What to Wear When It’s Just Too Hot

If you’re like me, you might consider summer the most difficult season to dress for. While in my head, I romanticize the season—innocently believing that I don’t need hot weather outfits and will be one of those women wearing jeans and sweaters through August like it’s no big deal—the truth is, I spend half of the summer sweating profusely and the other half strategizing how to avoid sweating profusely. The latter has historically proved itself to be an exercise in futility.

Choosing an outfit when the heat index is skyrocketing is difficult. Throw in all the considerations that come with motherhood, and the task only multiplies in complications. I want to stay cool, but I also have to consider how many times that day my 1 and 3-year-old are going to have me squatting down (“Mommy, look at this!”), bending over, running, climbing, and everything in between. Let’s just say that, most days, mini dresses (without shorts under) no longer feel like an option. 

Beyond activity level, additional outfitting considerations include snack and drink storage, sun coverage, and—somewhere in the hectic mix—the desire to look cute and put-together. I’m practically sweating just thinking about it. 

So, what does a mom wear then when it’s too damn hot outside? Several sweltering summers into this whole motherhood gig, and I’m proud to report I’m starting to figure it out. With a number of solid outfit formulas in mind, I’m even looking forward to dressing for some hot and humid days this summer. And, as a sworn New York pumpkin-spice girly, that’s truly saying a lot. 

Here are eight tried-and-true hot weather outfits to reach for when it’s too scorching to function, plus more of our favorite warm weather fashion picks. 

Hot Weather Outfits to Wear This Summer

Airy Midi Dress + Strappy Sandals

If the need to look put-together presents itself on a hot day, reach for a midi or maxi dress without a second thought. A lightweight, breezy dress in sun-deflecting white or cream is an especially comfortable option when the sun is at its peak. Empire cuts with some give in the midsection provide extra breathability and—bonus—are a nice closet add for those who are pregnant or postpartum. Trending shell accessories add pizzazz and seasonality.

Shop this look:

1. midi dress | plus-size dress
2. shell necklace
3. strappy sandals
4. crochet bag

Tennis Skort + Elevated Tee + Sneakers

Last year, I discovered tennis skorts as the ultimate mom fashion piece, and frankly, the world will never look the same again. Tennis skorts leave nothing to be desired—they’re feminine, sporty, breezy, and practical. I love pairing mine with an elevated tee and tote bag for a look that’s put together while remaining practical for active let’s-get-out-of-the-house days with the kids. Sneakers are an obvious choice for rounding out this outfit combo and pair well with days at the playground, park, or zoo.  

Shop this look:

1. tennis skort
2. elevated tee
3. sneakers
4. large tote
5. sunglasses

Linen Set + Straw Hat + Flip-Flops

Linen is associated with summer for a reason: The fabric holds up astoundingly well in hot weather, keeping you as cool as humanly possible. A coordinating set is always a chic option and shorts especially are well-suited for active days with kids—whether it be a lineup of sporting events, a backyard barbecue, or a day at the lake. A straw hat and bag fall in line with the mom-favorite coastal grandma aesthetic.

Shop this look:

1. linen shorts
2. linen top
3. knotted rope tote
4. straw hat
5. flip-flops

Pull-On Shorts + Graphic Tee + Straw Sandals 

Gingham is having a moment this summer but will truly never go out of style when it comes to warm-weather fashion. Soft, pull-on shorts are a comfortable choice for all motherhood stages (I see you, first-trimester moms) and go well with the graphic tees many of us have lining our dresser drawers. Add some comfortable sweaty-feet-proof slide sandals and sunglasses to pull the look together. Picnic in the park optional.

Shop this look:

1. gingham shorts | similar shorts
2. graphic tee
3. sunglasses
4. straw sandals
5. crochet tote

Linen Pants + Sleeveless Blouse

If you’re someone who just can’t get behind shorts, linen pants are the most practical full-coverage option for warm weather. Pair with a sleeveless top to balance out the skin coverage and visual effect and add accessories based on the dressing occasion. A sea-inspired gold bracelet and pearlescent clutch set the look up well for lunch with friends or a coastal dinner with the fam. 

Shop this look:

1. linen pants
2. sleeveless blouse
3. shell bracelet
4. slide sandals
5. sunglasses
6. clutch bag

Skort Dress + Sun Hat + Straw Flats

When the sun is shining and the humidity has the air feeling akin to a warm bath, I’m very much in the as-little-clothing-as-possible-please category of people. A whole 5 feet and 3 inches in stature, I’ve always been a fan of mini skirts and dresses but—with kids—find the short hemlines impractical. Skorts have become my solution. Those comprised of linen or a linen blend can keep you cool without sacrificing practicality.

Shop this look:

1. skort dress
2. straw flats
3. sun hat | budget-friendly sun hat
4. clutch

Swimsuit + Gauze Shorts + Sandals

There’s no better place to spend a hot summer day than at the pool or beach, and there’s no better water-day apparel than a favorite swimsuit. If you’re like me and see the need for a cover-up but often find yourself perspiring in them, opt for a lightweight pair of gauzy shorts. An oversized, cute-but-functional beach bag serves as the perfect agent for transporting the approximate 1,045 things you and the family will need for a day by the water—from goldfish crackers to your latest beach read. 

Shop this look:

1. one-piece swimsuit
2. gauze shorts
3. beach bag
4. sandals

Midi Skirt + Knit Tank

If you’re headed into the office on a particularly hot day, you’ll likely find yourself faced with the challenge of equipping yourself for both the sweltering outdoor heat as well as the arctic tundra created by your employer’s AC unit. A midi skirt provides coverage (i.e., protection) from the office chill while remaining breezy should you choose to run out for coffee or lunch. Pair the skirt with a heat-fighting sleeveless blouse—just be sure to also throw a cardigan into your bag before heading out on your morning commute.

Shop this look:

1. midi skirt
2. knit tank
3. tote
4. sandals
5. teardrop earrings

Shop More Hot Weather Clothing & Accessories

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Bottoms

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