After the debaucle of last weekend’s photo shoot in the sweltering heat, I am now really  on the hunt for some cooler summer options. I think because actual summer took so long to get here I kind of thought I could make it through July and August with what I already had, but…live and learn! 

So I’ve been on the online hunt for some hot-weather-friendly items and I’m primarily looking at loose-fitting, linen, cotton, rayon, Tencel (lyocel) and blended fabric clothing. A side note about rayon, I feel it’s underappreciated as a “cool” fabric as it is man-made. But sometimes man does something right! And while it is, indeed, “man made,” it is made from natural fibers and can be just as breathable and cool to wear as cotton or linen.

Also consider the weave of fabrics – while knitted fabrics are stretchy and comfortable they’re not not as breathable as a woven fabric that allows air to circulate easily, helping to keep you cool. Like when my father used to let us turn on the attic fan on the hottest days and there was a whoosh of air movement and relief.

So let the search begin!

Old Navy Crochet-Sleeve Shift Dress: This loose shift style dress is a linen, cotton, rayon blend so has the best of all keeping-cool worlds. Plus the open-weave crochet sleeves will allow extra air to get to your arms while still keeping them covered for the office, etc. It comes in black and this army green color, which I love for summer with some cognac slides and a straw bag. It comes in both plus and straight size.

Forever 21 Linen-Blend Maxi Dress: This rayon-linen blend sleeveless plus size dress is so easy to wear in the summer and can be worn loose or easily “structured up” with the self-tie. It comes in natural, soft rust (shown), olive and a vibrant mustard. It also comes in both plus and straight size. I would wear this with some wedge espadrilles for a Mediterranean vacation look!

 Caslon Multi Stripe Woven Maxi Dress: Summery striped rayon, cotton, linen bland maxi dress would be darling with a natural straw tote and little white sneakers! Also available in straight and petite sizes!

Vince Camuto Plus Sleeveless Linen Henley: This pale ice blue plus size linen top would be perfect for work or evenings out over white or black linen trousers.

B Collection by Bobeau Plus Size Fiona Woven Blouse Women’s Blouse: 100% rayon geometric print blouse. I’ve had this one in my Shopatgr for awhile, waiting for the price to come down. I’d love to wear this over khaki linen pants or some Tencel “jeans.”

H&M Linen-blend Shirt: comes in light blue and would work, buttoned up, as a top over pants or a skirt…or unbuttoned as a “jacket” over a dress or a tee when in air conditioning.

Vince Camuto Wide Leg Linen Pants: ahh. I feel cooler just looking at these! Pockets and elastic drawstring waist. I’d love either of the two blue tops above over these. They come in straight size as well.

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Ankle Pants: Elastic drawstring waist, pockets…blah blah blah THIS COLOR…LOVE. Why do the more expensive brands have The Best Colors??  Very similar style in straight size here

Organic Linen Ankle Pants,
                        Main,
                        color, Russet

Thanks for doing a little window (monitor??) shopping with me. I’ve got one of these items in my shopping cart already…hopefully I can swing another, too…It’s Hot Out There!!!

What do you like to wear on the hottest of hot days??

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