By the time August rolls around, many of us are growing weary of trying to stay cool while looking good as we endure Oklahoma’s scorching heat, wind and humidity.
Perhaps the best strategy for weathering another hot month is to embrace a more natural, simple and easy-living approach to dressing. Prioritizing ease and comfort doesn’t translate to sloppy, uncaring or boring. It’s more about doing away with some of the excess, at least for now.
Peel away the layers. Reach for light colors and lightweight fabrics, on repeat. Rethink hair and makeup. Opt for thin hoops or weightless studs instead of big, heavy earlobe-pulling earrings. Enjoy an understated chain and leave the layers of necklaces and stacks of bracelets in the jewelry box.
Just as less jewelry offers a cooler look and feel, so does a dress that’s loose and flowy. Slip one on and go; it’s easy effort for a pulled-together look. Consider interesting prints, eyelets, lace and gingham in shift and relaxed styles. A T-shirt dress is another good choice, but stay away from thin, flimsy fabric that can cling. Many women agree that a dress is cooler than shorts or crop jeans. Anything tight or form-fitting seems to have little appeal this time of year.
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Not all fabrics or colors make it fun to be outside in August, even if it’s just to walk from the parking lot to a favorite store or into the office. Cotton and linen are breathable fabrics, making them hot weather favorites, and light colors reflect sunlight while dark colors absorb it. Anyone want to wear head-to-toe black right now?
This is also a good time of year to reconsider hair products and hairstyles. Gobs of gel or mousse can make hair heavy and require more time to style. And if you sweat it out every morning straightening curly or wavy hair or blow-drying long locks for a sleek look, go natural a couple of times a week – or more. Your hair will thank you.
Finally, swap full-coverage foundation for tinted moisturizer. Dust bronzer on cheekbones, forehead, chin and nose for a sun-kissed look … that has nothing to do with the actual sun, thanks to daily use of sunscreen. Then forgo liner and heavy matte lipstick and choose tinted lip balm or a subtle lip stain.
Hopefully, these suggestions will make it easier to survive and enjoy the remaining sultry days of summer. Maybe it’ll even feel good to be free of some of the excess and embrace a more natural, uncomplicated fashion and beauty routine.
Photography and art direction: Shevaun Williams
Model: Addison Howell, The Tabb Agency
Wardrobe and stylist: Elizabeth Wheat
Hair and makeup: Suzi Thompson
Special thanks to The Greenhouse in Norman
Betsy King Shoes, 3001 Paseo, OKC, betsykingshoes.com
Cayman’s, 2001 W. Main, Norman, shop-caymans.com
Jack Loves Jill Vintage, etsy.com/shop/jacklovesjillvintage
Kokopelli, 12100 N. May, OKC, kokopelliokc.com
Tener’s Western Outfitters, 4320 W. Reno, OKC, tenersboots.com