How models and the street style set handle heatwave dressing

The temperature is still relatively variable during spring, which requires a mastery of wardrobe layering to stay stylish during this in-between time. But, spring will soon turn to summer, a time that calls for a different set of sartorial rules.

Handling a heatwave in a polished, sweat-free way is a challenging task for even the most sophisticated fashion players. But, it can be done, as evidenced by the models and street style set who handle this sartorial challenge in suitable style every time an unexpected heatwave hits one of the many fashion weeks they’re attending.

Take the recent ready-to-wear spring/summer 2020 shows at New York Fashion Week, held at the beginning of September, the city saw balmy temperatures that week and it was a warm climate the models, street style stars and front row fixtures well and truly rose to the challenge of from a wardrobe perspective.

Spotted outside the shows looking cool, calm and fashion-forward, there was nary a drop of sweat to be seen on any of this chic clique. How did they do it? With clever styling and a few heatwave-proof dressing tricks is how.

This fashionable faction wore looks that allowed maximum breathability and airflow, such as sheer, lightweight pieces, bare legs and arms by way of mini and midi skirts and sleeveless tops. Vests were paired with wide-legged pants, floaty cotton maxi dresses were worn to great effect, and spaghetti strap tops and frocks were called on a number of times providing a cool respite for the upper body. 

Cut-out tops and exposed midriffs were also spied on numerous street style stars and footwear provided an extra level of temperature-proofing with strappy, naked and open-toed sandals being the popular shoe selection.

Ahead of summer and with Online Shopping Night just around the corner—this exciting online shopping event will kick off at 6pm on Tuesday, October 22, running until 6am on Friday, October 25—take your cues from models and the street style set and start planning your summer heatwave dressing purchases now, so you’ll be prepped and ready as soon as the temperature dial starts to climb. Scroll on to see how models and the street style set handle heatwave dressing.