For a Florida-fitting summer wardrobe, Layne Cross, styling supervisor at the personal styling service Stitch Fix, and Kyle Kilgore, clothing designer at Tampa’s Kilgore Atelier, preach breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in loose-fitting styles. Ditch dark colors and choose on-trend lighter shades, like white, blush and light blue — but don’t get too bogged down in the “rules.”
“Fashion, like all types of art, is experimental and expressive,” Kilgore says. “It all comes down to fit, material and personal comfort. Be bold and daring, and make your own style.”
For the office, Cross suggests a sleeveless dress in a bold print with a jacket for women and neutral chinos, a light, short sleeve button-down shirt, and loafers for men. Although a denim jacket is a staple during any season, denim is a heavy fabric that doesn’t absorb moisture well. Try switching to chambray, which has a similar look without the weight.
When choosing footwear, women should opt for mules or slides, and men should wear boat shoes or loafers.
“To stay cool in the summer, you don’t need to compromise on looking and feeling your best,” Cross says. “Remember to always opt for pieces that make you feel comfortable yet put together. That’s always the key to stylish dressing in any climate.”
