Fashion tips for hot weather

IT’S the first Sunday of December, and in spite of intermittent rainfall, it doesn’t seem like the heat will take a hike anytime soon. If anything, the heat seems to be getting worse. Makeover shares a few tips for fashionably combating this scorching climate.

Go loose

This weather is the wrong time to go for clingy fabrics such as bandage dresses and tight-fitting bodycon, especially if you’ll be stuck in such outfits for long hours. If you have to wear a suit, go for chiffon or silk blouses instead of tight tank tops. And when you can, discard the jacket or blazer. Maxi dresses, shorts, loose jumpsuits are also in vogue this season.

Colour yourself light

For this hot season, evade dark colours as much as possible. Dark colours absorb light and would, instead, make you sweat the more. This is another advantage of the hot weather: you have the opportunity to experiment with as many light colours as possible. If you must go dark, restrict those options to skirts or jeans trousers.

Leave the padded bras for now

It is not unusual for a bra to feel very discomforting and this is twice the situation when the bra is padded. Instead, go for unlined bras. They will not only give you a sexy feel, you will also avoid unnecessary sweating in your chest area.

Shower with hot/warm water

Contrary to popular opinion that cold showers give ultimate relief from heat. According to health studies, hot/warm showers provide the better alternative for battling heat. Cold showers will only give brief reprieve from the hot weather and your body will naturally react by heating up within minutes. Hot/warm showers give the body temperature balance and in fact, lower it.

Let your feet breathe

Fortunately, for many women, fashion has provided so many options in terms of shoes. Instead of fully covered shoes, go for open-toe alternatives or sandaled wedges. Also acquire as many flat sandals as possible.

Give metal accessories a rest

As beautiful as those metal accessories may seem on clothes, they add unnecessary weight to the clothes and will prevent cool breeze from soothing your skin. As such, go for light-weight accessories this season.

Reduce your carry load

There are many ways women burden themselves with unnecessary weight, especially when it comes to bags. Now would be the time to dust off your mini tote bags, even for work. Unless you have a car you can dump the extra load in, try to avoid carrying back packs, luggage bags and large tote bags for long hours.

Choose the right hairstyle

For the hot weather, it is absolutely important that you are as comfortable as possible. Styles you can work with include braids (they are easy to style and can be manipulated to fit above the neck, when styled as an updo); long weaves (Ghana weaving, especially if it’s done in long, few cornrows); wigs (you have the pleasure of taking off when you’re in the comfort of your privacy). Now would also be a wonderful time to go natural. With natural hair, your hair gets enough moisture and you have the option of working with as many natural ingredients as possible. And if you dare, go for the big chop. More women are doing it anyway.

Go ‘everywhere’ with your must-haves

Now would be a good time to invest in hats, caps, scarves and sun shades. If the environment permits it, use the ones you can to prevent the heat from affecting your skin and eyes adversely. Hats and caps, of various shapes and sizes, are in vogue anyway. Scarves are also the viable option for styling the hair and will help the keep the hair away from your skin. And remember, always invest in quality.