Summer Fashion Coolers

By: Sharon Mosley

If the summer heat wave makes you want to roll over in your bed every morning and wake up in October, \ you may need to swallow hard and take a chill pill. Or take a deep drink of one of these fashion coolers. Here are a few ways to beat the heat of summer in style:

Heads up! There’s nothing hotter than long hair dripping down the back of your sundress. Take a clue from the trendiest hair stylists and pull it back into a ponytail or a chignon at the nape of the neck. The trick is to add a volume building mousse before your hair is dry, according to the experts at John Frieda. Then spray with an all-day hold hairspray. And so what if it’s all a little messy with a few strands of hair sticking out here and there? The look of these “deconstructed” chignons are loose and easy, perfect for a hot summer’s day or night. Headscarves are another hot trend to keep tresses at bay in hot weather.

Ditch the black! When the temperature is soaring in the 90s, you don’t want to be wearing that all-time heat soaker-upper — black. You’ll bake … and ugh … even probably sweat a little. So instead, lighten up with one of fashion’s favorite color palettes this year … white. Whether it’s a white chiffon tunic top, a white cotton oxford shirt, breezy linen cropped pants or a sophisticated white sheath dress, this is the time to choose to let those rays bounce right off of you.

Get shortie! Just looking at those dark denim jeans in your closet during the hot summer months can give you a heatstroke. Instead, opt for a pair of printed denim shorts or Bermudas. Even cropped pants can be a lifesaver that won’t drag you down like those full-length boot cuts you wore last winter. Stick to lighter washes of denim. Now is the perfect time to try a pair of distressed jeans — slashed with instant built-in air-conditioning. Check out the selection of denim shorts at Old Navy.

Go for a tropical punch! Summer is the best time to play American tourist in Hawaii! For those of us who tend to steer clear of all those bold tropical prints during the rest of the year, why not give your warm weather wardrobe a vacation and ease into these breezy prints that are all the rage this year? Stepping out in a maxi dress blooming with huge hibiscus flowers will surely give your spirits a cool lift.

Free your soles! No feet encased in heavy sport sandals and socks! So unless you’re trekking through the Rockies, it’s better to give your feet some breathing room. There are plenty of stylish ways to step out this summer in our favorite flip-flops. Yes, I know they’re just one step above going barefoot. That’s the point, isn’t it? But if you’re tired of the same ol’ rubber thongs, then check out Tkees (tkees.com). These colorful thongs will give your feet real personality. Don’t skimp on the pedicures either … whether you do it yourself or visit a salon!

Slather it on! With summer heat comes itchy, dry summer skin. Try adding something new to your beauty routine … products that are soothing and refreshing. The Lulah collection is a great place to start. From the parent company Thymes, Lulah is an assortment of aromatic body washes, lotions, spray mists and hand creams in delicious scents, such as vanilla orchid, citron, peony, magnolia fig and ginger. Lavanila has bottled its vanilla scents into handy non-spillable roller-ball bottles, and L’Occitane has refreshing packages of totable towelettes — great for tucking into your beach bag.

Ban the bling! Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum during hot, sticky weather. A hat is a must-have for sun protection, but leave the big baubles at home. Fall is right around the corner!

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