“When you start recognizing that you’re having fun, life can be delightful.“
— Jane Birkin
SHOP THE LOOK:
Skirt – Topshop (similar) || Blouse – H&M || Booties – Aquazzura (obsessed) || Bag – Chloé Mini ‘Drew’ (budget options: 1 / 2) || Necklace – Chan Luu || Bracelet – Inherited from my Great-Grandnana || Ring – Tiffany & Co. || Sunglasses – Forever 21
Photos courtesy of fellow blogger Heidi
For the past week I’ve been in central Florida visiting with my grandmother and helping her out with projects around the house and making her BIG batches of her favorite shortbread cookies.
Most of my life I’ve spent at least a few weeks in Florida every summer and if there’s one thing you learn quickly in a climate like this, it’s how to outsmart the oppressive humidity that follows you everywhere. The kind of humidity that leaves a patio drenched in condensation, even in the early hours of the morning. The kind of humidity that wrings out your energy like a cruel sponge.
But even before I left Chicago, the humidity at home had been almost ridiculous in itself and it got me to thinking — what do you do when you want to look chic in weather like this?? Being raised by a native Floridian and growing up in Chicago, I’ve certainly known my fair share of humidity horrors. So today I’m sharing a few of my best tips for feeling chic when the humidity rises to oppressive levels!
How to Feel Chic in High Humidity
1. Wear the lightest, most natural fabrics you can find.
This one is obvious (and already a tip I’ve given for what to wear for a summer date) but it’s certainly the most valuable tip too. Wear loose, flowy clothing that allows for a breeze and that won’t feel confining in the heat, an especially welcome sensation when a sneaky breeze comes out of nowhere. And be sure to choose natural fabrics — synthetic ones won’t breath in the heat, making you sweat MORE than you would normally in the humidity. If you can, choose linens or cottons which will breath well and keep you feeling drier throughout the day.
2. Complete your outfit with a chic bag and well-ventilated shoes.
I’ve said it before and I’ll stand by it forever — invest in good bags, shoes, and coats above all other things. One luxurious bag (or even an autographed pair of paper-thin suede booties) can be the chicest distraction from you frizzing hair and, ahem, sweat stains. Because let’s face it, when it comes to high humidity, the best thing you can do for yourself mentally AND physically is just to distract from it as much as you possibly can.
3. Carry deodorant with you in your bag. Seriously.
Believe me, you’ll need it. And there’s nothing like the liberation one fresh swipe of deodorant can bring when you feel like all your body can do is sweat and sweat more. I like to carry around a natural one (like the one I shared last summer) if possible but I promise you any swipe of deodorant will make a WORLD of difference.
4. Don’t sweat it.
I remember several high school summers when we’d be visiting my family in central Florida and I would try, and try, and try to fight the oppressive humidity. The more you try to fight it, the more the humidity will defeat you. Embrace it and don’t sweat over the fact that your hair is frizzing and that you never really feel dry no matter what you wear or what you do. You’ll be a lot happier once you accept your destiny as opposed to running to the store like I did, buying every hair product I could think of in a vain attempt to tame the beast!
5. Always Carry Ice Water.
This tip I learned from my grandmother herself — always carry a thermos of ice water with you, no matter how short your journey. You’ll never see her without hers! Even a quick trip to the grocery store warrants one. There’s nothing like the salvation a cold drink of water can provide when the summer heat becomes so oppressive! And hydrating constantly works wonders on your skin too!
