35 Very Stylish Substack Writers On What They Wear When It's Too Hot To Think
Cool outfits to sweat in.
I sent this writing prompt to my favourite Substack writers on the cusp of what felt like a global heatwave, so the answers given here are tried and tested, baby. My exact question was ‘It’s sticky, it’s humid, and you don’t want to wear clothes full stop (ha!) - so what are you *actually* wearing?’.
The practicalities forced on summer outfits mean they can feel quite limiting. The options are lacking. A dress? A pair of shorts or trousers and a top? A vest and a skirt? Your options are limited. But trust this very fashionable lot to have a whole wealth of ideas up their (short) sleeve(s).
Here are the overarching themes I spotted:
There’s a whole lot of us that profess to ‘not being dress lovers’, but we actually kind of love dresses for summer.
Is the Bermuda short trend being embraced because we all collectively despise sticky thighs on seats? Maybe!
Buckle up for a whole lot of black and white. As a sweaty gal, I can tell you that it’s the prevailing colour palette thanks to its ability to mask sweat patches. There is not an ounce of grey here, and we all know why.
When the outfit gets physically smaller, the emphasis on accessories grows, with jewellery being the most common category. WE LOVE BEADS!
WANT TO BE COOL? IT’S A TOP & SKIRT
Of the writers I asked, surprisingly, only two reported back with an outfit that featured a skirt. Of course, they were two of the most fashionable people I follow, never afraid of a splash of colour and breaking out of the mould, and both opted for longer options, which added extra points for real-world execution.
Lauren Sornberger from ‘On Second Thought…’ - “This is the top I reach for on the stickiest days. When wearing clothes feels like a last resort, it’s the next best thing. Paired with this flowy skirt from Toast, it’s an unexpected combination that somehow feels completely effortless. Hair slicked back and tied with a silk scarf, always. When humidity hits 100%, it’s the last thing I want to think about.”
Viv Chen from ‘The Molehill’ - “I love this grey-periwinkle silk mesh skirt, because it’s so rare to see see-through mesh fabrics made out of 100% silk rather than poly or rayon. It reminds me of the navy sheer mesh skirts as seen on HAIM. I keep the top exceedingly simple, with a Cou Cou Pointelle Scoop Tank over an Oddobody Cotton Bralette. The proportions and fit mesh together nicely.” ED NOTE: Viv’s done a full heatwave dressing post that is well worth a read!
A DRESS GIVES ‘OPTIONS’…
Sometimes maxi, often midi, mostly mini - a dress was the second-most popular submission. And I get it! It’s what I would have answered too (see my pick below). On the surface, it’s the simplest one-and-done outfit, but there are little tweaks you can make to personalise and alter.
Option one - pop something around your waist to create shape…
Rachel from ‘Hey Mrs Solomon’ - “As a Miamian, figuring out how not to freaking melt on a daily basis is a fine art. Not to mention, I am not a teeny-shorts girl. More like a cover-my-ass woman. My hot tip is this outfit formula: I start with a BIG polo or T-shirt dress. The key is it has to really just hang there and not freaking touch me. I am always on the lookout for these (one I got in a men's secondhand store). Stick ‘polo dress’ into Shopbop as a search term, and you'll get some choices. And then (this is key), I loosely tie an oversized, very light (linen or cotton) button-up around my waist, but to the side. Without adding heat (keep it loosely tied!), this does a few things: adds visual interest, creates as much shape as you want, provides some additional coverage, and also gives you a layer you might want if you end up in a restaurant where the AC is on BLAST.”
Anna Eleri Hart - “I work from home, and as much as I’d like to spend the day in my pants next to a fan, I do need to look respectable/professional for calls. I discovered this T-shirt Dress* two years ago - all my friends have it now too. It’s professional enough for meetings, not too tight (but pinched at the waist = form-flattering) and works for evening drinks. Plus, you can throw it on two mins before a call = nobody knows you’ve been tanning in the garden. I’ve paired mine with a cotton knit* (adds texture but is very light) and flip-flops.”
Erika Veurink from ‘Long Live’ - “I have an exact formula. It’s a white linen dress and a colourful cotton sweater for me. The sweater is mostly optimistic for AC, but it also helps me feel like I’m not running around in a nightgown, even though that’s exactly what I’m doing!”
Option two: sharpen your elbows or get scrolling, because we’re going vintage…
Oliva Knott - “My perfect outfit formula for a hot day in the city: a vintage cotton nightgown tailored into a mini, canvas sneakers, and a straw tote. Breezy, unfussy, and all I want to wear right now.” ED NOTE: Receiving this photo sent me on a 45-minute-long Vinted scroll.
Jordyn Sharfe from ‘The Hardware Store’ - “I would not consider myself a regular wearer of dresses, but my go-to outfit on a sticky, hot, humid day will almost always be a mini dress. Lightweight material, short in length, a shape that hangs mostly off the body, and easy to wear are my top criteria!”
