The heat has a way of making the most comfortable of outfits a living nightmare. (This is extraordinarily true for people who sweat as much as I do.) Thankfully, the coveted “summer sundress” has given us an outfit loophole—one piece of fabric that doubles as a complete (put-together) ensemble.
Finding the perfect summer dress, however, isn’t exactly the easiest task, especially if you’re unsure of where to look. So to help you feel cool, comfortable, and chic this summer, I’ve rounded up a few of my top picks.
Cool and comfortable in cotton.
Cotton was basically made for hot weather—like, peak-August-in-China-Town kind of weather. What’s better is that it’s breathable, lightweight, and affordable (plus, you can buy it just about anywhere).
A quick tip: If you’re wearing cotton while riding the subway (or you’re planning on spending time in any other super-hot space where you’ll most likely be sweating), opt for something darker—as lighter colors may stain.
Laidback in linen.
Linen, like cotton, is perfect for warmer weather because it’s lightweight and loosely-woven. While linen does absorb moisture, it dries quickly—it’s also a bit stiff so it won’t cling to on your mid-day coffee run. Sure, linen wrinkles, but it’s apart of the aesthetic.
Relaxed in rayon.
Rayon is a much cheaper alternative to silk and, like linen, it won’t stick to you. (That’s why it’s often used to make athletic clothing.) The only downfall? If it’s not washed properly, it will shrink. To avoid shrinkage, I’d recommend sending your rayon pieces to the dry cleaner.