How to Stay Stylish When the City Is Sizzling

In the words of a Grammy award-winning lyricist from the early oughts, it’s getting hot in here. And by ‘here’, we mean New York City. These days, the concrete jungle has started to feel more like an actual jungle—increasingly damp and miserably hot. As we write, we’re finally exiting a particularly hazy heat.

And yet, going outside is inevitable—which can make getting dressed a heavy task, especially on in-office days. When summer is in full swing, you want to be comfortable, but not casual; relaxed, yet refined. This is all in addition to making sure you won’t roast like a rotisserie chicken in what you’re wearing. We’ve noticed the shift here in the Theory Brand Office; not just from the air quality outside, but the cranked-up AC inside. Corporate-approved style becomes very strategic this time of year. Plus, on those 90 to 100+ degree days, there are still special occasions to attend, dinners to enjoy, and long-awaited getaways to pack for.

Don’t lose your cool. We’re here to help.

BACK TO BASICS

The best place to start with summer styling is to keep it simple. Tanks and tees are your essentials. Know them, love them, hold them close. They are building blocks for an endless amount of scorching-weather looks. But don’t forget, functionality is everything. So when humidity is high, along with the demand to look put together, be a knit picker.

If summer fabrics had a reality show, linen would be the obvious star. It’s by far the coolest fabric for staving off the heat (literally—linen fibers transfer heat away from the body, making the garments cool to the touch). In knit form, there’s a more porous texture to give it that airy, lounge-like feeling when you’ve finally reached the vacation resort. Another example: fine, merino wool. Those fibers are basically built-in buffers against too-high temperatures. From your morning commute to EOD, air is circulating and your temperature is regulating.

POTENTIAL SUITORS

Please note: tailoring works in any season—you just have to be intentional. Opt for lightweight pieces that stay sharp without seceding to the cruel heat. Remember linen, our star of the show? If you’re going to wear head-to-toe suiting in the summer, this is the only option.

Or, throw your linen blazer over a sleek, minimal mini dress. That breathable layer keeps your shoulders shielded from the sun outside and protected from the AC inside.

SOMETHING SILK (OR SATIN)

Alexa, play “Smooth Operator” by Sade. Social functions in torrid temperatures are the perfect excuse to channel this vibe. Whether it’s a soirée in the Hamptons or date night downtown, there are always easy (and still very chic) ways to dress up.

A slip dress speaks volumes without doing the most. This simple silhouette in light-as-air silk barely skims the skin without clinging. Moisture tends to wick away from this luxe material so it’s literally no sweat. Add a skinny belt, floppy hat, kitten-heel sandal, some colorful jewelry...that’s a look. Sleek, yet sensible in sweltering temperatures.

Satin, on the other hand, gives a glossier, almost slippery experience. It drapes and flows without unwanted friction. This technique of weaving gives the fabric a cool hand feel—think of grazing your hand across a marble countertop. Opt for this matching set, be free, and go with the flow.

WHITE HOT

Wearing all black is arguably part of every fashion girl’s repertoire (especially here in New York), but exceptions must be made for the greater good of staying cool. Inversely, the color white has been proven to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which prevents heat from permeating and trapping you in a wave of discomfort.

There’s something so fresh and so clean about head-to-toe whites: a button-up shirt with a maxi skirt. Cropped pants under a peplum vest. The color alone invites a balance of brightness and calmness that you’d otherwise find at a beach or fabulous resort.

Don’t let the weather convince you that beating the heat while looking stylish is impossible. Catch the breeze, play it cool, RSVP yes, and have your moment in the sun.