Option three - keep it simple and keep it mini…
Jennifer Cook from ‘Mom Friend’ - “Though I’ve never considered myself much of a dress person, two back-to-back heatwaves (one in Paris and one in New York) have turned me into a full-blown mini dress convert. I love a black linen one to hide the sweat, and will often wear it over my swimsuit (with shorts packed in my park bag) for when we inevitably end up at the splash pad or pool. Finally having a flat chest comes in handy, too, as I can go braless with as little touching my skin as possible.”
Emily Urbano from ‘The Look Buffet’ - “Simplicity is my survival strategy in this weather. Once temperatures creep over 28°C, I want as little fabric touching me as possible. My brain has melted, and the thought of expending any mental energy on getting dressed feels completely overwhelming. I reach for something loose—like this linen dress—throw on flip-flops, grab a big bag, and I’m good. A pendant necklace would probably jazz it up a bit (although there’s a real risk of overstimulation for me there, ha!). It’s not the most exciting outfit by any means, but it absolutely ticks the box of keeping, and I think, looking, cool.”
Fanny Adams from ‘Always Overdressed’ - “When it’s truly steamy outside and parking myself poolside isn’t an option, I want to wear a sundress and basically nothing else; one-and-done dressing in natural fibres that’s bra optional with nary a waistband in sight. My formula consists of a dress, minimal jewellery, flip-flops only, and a basket bag. To battle the AC and for added sun protection, I’ll throw an oversized button-up in my bag to put on or tie around my waist as needed.”
Option four - or maybe you opt for something longer?
Antonia from ‘Scandi Delights’ - “The honest truth is that I’d really like to spend the day walking around naked like my three-year-old daughter has been at home. Unfortunately, we live in a society where that is generally frowned upon. So when I still need to look presentable, I gravitate towards the lightest pieces I own. During the workweek, that’s usually a simple black dress* (which I inevitably end up folding to knee length the moment I go outside), flip-flops, and sunglasses. The goal is simple: to wear as little as possible while still feeling like myself.”
Diana-May from ‘Somewear’ - “Being that it's 100 degrees in New York this week, the only thing I can fathom wearing is a light dress. I've been going through every Doen dress I own, and am eyeing this one for when it comes back in stock. They're easy to throw on, light on the body, and fit for multiple occasions!”
OR MAYBE YOU DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
Some summer outfits fit squarely into a category. Others go against the grain and prove that Substack really is THE PLACE™️ for fresh styling ideas.
When celebrity-stylist-turned-stylist-to-the-masses, Allison Bornstein, gives a mega quote, it feels like a disservice not to include it all, so here you go…
1. Shorts and Tee / Tank but play with texture and/or proportion
My summer uniform is typically a pair of silk or linen shorts and a tank, and I bring it home with jewellery and texture. When it is super hot, I will think about function first—what can I wear that is lightest? Usually, the answer is shorts and a tank. But then I like to add a little weight and interest with jewellery and accessories. When I feel/look too functional or straightforward, I don’t feel cool or like myself. So I will use accessories and jewellery for a little irreverence and cheek—a tank with a brooch or a vintage t-shirt with dramatic earrings. It throws it off a little. So, with a super-light look, I will add big cuffs, long earrings, or a chunky pendant necklace to add some weight and contrast. My favourite hot weather looks recently have been my Maria McManus Silk Basketball Shorts* with a white ribbed tank top, flip-flops, and chunky silver cuffs. Similarly, I will do Enza Costa Linen Bermudas* with a cotton knit tank and a vintage beaded necklace. I like the mix of textures. Or I will do the Phoebe Philo or Edward Cuming silk track shorts with a softer oversized t-shirt and ballet flats. It is all about balancing shape and texture for me.
2. Caftans
I love a caftan. Any texture, any shape, any length. What I love about them is that they are billowy and they are exactly what you want when it is super hot and gross. Something that doesn’t touch the body but still adds some drama. And again… jewellery!!!! When I can’t layer with clothing, I will compensate with jewellery.
TOP, SHORTS & SOMETIMES TROUSERS
The most frequently worn summer outfit formula amongst extremely stylish folk? Some kind of top, paired with shorts (or occasionally trousers). I’m here for it. It’s Practical with a capital P, and it makes for perhaps the most versatile base of all. There are so many ways to style it. I mean, there are 14 ideas here alone!
Angie Uh from ‘The Found Journal’ - “I basically wear a combination of this outfit, rotating very lightweight white and black tees* or tanks with easy throw-on shorts*. It could be linen, cotton, or a technical fabric. I prefer ones with a wider opening around the leg or that are tapered in for maximum airflow. If I’m too hot to be bothered, I’ll wear Havaianas* or Tkees*, but an easy way to add visual interest without needing layers is to leverage jewellery, shoes (ballet flats for tension), or bags (adding texture and colour to my outfit).”
