How can you keep cool during summer? Just last weekend, Brooklyn hit 90 degrees. Wow, I forgot how intense the heat can be! This summer, for evening walks and park time with the kids, I’m eager to emulate Marianne’s style (above) and wear lightweight linen, which is always cozy and airy. Here are six attractive items…
1. Dinner in the garden at Frankies Spuntino. Aren’t these mix-and-match sets adorable: tank, pants, and skirt? They’re available in both red and polka dot.
2. A walk around the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This 100% linen set (top + skirt) looks both elegant and comfy. I’m also interested in this cutout shirt and pants combination.
3. A ride on the Cyclone at Coney Island. I’ve never spent an afternoon with the kids at Coney Island without sweating, so this year’s plan is a light dress and a giant thermos of ice water.
4. Swimming at a hotel in southern France. This hotel is pure imagination, but if we’re dreaming, I’d love to read a murder mystery under a parasol, sip on an ice-cold Fanta, and sport a sardines shirt with easy shorts.
5. An afternoon at a museum. My brother and I visited the National Portrait Gallery this spring, and the portraits from Henry VIII to Malala Yousafzai to Harry Styles were incredible. I wore a rain-damped wool sweater (being the Brit I am), but next time I’ll prefer a floaty shirt with white pants.
6. At the playground with the kids. My favorite summer attire is a white tee paired with pull-on shorts, and this red gingham is so cute. Also loving the green stripes.
Thoughts? What would you wear? My friend in Copenhagen mentioned everyone’s wearing white skirts; and isn’t this plaid dress stunning?
P.S. Summer nail polish, and the one random thing everyone compliments.
(Top photo of Daisy Edgar Jones in Normal People. This post is sponsored by Nordstrom, a retailer admired and worn for decades. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that keep Cup of Jo running!)
**The Merits of Wearing Linen During Summer**
As temperatures rise and daylight extends, selecting the right fabric for your summer closet is crucial. Linen, an organic material derived from flax, has been a mainstay in summer fashion through the ages. Its unique characteristics make it perfect for staying cool and comfy during the warmest season of the year. Below are some main benefits of donning linen in the summer:
1. **Breathability**: Linen is celebrated for its outstanding breathability. Its structure allows air to flow freely, assisting in keeping the body cool. This innate ventilation is ideal for warm, humid climates as it prevents the cloth from sticking to the skin and allows moisture to evaporate swiftly.
2. **Moisture-Wicking**: Linen boasts excellent moisture-wicking abilities, meaning it can absorb a large amount of moisture without appearing wet. This helps keep the skin dry and snug, even on scorching days. Its sweat-wicking capacity makes it favored for summer apparel.
3. **Durability**: Linen is among the strongest natural fibers, offering significant durability and longevity. Its resilience increases when wet, which is advantageous for summer pursuits that might involve water or sweat. With proper upkeep, linen attire can endure for years, offering an eco-friendly choice for the environmentally aware.
4. **Hypoallergenic**: Linen is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great pick for those with delicate skin or allergies. Its natural fibers are less likely to provoke irritation or allergic reactions, ensuring a cozy wearing experience.
5. **Eco-Conscious**: Linen is a green fabric. The flax plant demands limited water and pesticides to grow, utilizing every plant part, causing minimal waste. Moreover, linen is biodegradable, serving as a sustainable option for those aiming to reduce their ecological impact.
6. **Versatility**: Linen’s natural texture and grace render it a versatile fabric fit for various styles and events. From casual beachwear to chic evening dresses, linen can be styled up or down, offering vast styling opportunities.
7. **Cooling Nature**: Linen possesses an innate cooling nature, reflecting heat efficiently. This makes it an apt fabric for summer clothing, aiding in regulating body temperature, keeping the wearer feeling refreshed.
8. **Easy Upkeep**: Although linen is prone to wrinkling, many embrace this trait as part of its allure. Linen garments are simple to maintain, usually requiring easy washing and air drying. Its natural resilience means it often avoids the need for frequent ironing, making it a low-maintenance summer wear option.
Ultimately, linen stands out as an exceptional choice for summer garments because of its breathability, moisture-wicking skills, durability, and environmental friendliness. Its inherent comfort and adaptability secure its timeless presence in any wardrobe, ensuring coolness and style all summer long. Whether you’re basking on a beach or attending a garden soiree, linen offers an ideal blend of practicality and style.
