We made the trek out to the remote corner of the state for the annual Selman Bat Watch, and it was so hot (apparently the thermometer read 113, but I can’t even compute temps above 90) that I bought a hat. And I look horrible in hats. I most closely resembled someone named Wilma, an 87-year-old master gardener.
The hat was worth it, however, because the bat watch was pretty much amazing — seriously, everyone should try to get a spot next summer — but it got me thinking about ways to beat the heat without looking like you’ve given up on life.
One easy way to do that is with a trip to Funky Monkey (14101 N. May; 748-7066). There currently are a ton of light, flowy fabrics — which means no sweaty clinging — with everything from pretty tanks to simple dresses.
I loved the short, printed silk dresses by Parker, Glam and BB Dakota.
Check out the light-as-air tunic by Bailey 44 done in a Moroccan-esque green pattern bordered with tiny polka dots. Also look for cuffed linen shorts by BB Dakota and a really great racer-back tank by Young, Fabulous & Broke in a muted tie-dye.
For more great summer dresses, head to Royce Clothing (7314 N. Western; 608-0148). Check out a T-shirt maxi dress by Religion done in a super thin jersey. It’s really seethrough, so it’d be best over a swimsuit, but I won’t hold anyone responsible for accidental nudity in this heat.
If you want something other than a dress, I liked the short shorts by Black Orchid paired with super-thin House of Gold tees done with rocker chic prints (like a black shirt emblazoned with the Sex Pistols logo or a screen print of John and Yoko).
When it gets really scorching, I have a hard time wearing anything too complicated. That’s where workout clothes come in. They are simple and — bonus — constructed with fabrics made to deal with sweaty people. (Imagine that.)
Red Coyote Running and Fitness (5800 N. Classen Blvd.; 840-0033) has a ton of great workout clothes. There are great running shorts and tees/tanks from companies like Brooks and Mizuno, but I loved the skirts and dresses — yes, workout dresses.
Brooks does a classic, simple running skirt, or there’s Skirt Sports, which specializes in skirts and dresses that come in fun, bright patterns. There are also some cool running shorts by Saucony. They are bright and patterned shorts that actually look like a pattern (a fun, graphic print) that I’d wear when not working out.
Not that I’m working out in weather like this, but you get the idea. Try and stay cool out there.
Photo by Shannon Cornman
This article appears in Jul 13-19, 2011.