Ardas Chandra from ‘The Radiant Self’ - “This has been my go-to formula on repeat during the heatwave: a one-piece bathing suit* that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, short shorts* (linen, cotton, or silk, depending on the day), minimal jewellery, ballet flats, and a small colourful bag* to carry my rose water face mist for emergency cool-downs. I also keep an oversized shirt* on hand for whenever I need a bit of coverage, whether that’s sun protection outside or surviving blasting AC indoors.”
Lindsay Sword from ‘Fashion Soup’ - “Super hot, sticky, and humid? Say no more, because that’s a New Yorker’s natural state in summer, and all I can bear to wear are floaty linen tops, nylon shorts that can handle splash pads at the playground, the lightest flip-flops possible, and an anklet because even my wrists get too sweaty for bracelets!”
Or, change what you wear on top to play with the balance…
Kelly Williams from ‘Midimalist’ - “Thank god we are in the era of Bermuda shorts* because I can wear itsy bitsy tops* with longer shorts and sandals* and still feel pulled together. Bonus that my legs won't touch public seats!”
Louisa Hatt from ‘Slob’ - “An oversized, drop-shoulder cotton shirt paired with linen shorts or trousers is my go-to in the heat. It’s breathable, versatile and still feels true to my style. Add a roomy bag for my hand fan, SPF and a hat, and I’m ready for whatever the day brings.”
Ritika from ‘Worn Story’ - “Heatwaves coincide with camp drop-off and playdate season, and the uniform I wear to those is usually shorts and a big shirt. These shorts from Tach feel special; they are embroidered and have ties on the sides. I’ve had this Cordera shirt for years; it’s the best kind of oversized. The black accessories add a utilitarian element and ground the outfit.”
Head-to-toe monochrome is always my preferred option…
Emma Rose Thatcher from ‘Over Dress’ - “This Dissh set* has been my heat-wave hero. Originally, I thought it was a great set for the holiday, but I actually prefer it styled for summer in the city. Ballet pumps and the leopard print bag* give it the edge I look for when putting together my outfits - adding those styling elements can be tough when it’s too hot for clothes, but pieces like the Tilly Sveas Cord Necklace add personality. I also think summer black is so chic. Simplicity is what I’ve been leaning into, and a co-ord takes all the thinking away when it’s literally too hot to think.”
Sogole Kane from ‘Another Fashion Newsletter’ - “Living in Southern California, I am no stranger to heat waves. So this type of summer dressing comes quite naturally to me. My #1 rule is to wear clothes that barely touch the skin—the looser, airier, and floatier, the better! Linen and ramie are fab for this, but so is thin cotton poplin. And of course — always, always a flip-flop.”
Emily Grace Dodge from ‘Point of View’ - “I grew up in Florida, so I feel like I understand dressing for the heat! I go for 100% cotton wherever possible - in this case, denim shorts and a T-shirt- but choosing to keep it tonal with white/white and then adding a fun wrap sandal keeps it from feeling like I didn’t try.”
And here’s Reva’s take on the topic. Catch the debrief from our latest styling session together here (and the follow-up of what I actually bought here):
“I don’t really have a summer formula. Every year ends up looking a little different. It’s been unbelievably hot in Toronto this week, and I’ve been reaching for a breezy pair of white linen Donni Shorts*. They’re a slightly longer, mid-length short with a simple, thin waistband. Those two details are what make them feel like my version of shorts.
What I’m wearing today as I type this is those shorts, a white vintage graphic tee, and black low-vamp ballet flats (a pair I bought recently and cut the bow off). I wore it to camp drop-off, to run a few errands, and then for my day at home on FaceTime with clients.
When I wear shorts, I either wear them with a long sleeve or a ballet flat. It’s the only way they feel like me and a little more polished. In high summer, when a long sleeve is out of the question, a low-vamp flat is a must.
And of course, my favourite Thistles Cruz Sunglasses*. They’re so lightweight they’re the only pair I can stand in the heat. They also instantly make whatever I’m wearing look better.
I usually skip jewellery entirely when it’s really humid. But I use Crown Affair Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel* to keep my hair feeling a little more polished. It’s just enough effort to feel good and put together without ever feeling overdressed or uncomfortable.”
A Stylist Told Me What To Buy This Summer
I love to write a Substack debrief after a session with a personal stylist. The posts practically write themselves, and as I’m often working with stylists from overseas and having a virtual tête-à-tête early evening my time, early morning their time, it’s the one exception I give myself to working post 7 pm.
