Heat Wave

Summer has definitely arrived here in San Antonio and has brought temperatures that are already reaching the mid-90’s. The number one question from now until at least mid-October will be how to dress to beat the heat. Sloppy is never an option for me, so I thought I would share with you my favorite ways to look cute while staying cool.


First off, let’s talk fabric. In my opinion, cotton clothing is the way to go. Seersucker is definitely one of the best hot weather options, and it’s a great preppy look for women and men. According to my husband, this is definitely the coolest fabric choice for a man, and it comes in pants, shorts, shirts, suits – you name it.

Vineyard Vines Men's Seersucker Club Shorts














As far as style options for women, easy fitting skirts and dresses are a must. (They are so much cooler than short shorts that bunch up between your legs when you sit, and they look nicer, too.)

I personally love the shirtdress look and am considering ordering one of the adorable Eliot shirtdresses from Lilly Pulitzer. (Fit tip: Although I haven’t personally tried one yet, I’ve heard that the Eliot shirtdresses are cut generously in the waist and hips. However, ladies who are large-busted are still advised to order their normal size. If you own one of these adorable dresses, feel free to chime in and tell us what you think of the fit.)

Lilly Pulitzer Eliot Shirtdress in Aquamarine Fresh Catch Toile










I also recently acquired a Shopper Skirt from Lilly’s 2006 Spring Line because a friend told me they were extremely lightweight and cool. She was right on target and it looks adorable with tank tops for day to day wear. I love it so much I am going to hunt for this style in some more prints. (If you need tips on where to find Lilly Pulitzer items from previous seasons, leave me a comment and I will be happy to address that in another post.)

One of the things I love about Lilly’s cotton dresses and skirts (aside from the adorable prints, of course) is that they are machine washable, which is key when you have small children or when you are wearing them daily in a hot (read: sweat-inducing) environment like San Antonio.

And of course, no summer look would be complete without a pair of cute sandals. Lilly Pulitzer Mckims are always a lovely choice, as are the ubiquitous Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals which are available in an endless array of color combinations.

What are your favorite tips for dressing to beat the heat?