What to wear in 100 degree weather when you still want to look chic

For those who can’t be bothered to think in this heat.

The Gist

• When the temperatures start to rise, it’s time to get strategic with your summer dressing.
• The fashion set is gravitating towards lightweight fabrics, shorter hemlines, and flowy ensembles this season.
• An InStyle editor rounds up 12 things to wear in 100-degree heat, so you don’t have to sacrifice your style.

If you’re a panicked fashionista every time the temperature creeps into the triple digits, welcome. Summer is officially here, my Shark Chill Pill is working overtime, my calendar is overflowing, and the forecast seems determined to stay somewhere around 100 degrees. Getting dressed is no longer just about what looks good—it’s about what won’t leave you melting by the time you reach the subway, dinner reservation, or wedding ceremony. Yes, this season’s trends are playful and whimsical, but when the heat index is working against you, a little strategy goes a long way. Whenever I’m at a loss, I look to the street style set—from Paris to New York—for inspiration on how to stay impossibly chic without breaking a sweat.

Despite what the temperature might suggest, life doesn’t stop for a heat wave (there are still soirées to attend and office days to power through!). The formula is surprisingly simple: breathable fabrics like linen and silk, shorter hemlines where they make sense, and sensible footwear that won’t have you regretting your outfit choice halfway through the day. And if you look good, you feel good. We got you from head-to-toe—no more bad attitudes from the heat!

Ahead, discover the 13 stylish pieces fashion girls are wearing when the heat feels downright unbeatable.

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Linen Everything

To not feel overheated before you even arrive to the function, opt for anything linen. It’s one of the most breathable fabrics you can wear, making it less of a suggestion and more of a dress code! This guest channels major Euro-Summer energy with a linen blouse, relaxed pants, and a coordinating headscarf.

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Scarf Styling

Scarf styling dominated the spring runways—from Hermès and Loewe—and it’s easily one of the hardest-working accessories in your wardrobe. Wear it as a top like this guest, tie it around your head on second-day hair, or knot it at your waist to breathe new life into a simple outfit. No matter how you style it, its lightweight, silky fabric will never weigh you down.

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Babydoll Dresses

Olivia Rodrigo has single-handedly brought back babydoll dresses into the spotlight, and I’m not mad about it. Dare I call it a cool-girl alternative to traditional summer dresses? It especially pairs well with tall boots, ballet flats, or sandals—all options that will balance out the volume but still keep you cool.

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Maxi Skirts

You probably saw this one coming, but maxi skirts are staying in heavy rotation all summer long. Whether you’re headed to the farmer’s market or meeting friends for lunch, the flowy silhouette brings an effortless sense of femininity to just about any scenario. Here, this guest pairs a crisp white maxi with a striped tank, white kitten heels, and a brown woven bag.

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Micro Shorts

The higher the temps, the shorter the hemlines! Hot shorts may be the It-girl staple for a night out, but they’re just as practical during a heat wave. This guest goes the naked-dressing route with trendy micro shorts, a lacy bra, and a sheer button-down layered on top for just the right amount of coverage. Strappy sandals complete the look without adding any unnecessary bulk.

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Breathable Footwear

Whether you’re loyal to mesh flats, jelly shoes, or flip-flops, a sensible shoe will take you far when temperatures soar. Depending on your plans, opt for breathable styles—even if that means showing a little toe. Here, this guest grounds an otherwise understated, heat-ready look with a pair of cherry-red jelly flats that double as the perfect pop of color.

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Capris

Seen on the likes of Hailey Bieber to Gwyneth Paltrow, capris have officially earned fashion’s stamp of approval. The once-polarizing Y2K staple has now made a bigger comeback than ever—and this time, they’re surprisingly versatile. Pair them with everything from a simple tank to a sporty jersey, or take a cue from this guest, who leans into a playful mood with a matching polka-dot set and flip-flops.

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Swimwear

If you’re lucky enough to be coastal, a chic swimsuit is a no-brainer. But even if your plans don’t involve the Riviera, don’t count swimwear out. Fashion people have long embraced one-pieces and bikini tops as tops in their own right, pairing them with everything from maxi skirts to cargo pants. As an added bonus, the quick-drying, water-friendly fabric makes it a surprisingly practical choice for those sweltering days when breaking a sweat feels inevitable.

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Tube Tops

A tube top is a nonnegotiable in my summer uniform. Once you find a reliable one that stands the test of time, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Best of all? No straps means no awkward tan lines—just endless styling possibilities with everything from linen trousers to maxi skirts.

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Lace-Trim Shorts

I’ve said it before: lace-trim is the most romantic trend of the summer. Not only does it add a little oomph to an otherwise simple outfit, but they usually come in silky, breathable fabrics. Plus, they’re Hailey Bieber and Emma Roberts-approved.

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Gym Shorts

Fashion people have officially taken gym shorts beyond the workout, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Thanks to their built-in sweat-wicking fabrics and easy, relaxed silhouette, they’re practically made for steamy summer days. Pair them with a casual tank, button-down, or a dressier top for a look that’s equal parts sporty and chic.

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Bra Tops

When the forecast is hovering in the triple digits, consider this your permission to slip to show a little midriff. Bra (or ultra-cropped) tops strike the perfect balance between polished and barely-there, pairing just as effortlessly with longline shorts as they do with a breezy maxi skirt. It’s all about proportions and balance.

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Sports Jerseys

It’s officially a sports-girl summer, so naturally jerseys have earned a spot in the outfit rotation. If athletes can wear them while breaking a sweat, you can certainly wear one through a heat wave. The trick is in the styling: pair yours with a preppy mini skirt, a designer bag, or frilly socks to give the sporty staple a decidedly fashion-forward finish.

Read the original article on InStyle