Ariane Anusbigian from ‘Just a Splash’ - “I hate being hot, so when dealing with a heat wave, I go back to basics. Nothing that takes too much effort or is too tight. Easy breezy. I've been living in these lightweight linen shorts* (perfect length and they don't chafe like denim does). I'll pair them with a white tank* (I do no bra or these*), comfortable sandals*, and a beaded necklace* to pull everything together. Finally, a slicked-back bun* to keep my hair off my neck and out of my face.”
Jane Herman from ‘Jane on Jeans’ - “I wore these Bondi Born Pants* with an Ace Tank* in a different colour almost every day (on holiday). The pants are made of the lightest, tissue-weight cotton and the tank, which is also 100% cotton, is breezy without being skimpy. I’m really into seeing the pocket linings through my white jeans this summer – it’s sexy and gives the hip area more dimension – but when it’s too hot for jeans, I reach for these. A black bikini brief underneath is all the coverage I need.”
Xue - “Living in Singapore has cured me of any fantasy that I’ll become someone who wears ‘real clothes’ in 34°C and 90% humidity. My uniform on weekends is an oversized linen or cotton shirt for a bit of structure, paired with athletic shorts because I’ve made peace with the fact that they’re objectively the right tool for the job. Sunglasses, a nice leather bag and proper shoes make it look less like I rolled out of bed. It looks intentional enough for company, practical enough to run around with my daughter, and, most importantly, I’m not spending the day peeling myself off my own clothing.”
I loved Neelam’s take for some ideas if you’re after a more modest formula…
Neelam Ahooja from ‘Neelam Noted’ - “I kind of miss my younger days, when getting dressed for a heat wave meant a barely-there tank, short shorts, and flip-flops. There wasn’t much strategy involved. At 56, dressing for hot weather has become something of a puzzle. I rotate through the same outfit on repeat - a lightweight tee and loose cotton or linen pants - and that’s perfectly fine… unless you’re a content creator and need to keep things interesting. I’ve decided the clothes are staying simple because comfort is everything, and the accessories are doing the heavy lifting. Big earrings, an interesting (often comically large) bag, and a lightweight scarf for those frigid blasts of air conditioning (I spoke about this in a recent reel). This is my summer uniform, and instead of trying to reinvent it, I’m just tweaking it with pretty things.”
ALL ABOUT THE FABRIC
And sometimes it’s not about what you’re wearing, but what it’s made from…
Asta from ‘Fit Happens’ - “Layering in summer is hard, so I add interest via accessories and sheet fabric. A sheer top, bra peeking through, pants that are just on the verge of being sheer. Instant depth without added bulk!”
Anika Krueger from ‘NO WARDROBE’ - “Nothing is allowed to directly touch my body, linen is a priority, and accessories are more important than the actual pieces of clothing. A high-neck silhouette or details like knotted (spaghetti) straps, paired with lightweight fabrics, instantly create a chic/cool look. So for the office, I'm going for maxi skirts* (cotton or linen), or linen bermuda shorts,* oversized linen vests* or sleeveless tops with a square neck* or a structured/textured maxi dress.* If I'm working from home or just enjoying the sun somewhere (hopefully with an iced Americano in hand), I take things easy: A mini or a maxi (linen) dress*, or just linen shorts* with a racerback top. Either way, I like to add flip-flops, a beaded necklace, my ring stack and a textured bag - and the one true accessory will always be undone, slightly messy summer hair.”
Harriet Hadfield from ‘Harry Styles’ - “When it’s hot AF, I need to keep things simple. Yes to breathable fabrics, but also pieces that require minimum effort. I actually find myself reaching for black and white more in summer than any other season. I’d rather rely on accessories to add personality to my looks in the summer months and focus on well-cut linen and cotton pieces that nod to fluid tailoring. A linen shell top has become an absolute staple in my summer closet, along with linen trousers in a variety of silhouettes. If I’m going to wear a dress, I can’t do so without using Megababe’s Thigh Rescue* to fend off any chafing! I do wear shorts; however, when it’s hot and humid, I dread having to sit down and risk peeling my wet skin off a plastic chair. What can I say? I’m a sweaty person at the best of times, but when it’s hot and sticky, I actually benefit from a light layer between myself and anything I might need to sit on. This is why a lightweight trouser has become such an essential for me. My go to’s include the Donni Linen Simple Pant* for a wider, looser leg, and the Eileen Fisher Linen Lantern Pant* when I want something slightly more sculptural.”
Oh, you’re a southern hemisphere babe? No worries, 24 Substack writers have ideas for what to wear when you have no idea where to start.
Thanks for being part of The Wardrobe Edit. If you like what you read, I’d truly appreciate it if you liked, shared, or left a comment - it makes all the difference.
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Thanks for including me alongside these amazing women Anna. I’m taking notes.
This was so good i saved IMMEDIATELY!!! So much inspo so many good looks so many amazing writers, thank you for getting them all under the same roof! The new summer outfit bible has arrived