In DC it seems that we leap from winter right into summer. Spring barely makes an appearance before giving into the hazy, hot and humid days of summer. And once the summer heat is in full force being outside can be pretty unpleasant.
Fortunately, if you’re up early enough, you can still enjoy a little outside time before the scorching sun gets to work. For those who love being outside, grab a coffee, read the paper and/or plan your day. It’s a great way to start your day and not too long ago, I had the opportunity to do just that.
I was up early and ventured over to CityCenterDC in downtown Washington. Between the new popular restaurants and trendy luxury shopping, there is a wonderful courtyard with outdoor seating complete with a lovely water fountain that was ideal for taking a moment before a hectic workweek. There was something about watching the fountain and listening to its water pound as it hit the ground that was really relaxing.
As the temperature began to rise and watching the occasional dog run into the fountain to eagerly lap up water for a bit of relief, it became apparent that all good things must come to an end. It was going to be a hot one and soon. On very hot days, tailored looks can be hard to pull off and stay cool while still looking dapper.
For my early more excursion, here are a few simple tips I try to follow as I dressed for my day. Consider these as you reach for that jacket and tie during the summer months.
- Wear an undershirt. It sounds counterintuitive to add layers when its hot but a cotton t-shirt can actually help you stay cool in summer just like it adds a bit of insulation in the winter. In addition, if you get sweaty it can absorb some of the moisture and protect your clothes from the wetness.
- Choose lightweight fabrics. Not all suits are meant to be worn year round. Cotton and linen are the perfect go to materials but don’t be afraid to wear wool. There are some great lightweight wools that work nicely as it gets hot. I chose this light brown suit from Hugo Boss. While it’s a bit darker than the traditional tan suit, it’s a great color for this season.
- Stay away from dark colors. Darker colors absorb heat. Often, we tend to go directly from an air-conditioned house right to an air-conditioned office where it’s constantly cool. As a result, we ignore the conditions outside. If any part of your day is going to be spent outside, opt for lighter colors. I’ve been a fan of pink this season so I opted for a mini patterned tie from Ferragamo and paired it with a matching pink pocket square along with a white lapel flower pin. I even have a hint of pink in my socks for some added fun. A dark tie such as navy would also work well with this suit and if you’re going to wear darker colors let it be in your accent pieces.
- Carry a handkerchief. For many the thought of carrying around something in your pocket after you’ve blown your nose is unappealing. However, it’s a small price to pay especially if you find yourself somewhere without access to tissues or napkins and it’s 100% better than using your sleeve. In addition, if you do find yourself in a bit of a sweat, it’s handy and available item right at your disposal.
To finish my look, I have on cap-toe brown lace ups, again by Ferragamo and I’ve ditched by black briefcase in favor of this cheeky tote by Burberry. All of these labels are available in the shops of CityCenterDC.
