Summer fashion 101: How to stylishly get dressed when it's scorching hot outside

Style blogger Monroe Steele breaks down her best summer fashion tips.

June 21, 2024, 5:27 PM

Summer is summer-ing, and it's the perfect time to reset your wardrobe to be reflective of the season.

As temperatures rise, trying to figure out how to keep cool while still looking ...well, hot — can be quite the task.

However, where there's a will, there's always a way, and for that reason "Good Morning America" tapped top Miami-based style blogger Monroe Steele who certainly knows how to make getting dressed in the scorching hot heat look like a breeze.

From must-have summer fabrics to the best shoes and accessories, just ahead, Steele breaks down her best tips for getting dressed when it feels like a sauna outside.

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Tip #1: Look for fresh linens

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele

"One of my favorite fabrics for summer is linen because it is light and breathable but still looks quite polished," Steele told "GMA." "Every summer I invest in a slightly oversized linen shirt and linen dress and wear them on repeat all summer long."

Shop it:

Gap

100% Linen Boyfriend Shirt

  • $34
  • Gap
J.Crew

Slim-fit linen vest

  • $89.50
  • J.Crew
H&M

LINA PLEATED LINEN SHORT

  • $90
  • Banana Republic

Tip #2: Try out crochet knitted looks

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele

Steele is a huge fan of large crochet knitted looks for summer. "You'd think it would be extremely hot, but because the knit is loose it allows air to flow through and keep you cool," she said.

Shop it:

Mango

Combined crochet polo shirt

  • $59.99
  • Mango
25% off
Amazon

MIHOLL Womens Crochet Swim Cover Up

  • $26.09
  • $34.99
  • Amazon
Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Crochet Pants

  • $88
  • Anthropologie

Tip #3: Layer on cool cotton + polyester combinations

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele

"Lots of people turn their nose up at polyester but cotton/polyester blend fabric pieces keep you cooler than just cotton or polyester on their own," advised Steele. "Cotton is the best breathable fabric and polyester is great at keeping you dry! I have a few amazing 2-piece sets with a cotton/poly blend that is perfect for the hottest Miami days."

Shop it:

Everlane

The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

  • $30
  • Everlane
Mango

A-line dress

  • $49.99
  • Mango
Anthropologie

All For Sun Maxi

  • $98
  • Anthropologie

Tip #4: Step in style with an open-toe flat sandal

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele

Steele pointed out that if your feet feel cool, the rest of your body tends to feel the same way. "Summer is the time to ditch socks and closed-toed footwear," she said.

Shop it:

10% off
J.Crew

Toe-ring slide sandals in leather

  • $132.99
  • $148
  • J.Crew
Nordstrom

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal (Women)

  • $170
  • Nordstrom
Mango

Metallic strap sandals

  • $59.99
  • Mango

Tip #5: Stay protected with a large brim sun hat

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
Instagram @monroesteele

"A large brim sun hat is a must as well to help protect against UV rays," Steele said.

Shop it:

25% off
J.Crew

Wide-brim raffia bucket hat

  • $59.50
  • $79.50
  • J.Crew
Free People

Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat

  • $68
  • Free People

Last, but not least, Steele pointed out the importance of carrying water to stay hydrated and investing in a portable handheld fan. "I never leave home without one on the hottest Miami days," she said.

You can catch more of Steele's style intel on Instagram and YouTube.

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Editor's note: This story was originally published on July 12, 2022.