Fashion Friday: Office Chic in the Summer Heat

It's July which means it is HAZY, HOT and HUMID in Blacksburg.  Temperatures have been soaring into the 90s and the humidity has been so high that it feels like an oven outside.  July also means that freshman orientation is in full swing on campus so I have been spending more time out and around campus and in the heat.  This is the time of year when you have to dress for the hot weather outside and the blasting AC inside. This means it might be in the 90s outside and only in the high 60s inside.  That's about a 20 degree difference!   Dressing can be tricky for these conditions.  Layering is a must - pull on a sweater in the AC and go sleeveless when you jump into your smoldering car.  Here are some suggestions I have to stay Office Chic in the Summer Heat!

1. Layer up with cardigans and blazers with sleeveless tops.  Choose loose fitting clothes with minimal wrinkling.  Dresses, skater skirts and cropped pants are great options.
2. Wear white or other light colors in natural fibers like cotton, jersey and ponte knit (one of my favorites, it doesn't wrinkle and stretches with you).
3. Wear open shoes that breathe - like sandals, wedges, open toe and sling backs.
4. Limit heavy accessories like scarves, statement necklaces and chunky bracelets.  Too many of those bulky accessories adds to the heat.
5. Consider wearing your hair in an updo - a sleek low ponytail or a high bun. Having your hair off your  neck feels cooler and you don't have to fight the friz or flat hair that the humidity causes. 
6. Lighten up on the make-up.  Hopefully you have some of that natural summer glow working so you shouldn't need heavy make-up and you don't have to worry about it running down your face if you break out in a little sweat walking in the heat.  I love tinted moisturizers, water proof mascara and lip gloss this time of year.
7. Sport some cool shades!  Sunglasses are a must this time of year to keep the sun out of your eyes to prevent squinting (future wrinkles) and headaches.
8. Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.  I carry a water bottle with me around campus and in my car.

How do you stay chic in the heat??