enter as many times as you like.

This month’s theme is: how to add elements of autumn to your wardrobe when it’s still warm outside (this post might help with ideas). Think the addition of a new-season trend via colour, texture and style in one part of your outfit or accessories. At this time of year, it’s super tricky to do an autumn look head to toe.

This month’s hashtag is: #SYAW16

Your outfit photo could be featured here on the blog with a link back to your Instagram page. Entries close March 30, 2016.

Autumnal style challenge | March 2016 | #everydaystyle #SYAW16

#everydaystyle email list

If you’re reading this and you join in with the #everydaystyle hashtag on Instagram, then I’d love you to please sign up to this email list. I’m so grateful for your participation in this community which I started just over two years ago, that I’d love to be able to share exclusive events, prizes and offers with you. I promise you won’t be spammed. You’ll only receive information for the #everydaystyle community. For possible event invites, it’s also important that you indicate your nearest capital city.

Comments 32

  5. I feel blog famous! Thanks for including me Nikki. I love being part of the #everydaystyle community. Ali x

    Reply

  6. Awwwww thanks for featuring me…I’m so chuffed! Lots of beautiful summer inspiration & look at @lovefacebeauty! Who would guess she had twins?! Just stunning!

    Reply

  8. What a great wrap-up! Congrats to Kate. Thanks for including my pic! From just two days ago – just sneaked in! Love how you’ve grouped them.

    Reply

  10. We’ve had such a beautiful, mild Summer but a late burst of heat now it’s Autumn, so good to see some more inspo here. Thanks for including me in this stylish line up too! x

    Reply

  13. I love that not everyone on the #everydaystyle feed is a blogger Lisa … we get to see a diverse range of women with so much inspiration for all. I’m looking forward to some cooler nights too Lisa … in the meantime, I’ll try and bring in autumn elements to my summer wardrobe!

    Reply

  17. thankyou for inspiring us nikki!
    everyone is looking great! … it’s warm here today!
    have a happy day! … love m:)X

    Reply

  18. So many great outfits, looking lovely ladies. I bought the dress Maudie is wearing (She looks beautiful) and I love it. Didn’t think I would be game to wear off the shoulder after already being a fan in the 70s but have had some lovely compliments 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.