Let’s just say it: summer in Arizona isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s like living inside an oven at times. And while it’s easy to assume we all hibernate indoors like I’ve shared, the reality is that life still goes on. Errands have to be run. Dogs have to be walked. Photos for the blog must be taken. And you better believe I still want to look cute doing it!
And so you know, I’m not complaining. As we Arizonans always say, “at least we don’t have to shovel sunshine.”
Quote of the day: “Opposition is necessary. Anger is natural. Courage is indispensable.” David French
This fun prompt is all due to our Where Bloggers Live group. Bettye asked us to share “How I stay comfortable in the heat,” and I have to admit, I’ve become a pro at this.
I’ve learned to outsmart the heat without sacrificing my style…most days. So if you’re wondering how to survive summer in Arizona while still feeling like your fashionable self, I’ve got you covered with my top three summer survival strategies.
While everyone knows that Arizona heat is a dry heat, it’s hard to imagine how it really feels if you’ve never experienced the difference. I liken it to a sauna vs. a steam shower. Both are good for you, yet they are very different.
Shocker…the strategies aren’t all about clothing.
Airy Clothing
The first lesson I learned after moving here? Your fabric choices matter. And while I adore a good structured outfit, the Arizona sun has taught me to appreciate the flowy and the breathable. I now consider myself an expert in all things cotton, linen, and gauze fabrics that don’t just look light, but feel light too.
Insider tip: Not all 100% cotton items are lightweight and feel good for our summer in Arizona. It’s one thing you won’t know by the description on a website.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love adding shape to an outfit, but I’ve made peace with the fact that loose silhouettes are not the enemy. It’s one of the reasons I wrote about Rethinking Flattering. There are other ways to make yourself shine when it’s over 100 degrees.
Give me a breezy dress or wide-leg pants any day. And if it wrinkles? I just call it “textural interest.” Exactly why I wrote about wearing linen without worrying about the wrinkles.
And while we’re talking hot-weather hacks, let’s discuss the undergarment elephant in the room: summer bras. The right bra in the heat can make or break your whole day. It’s one of the reasons I’ve embraced boob tape and backless adhesive bras. No, I haven’t tried them all, but I have tried a bunch.
As for footwear, my general rule is “less is more.” Summer in Arizona is not the time for sneakers or ballet flats. I gravitate toward minimalist slides, or sandals that don’t cover much of my foot.
Bonus points if they have cushioned soles and arch support because I’ve learned that comfort and style can coexist.
One last thing, when it comes to outfits. I still love my accessories, but you’ll find me wearing necklaces and scarves in creative ways (not around my neck), and using clip-on earrings as brooches instead. It can get hot, hot, hot, to have extra material around your neck.
Cooling Accessories
Now let’s talk about the gadgets and gizmos that keep us cool during the summer in Arizona. Yes, my outfits are important, but these extras can be the secret weapons.
Have you heard of cooling neck wraps? These little gems are soaked in water and magically stay cold around your neck. I’ve even found versions that come in fun patterns, so you could imagine they were a fashion scarf.
My friend, Cathie, who you see on many blog posts, doesn’t go anywhere without her portable fan. It’s about the size of a lipstick tube, and it’s powerful enough to give her a much-needed breeze while waiting in the checkout line or hanging out at lunch.
She used to use this neck version, but switched to the handheld ones this year.
Living in Arizona has taught me how a sun hat can be a lifesaver.
And who knew that you could buy a magnetic clip to keep it fastened to your purse when it’s not on your head?
Brilliant.
Even the car needs some attention when it comes to battling the desert heat. I never thought I’d be so enthusiastic about a steering wheel cover, but they truly make a difference.
Around here, a car sunshade for the windshield is also essential. Sure, it helps the lifespan of the dashboard, but it really helps keep the car interior at a lower temperature.
Strategic Adventures
The real magic trick to surviving summer in Arizona: timing. Maybe it seems obvious, but here it is.
This isn’t the season for leisurely midday strolls or extended patio brunches unless you’re actively trying to fry an egg on the sidewalk (and that’s an urban myth, but everyone still says it).
I’ve learned to shift all outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours. It’s kind of like chasing golden hour, but for your health.
Our entire dog walking schedule shifts once the weather starts heating up. We get up earlier to get out before the sun comes up, or at least while it’s on its way up. And then in the evening, we wait until the sun goes down to venture out. Yes, we test the sidewalk and asphalt with our hands before letting Piper roam about.
And as I’ve shared, indoor adventures are the name of the game. Museums, inside events, thrift stores, there’s plenty of exploring to be done in cool comfort. It’s no different than how we used to spend winters indoors in Colorado because it was too frigid and snowy to be outside.
Final Thoughts
So yes, summer in Arizona is intense. But with the right wardrobe, a few smart accessories, and a bit of schedule shuffling, it’s absolutely possible to survive these scorching months.
Then again, many Arizonans also take vacations to cooler areas during this time. I know we have.
Where Bloggers Live
What is Where Bloggers Live? It’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and hear all about the personal backstories and interesting details? The best part of this group is that I learn something new from everyone’s different perspectives.
FYI, we don’t all post at the same time since we all have different schedules and live in different parts of the world.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Sally at Within a World of My Own
The Series
We’ve been doing this fun series for over 5 years now.
Want to explore some of the old prompts? Feel free to visit any that might strike your fancy.
Messy & Odd Side-by-Side Refrigerator Organization
My Money Mismanagement
Seasons of your Life
Better health when bored at night
Vacation-Palm Springs
Things I Can’t Live Without
Eco-Friendly Practices
Favorite post –Happy 5 Years
Bedtime Routine
3 Favorite Gifts
Detox your wardrobe
Date night ideas in Phoenix
Spring Cleaning-Laundry Style
180 Degree Journey
What’s In My Bag
Does Makeup Make You Look Better?
How to Survive the Heat
Thank You
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey, which I LOVE!!!
Supporting a blog can be easy and free. Just visiting my pages, clicking my links (especially for small businesses and sponsored posts), and sharing the things you like on your social media make a huge difference. Spreading the word is how I can reach more wonderful people like you!
Or feel free to “buy me a coffee” which is a monetary way to tell me that you enjoy reading my blog.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
