I think it is safe to say summer is here, with daytime temperatures hitting above 40 degrees and soaring by the minute, we need to prepare ourselves for the scorching months ahead. Although I have lived in the Middle East for more than 20 years, it still catches me off guard and I am never fully or rather, properly prepared for it - in my mind anyway. I vouched that this year I will be fully ready and I am excited to share my top 3 recommendations with you to hopefully get you summer ready and making the most of the longer days, shorter nights, 90%+ humidity and what feels like the sun is literally spitting fire flames every single time we leave the comfort of a blasting AC! When your sunglasses steam up and your eyeballs start to burn, you know it is time to take action...
Being summer ready doesn't mean an entire wardrobe over haul, with only a few key pieces you can expertly navigate your summer style without spending a fortune. I always like to add a few trend pieces each season - no more than 3 - that will expertly see me through the hot months in style. I refer to them as toppers. Below, I share my top 3 toppers I am adding to my closet for summer. These items do not have to cost a lot of money, however I do buy the best quality I can afford.
Every summer has a story...
Sunglasses
I love wearing a white pair of sunglasses in summer - it is fresh and light and a nice alternative to black or tortoiseshell. However, do consider the shape of the sunglasses - I always lean toward classic shapes, like cat-eye, round or square with minimal embellishment or decoration. Because sunglasses are an accessory, consider them your statement piece and keep the rest of your look timeless. Do look for coloured tinted lenses like purple, pink, ombre or brown to make your sunglasses slightly more edgy and unique...
Sun hat
Wearing a sun hat to protect you from the harsh rays and the heat from the sun is utterly important. When looking for the perfect sun hat, consider a wide brim to protect your face, décolletage and shoulders. Choose a hat made from breathable fabrics and material that also block harmful UV rays. Sun hats come in many different styles and colours and it is important to choose a hat that not only suits your style and personality, but also consider the activities you will be doing whilst wearing your sun hat plus comfort is key. My favourite styles are a fedora, a sun visor and a wide brim hat with structure...
"A soul full of sunshine..."
Linen clothing
For me personally, as soon as the weather heats up, I like to wear cooler, breathable fabrics like linen. Knowing that linen creases tremendously, it can be very frustrating for some, but I encourage you to embrace the wrinkles and let it become part of your outfit charm. I like to stick to neutral colours like white, cream, black or navy blue and love a linen tee (H&M do great ones) and linen shorts or pants with a simple cotton tank top. My top tip when shopping for linen items, is to remember that they can loose their shape and do sometimes stretch out when worn throughout the day, so always go for your correct size and ensure a perfect fit. Avoid anything oversized as it will only lead to frustration when the items becomes too big a few hours later...
Easy beauty tips to stay cool all summer long
Below is a short summary of my favourite beauty and make up tips for staying cool all summer as I do not like to use too many products during the hot months. The thought of products and makeup melting off my face is not a good look and with a few regular beauty appointments, I will definitely be loving summer this year!
Have a look at all the other articles I've written to seamlessly see you through the hot months in style under the Style CONVERSATIONS tab on the home page...
Written by Antoinette Chorlton 01/06/2023