11 Chic Pieces That Are Single-Handedly Helping Us Survive The Heat
by The Candidly Team
Few things feel more fruitless than getting dressed in the bleary heat of summer.
In fact, unless you’re within 12-feet of a body of water where one lazily fabulous cover-up will suffice, dressing both comfortable AND chic can feel pretty much impossible.
Which is why we like to build a little warm-weather survival kit each year - a small list of pieces that save the day on the hottest of days.
Each of these things completely conceals the energy-zapped slobs we are. They’re wildly easy to style. They don’t make us do a deodorant check 27 times a day. We can wear most of them to work, and at the same time, zip them into a bag and be packed for a mid-August getaway.
Ready to see what all this fuss is about? Off we go.
1. The Lazy Dress That's A Complete Look All By Itself
Johnny Was Domingo Dolman Dress
Nothing brings us the same level of joy as a spacious dress that’s so pretty by itself we can just slide on some elegant sandals and call it a day. This dress got so many compliments the first day one of us wore it out, we hardly had time to appreciate that it felt like we’d just thrown on our airiest sleep shirt and strolled out the door.
Price: $295
2. The Most Flattering Everyday Summer Pants
Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve
We got excited when the most flattering ankle pants we’d ever owned came out in lightweight linen. And believe me, they did not disappoint. These pants fit beautifully on curves and come in way too many colors we lust after. But be warned, if you try them on, they will become your summer uniform.
Price: $120
3. The Cotton Tee That Makes You Feel Like A French Lady
J. Crew Factory Striped Girlfriend Crewneck Tee
We’re all about a breezy tee that fits to perfection come June. But add a stripe, and suddenly that tee gets elevated to Parisian levels of sophistication. It’s the laziest tool in our style toolkit. But possibly our favorite.
Price: $19.50
4. The Chic, Nothing-like Shoes That Have Replaced Our Flip Flops
We have nothing against flip flops. We personally turn to them all the time, because we’re lazy and hot and want to feel like we’re barefoot. But flip flops can kind of downgrade our cutest outfits. And this shoe from Ancient Greek Sandals is just as minimalist but a thousand times more comfortable and chic. They make everything we wear look more luxurious (and fine we’ll say it, more expensive) even our favorite $40 dress below.
Price: $205
5. The Little Black Jersey Dress
Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Mini Dress
It’s very hard to convey the buttery, breathable softness in words. But at least you can see how flattering it is. Oh, and it has pockets!
Price: $40
6. The Light Midi Skirt We Own In 3 Colors
We actually wrote a whole article about this skirt when we first discovered it, because it’s one of those staple pieces you try on and immediately want to own in black, white, and one wildcard color that always seems to get you. It’s light and floaty, and the elastic waist makes it deeply comfortable. We reach for it pretty much every warm day it isn’t in the laundry basket.
Free People runs big though, so size down.
Price: $60
7. The Flattering Tank That Doesn't Show Your Bra Straps
Tanks sound easy, but the difference between a good one and a bad one is vast. This one frames us so well (on account of that divine scoop neck), and the straps cover our bra straps so no adjusting is ever needed. It’s also not too long, which we very much appreciate, because long tanks have a way of bunching and looking bad on our lower bellies. Here’s a photo of one of us wearing it untucked, so you can see where it hits.
Price: $39
8. The Dress We're Wearing To Every Event
Anthropologie The Soleil Slim Strapless Ruched Dress
The thing you need to know about this dress right off the bat is the material is magic. Stretchy, smoothing, bump-melting M-A-G-I-C. You feel held in but not constricted, and the ruching makes it way less intimidating to wear something fitted. It comes in other colors, but the floral print is perfect for spring/ summer weddings and events.
Price: $170
9. The Only Swimsuit We Feel The Need To Discuss
There’s so much stereotypical bs focusing on how we look in a swimsuit that we forget to think about how we FEEL in one. We want suits that don’t feel like we’re in diapers but also don’t ride up so high we’re embarrassed to be seen by our in-laws. Suits that complement our curves and are also chic. Why not? When we discovered Andie Swim, we wrote tributes to their Amalfi suit (see HERE and HERE). The fit is incredible. There’s a long torso version. And the cherry on top is that we’ve never looked better in a swimsuit.
Price: $112
10. The Jean Shorts That Will End Your Hunt For Excellent Jean Shorts
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Short in Dewberry Wash
Not too long. Not too short. Just that classic shape that makes your butt look its best. Plus, they feel amazing on your hips, waist, legs, all of it. Madewell has mastered denim shorts, my friends. Spread the word.
Price: $78
11. The Scrunchies That Make It Look Like You "Did Something" With Your Hair
Frasier Sterling West Coast Hair Scarf Scrunchies, Set of 2
The hair is staying up, guys. Might as well look cute doing it.
Price: $28
BONUS: The Breathable Bra That's Changed Our Literal Lives
Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette
We know this one is more pragmatic than high fashion, but nothing is as torturous as suffering sweaty, suffocating underwire and thick material in the summer. And nothing on this list helps us survive the heat better than this bra. It feels like nothing but keeps you hoisted. It’s called bliss, and the name could not be more appropriate.
Price: $45
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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