Communication major junior Kelly Palladino is studying abroad for the fall semester in Groningen. Her outfit is a good example of what someone could wear to look trendy while staying cool (courtesy of Kelly Palladino).
Let’s face it, it’s not easy getting back into the rhythm of classes after a long summer break. It doesn’t help being in a classroom when all you can think about is the temperature of the room.
Not only is it important to stay hydrated and healthy during the heat, but you may be concerned about how to look cool—and stay cool—in this hot spell.
Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to do with your hair when the heat makes it frizz, but keeping your hair up in a ponytail or braid can help. You may want to accessorize with a headband or a scrunchie to add an extra touch to your outfit.
There are also ways to embrace fashion trends and protect your eyes at the same time by adding some sunglasses. Several sunglasses like the octagon Ray-Bans and the slim cat-eye sunglasses are currently trending.
As for your outfit, wearing light colors like pastels, creams and whites can work well in the hot weather because they repel heat instead of absorbing it. Cotton, linen and other natural fibers are also good options. Linen pants are comfortable and fashionable, as are linen paper bag shorts. These materials allow air to flow, functioning like a built-in ventilation system for your body.
You may also want to stick with structured fabrics. Flimsy fabrics will stick to your body during this heat. Wearing T-shirt dresses, shorts, or skirts could also be a useful tactic to keep it loose.
Tube tops are also back and are a basic essential in every wardrobe. Forever 21 has hundreds of different styles of tube tops ranging from plain cotton to lettuce-edge tops, or tube tops with buttons down the front.
If you insist on wearing jeans, swap those sticky skinny jeans for a pair of boyfriend or wide leg jeans. If you are bored with plain denim, embroidered jeans are in style and they can spice up any outfit.
You may also want to liven up your outfit with platform shoes—anything from platform sandals or platform sneakers. If you like to be comfortable, adding flip flops or Birkenstock’s will make your outfit both cute and casual.
It’s not always easy looking cool and staying cool—especially after walking up cardiac hill to class—but these tips will help you look and feel good.