Dressing cool for the heat

As the mercury in the thermometer rises, our desire to put together outfits does the exact opposite. When clothes become too much of a hassle many of us opt to don a pair of gym shorts and a light t-shirt to take on casual summer days. But if you're feeling inspired to put together something a little more elaborate, whether it be for nights at the beach, backyard cookouts or just lounging around in the air conditioning, read on for some tips on how to look put-together while still fighting off the heat.

Accessories
In the winter, layering is the perfect way to add interesting elements to an outfit, but in the summer, when the last thing anyone wants to do is put another layer on, accessories are the way to go. Stock up on all sorts of different sunglasses; whether they be cat-eye, aviator, or oversized, they'll add interesting style to an outfit. In terms of jewelry, a necklace is casual and eye-catching. Try pairing a short one with a long one to add some extra flair. Another way to break up a plain summer outfit is with a bright, patterned belt.

Overalls
I'm not going to say that overalls are no longer for five-year-olds. They still are. But they've expanded considerably into the realm of runways and fashion magazines recently, and besides, we all have something to learn from pre-school style. As has been proven by little kids for years, overalls are the perfect summer uniform—easy, comfortable and now, suddenly, stylish. All sorts of shirts, from striped t-shirts to pressed button-downs, go well underneath them, which means they can be both dressed up and dressed down. The practicality of overalls in the summer extends all the way to the beach where you can pull a pair over a swimsuit and have an instant cover-up.

Vintage shirts
Hit the consignment shops, thrift stores and vintage racks this summer for some breezy summer shirts. There's always something interesting to be found, often with eye-catching print, an interesting collar or a retro cut. A loose tank top in chiffon would be perfect for the hot weather—sheer, light and pretty. The versatile short-sleeved button-downs with Peter Pan collars, which are copious at vintage shops, are both fashionable in the summer and perfect for layering under a sweater when the weather gets cooler. If the vintage summer shirt you find turns out to be one-of-a-kind, not only will you stay cool, you'll also look cool.

Dresses
Many find dresses to be the most comfortable thing to wear in the summer. In addition to being airy and easy to move in, they can always fool people into thinking that you put extra effort into an outfit. A few plain dresses will go with anything, or stand alone, if you don't feel like putting any more work into an ensemble. Plus, they won't take up as much room in a suitcase as tops and bottoms will. Short sundresses are always popular, but if you want to branch out this summer try an ankle-length dress with a pair of sandals. Throw one on and you immediately have a nice outfit.

Summertime can often be a challenge to dress for, but with the right mindset, and a few shopping trips, you can find a cool and comfortable style.