Looking and Feeling Good in Texas Heat

By Celeste Parler
Web Content Contributor

Anyone that has stepped outside their home in the last couple of weeks can attest that Texas heat is officially here. And for those who have little to no experience with Texas summers, they are no joke. According to KXAN, the average temperature in Austin during July 2021 was 84.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which was actually considered cooler than normal. 

Rising temperatures are convenient for no one, including those of us looking to turn heads with the way we look. Sometimes it’s difficult to convert your personal style for every season while still feeling trendy. For the people who struggle to balance function with fashion, I have five tips everyone can follow to look and feel good even in Texas heat. 

Plan Ahead 

Everyone knows that Texas weather is unpredictable. That’s why it is crucial to plan ahead to make sure you are prepared for anything. What I do every day is check my weather app for three things: high and low temperatures, chances of rain and wind speeds. Knowing the weather ahead of time makes planning outfits much simpler. If I know it will be too windy, I’ll avoid flowing skirts and tie my hair out of my face. Planning will prevent overheating on days that start cool and peak in the 90s. 

Stay Protected

Possibly the most important way to look and feel good this summer is to protect yourself from the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays. Soaking up the sun has substantial health benefits and acts as the best source of vitamin D.  But as we know, too much sun can lead to a painful sunburn.  To prevent sun damage, apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside including on your face. And throw on a pair of retro sunglasses with 100% or 400nm UV protection. 

Skip Thick Layers

Layering is a crucial skill for developing a personal style. The key to layering is pairing the right tops and outerwear to elevate an outfit and make it your own. Adding layers is necessary for winter and cool weather but can be difficult in warmer seasons. So is it possible to wear cute layers while still staying cool? Of course! Choose outer layers made from thin or sheer material that will allow your skin to breathe through. And if an overshirt or layer gets too hot, find a way to rework it into your outfit like tying it around your waist. 

Keep Your Hair Stylish

Don’t you hate when you style your hair to perfection and by the time you get to class it looks like a tangled-up mess? Long hair can also be inconvenient in the summertime when it begins to feel heavy and heat up the back of your neck. So how do you manage to tame your hair without sacrificing style? What I love to do is wrap my hair in a bandana or use clips to accessorize a hairstyle that’s out of my face. You can also use a claw hair clip for the perfect minimum effort look. 

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Whether you are out and about or just chilling by the river, it’s essential to have the right shoes for the occasion. Shoes are the prime accessory to bring together and upgrade a basic outfit. But from my experience, shoes also determine how comfortable I will be for the day. Even though sandals are not my preference, a casual sandal with a low heel is versatile enough to go from day to night. But for more active days or when I feel more laid-back, my go-to summer shoe is white Converse Chuck Taylor high-top sneakers. 

Featured Image by Celeste Parler