Ugh, the heat. We know. It’s not easy to look your best in Singapore’s punishing 34 degree weather. Still, that’s no excuse to look basic, and by that we mean the ubiquitous tank top and shorts combo. After all, there’s a popular saying that goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” It all boils down to smart styling and choosing the right fabrics during your shopping hauls.
Need a helping hand? Here’s how we’d edit our closet to stay comfortable, without losing our fashion flair.
Scoot over denim shorts. Denim skirts are way more classic and less sloppy than cut-offs. Tuck an over-sized shirt into a denim pencil skirt and slip on a chic pair of sandals to project a breezy, casual vibe.
Shop the look:
Vertical striped cotton button-down shirt by Kule, US$238 (S$326); Dark denim mini skirt by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, £205 (S$362), via Net-a-Porter; Python printed leather slides by Zara, S$99.90; Basket handbag by Ashley Summer, S$89; Gold-tone puka shell bracelet by Tohum, S$326, via Farfetch
Anything made of natural cotton will help you stay cool and chic in this heat. A cotton tee is an essential for everyday wear, but you can jazz it up by getting one with interesting prints and pairing it with a pair of cropped wide-leg jeans and funky sneakers.
Shop the look:
Printed cotton t-shirt by Zara, S$29.90; Cropped wide-leg keans by Alice Mccall, S$265, via Farfetch; Nude and white leather sneakers by Golden Goose, S$560, via Farfetch; Camera leather crossbody bag by Lemaire, US$928, via Matchesfashion; Gold and silver-tone optical glasses by Thom Browne, £535 (S$942), via Net-a-Porter
When it comes to warm weather, you can’t go wrong with breezy off-shoulder tops. Besides keeping you cool, they give you an opportunity to show off your collarbone! Wear a playful floral piece with a pair of skinny jeans and strappy sandals for a casual weekend look.
Shop the look:
Floral-printed off-shoulder silk top by Brock Collection, £1,100 (S$1,935), via Net-a-Porter; Denim skinny jeans by Zara, S$59.90; Floral embellished heeled sandals by Topshop, S$89.90; Suede and textured leather bumbag by Chloé, £705 (S$1,240), via Net-a-Porter; Gold-tone earrings by Leigh Miller, £255 (S$448), via Net-a-Porter
While a suit will instantly make you look powerful and confident at work, perspiring under the many layers will elicit an undesired opposite effect. If you must wear a suit, get rid of the inner blouse and button up your blazer. Go for something made of cotton or polyester-blend, and avoid wool-blend suits at all cost. Inject femininity by pairing your outfit with a pair of strappy heels.
Shop the look:
Checkered single-breasted blazer by Zara, S$159; Checkered wide-leg trousers by Zara, S$99.90; Embellished leather heeled sandals by Isabel Marant, S$869, via Mytheresa; Sequinned cotton tote bag by Ashish, £485 (S$853), via Net-a-Porter; Gold-tone “Coeur” necklace by Nalin Studios, €129 (S$204)
When in doubt, reach for a loose flowy maxi dress. It’s fuss-free, yet provides maximum comfort. Achieve a boho look by throwing on a straw hat and pairing it with sandals. Cinch your waist with a belt for a more flattering silhouette.
Shop the look:
Printed silk blend maxi dress by Rosie Assoulin, £1,410 (S$2,485), via Net-a-Porter; Heeled sandals with braided details by Charles & Keith, S$56.90; Mini pebbled leather duffle bag by Mansur Gavriel, S$1,200; Straw hat with ribbon by Zara, S$59.90