5 Ways to Look Cool Even When Its Hot

Stock up on simple, sophisticated dresses with clean lines that drape well. Linen blends, cotton blends and jersey knits are forgiving fabrics that keep you cool. (At right, a slub cotton dress by Banana Republic.) Silk, although it is light, does not breathe, and you wouldnt want to be seen with sweat stains. More mature or conservative types can still look great in shorter shift dresses by adding footless tights or lightweight leggings.

Keep hair non-fussy. Rolling or curling it in high humidity can be a waste of time. Pull it back, adding a quick hairpiece if necessary. Or slick it back and accentuate your facial features with a pair of statement earrings. Invest in a good haircut that shows good form in case your style doesnt hold.

Let your skin breathe and go for simple makeup. Its just way too hot for the cake-face look. A lightweight oil-control powder, a light brush of eye and cheek color, a lip stain, a sweep of mascara youre done.

Shapewear and pantyhose, in this heat? For those of you who insist you have to have it, try the Sculptz brand. Its shapewear and legwear is super lightweight and breathable. Plus, there is a sale at www.sculptz.com.

Fudge it on the shoes. If you work in an office with a culture of stuffy dressing, airy shoes such as slingbacks, peeptoes and mules in a mid- to high heel allow feet to stay cool while you still look businesslike.