The Heat is On- Summer Dresses to Help You Keep Your Cool

This smocked dress from Anthropologie helped me keep my cool on a hot city day! And it’s so easy to dress up or down…

Yesterday marked the official start of summer, and while it felt like it took a VERY long time to arrive this year, we’ve already had some super-hot days here in the Northeast! I grew up in Miami and have always loved tropical weather, but as I get older I am definitely feeling the heat more intensely (nothing like a hot flash when it’s 90 degrees!), and find myself reaching for light, airy dresses to get through those days. The lighter the fabric the better- think cotton, linen and gauze. Fortunately, there are some great options out there, and I’m rounding some up below to help keep you cool and stylish through the dog days of summer. As a side note, none of these picks are sponsored- just sharing my finds to help you look and feel your best! I’ve linked details in the photo captions. And while these picks are mostly sleeveless, a light denim jacket or blazer would work with all to combat aggressive summer air conditioning! Happy summer, and happy shopping!

Zara keeps the hits coming with this easy, breezy number…

This dress from H&M is so affordable and available in multiple colors- I have it in black and love it!

This gorgeous dress by Ulla Johnson is on my wishlist!

Love this print by BB Dakota from Nordstrom…

If you follow me you know I am obsessed with Natalie Martin’s designs!

As if we needed another reason to go to Target!

Love this romantic print from Love the Label…

This smocked sundress by Anthropologie gives me major boho vibes…

This hand-dyed dress from Love Tanjane is boho perfection!

One last note- although I think all of these looks are ageless, many of the models in these photos are very young . It’s a reality of the fashion world, and of the rest of the world for that matter, that older women are underrepresented. It’s one of the reasons I started this blog. Some brands are starting to come along, but we need to keep talking and showing the world that we are here, we are vital, we are relevant and we matter. I am hopeful that the winds are shifting, and I do think the conversation around aging is in the process of being reshaped, due largely in part to so many smart, talented women out there lending their voices and showing up with great confidence and beautiful style. I, for one, am going to keep pushing forward with Patina’s mission and message- that with age come richness, texture, and the most beautiful, interesting layers…

Hope you find something here that you love! ❤️