After over 5 years of navigating Phoenix summers and countless conversations with fellow Arizonians, I’ve discovered that knowing what to wear in the desert is both an art and a science. So my crew is showing outfits with a concentration on each of these 5 essential strategies.
Quote of the day: “Your mistakes don’t define you. They pave the way for future success. Unknown
When temperatures soar well above 100 degrees for months on end, getting dressed isn’t just about looking good; you have to take into account things that I had never thought about when living in Colorado.
Now, most summer travelers don’t think to visit Arizona in the summertime when these ideas of what to wear in the desert are key. However, these same ideas can be helpful in other warmer environments, too. The advantage of Arizona is that it’s a dry heat (and we giggle at that, because everyone says it).
After coming up with five key strategies, my crew wanted to showcase how to put them in action, yet still put our own spin on each approach.
As we are all very unique, our concerns and preferences can vary, so there is never just one answer for what to wear in the desert.
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Valerie: Loose Silhouettes
First, Valerie is showcasing loose-fitting clothing that creates its own cooling system. Her white eyelet top and harem pants are great examples of how flowing fabrics can provide constant air circulation around your body.
The key to this approach is understanding that loose doesn’t mean sloppy.
Valerie has lived in Arizona long enough to master this idea. And once you start buying items that fit the bill, you realize what a difference it makes.
Insider tip: If you struggle with what to wear under an open weave or crochet piece, we came up with 4 different options.
One key is to avoid anything that clings or restricts movement. Sure, I still see young kids in their skinny jeans, but I have to think they are hanging out in the AC all day.
Details:
-Valerie’s bracelet is a silicone one that almost looks like a tattoo.
-Even though her outfit is mainly neutrals, she added a colorful brooch on her top.
-Sunnies!! Here’s something we don’t talk about much, but they are an essential in the desert, also.
Lesley: Strategic Coverage
Lesley’s approach proves that more clothing can mean more comfort in extreme heat. While most of us think to wear less when it’s hot outside, the truth is that covering up from the sun’s rays is actually cooler. This counterintuitive approach is one of the most effective secrets for what to wear in the desert.
Insider details: Many of these strategies are proven once you live in a place where you can put them into practice. For instance, any landscaper in AZ is wearing long-sleeved shirts and a hat that covers not only his head but also his neck. If you know, you know.
The key to successful coverage is choosing the right fabrics and fits. Lightweight, tightly woven materials provide UV protection without trapping heat. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are excellent choices (more on that in Charlotte’s section), as are modern moisture-wicking synthetics designed for sun protection.
The goal is to create a barrier between your skin and the sun while allowing air circulation. Because when it’s this hot, you WILL sweat. Which is a good thing because sweat cools the body.
Hats are non-negotiable in desert climates. A wide-brimmed hat like Lesley’s doesn’t just protect your face, it creates a mobile shade system that follows you everywhere. And unlike carrying a parasol, you don’t have to use arm strength for it.
Insider tip: IF you are going to wear a hat, make sure to have one of these hat magnet clips. Granted, they don’t work with every purse, but when they do, they are priceless.
Details:
-Black sandals can look visually heavy in the summer, so finding tan or skin colored ones can work with almost any outfit.
-Lesley’s hat came with this band on it, but you could add any scarf to it to change it up.
Jodie: Minimal Accessorizing
Even though I usually believe in “extra” when getting dressed with accessories, there are times when finding a clothing item that is already decorated is ideal. Then you don’t have to weigh yourself down with accessories.
This strategy for what to wear in the desert has many advantages. It reminds me of a request years ago to style an outfit WITHOUT accessories. My mom wore print jeans, Lesley wore an embroidered top, and I mixed prints.
The practical benefits extend beyond comfort. Fewer accessories you can get dressed faster and have fewer chances of losing those accessories.
For example, when you have to throw on a topper when going into museums or restaurants, there can be a disruption of earrings and necklaces.
Texture, embroidery, or prints can produce the “cherry on top” that accessories usually create.
I mixed both in this outfit, and you might be surprised by this fact with this “top.”
Details:
-My top is really the caftan that I was struggling to wear. I put my textured tulle skirt over it and even hiked it up enough that you didn’t see it where the lining stopped.
-The handle of this purse “broke”. It originally was rushed, but the elastic gave out. However, I figured it still looked cute, so why throw it out?
-Glasses could be considered a form of an accessory, which is why I LOVE having a multitude of different eyewear that goes with many outfits.
Suzann: Light Colors
Suzann’s white dress exemplifies the science-backed approach to desert dressing: light colors reflect heat rather than absorbing it.
This isn’t just fashion folklore – it’s physics. Light-colored clothing can be significantly cooler than dark alternatives, making a real difference in your comfort level when temperatures soar.
Insider details: Now I have a biology friend who swears by the science that black is cooler in summer. It goes to show how even science can’t always agree, BUT, if you live here, wear them both and decide for yourself. I’ve tried this experiment and I vote for white.
Don’t assume light colors are boring or limiting. Texture and the shape of our items can make these pieces fun and interesting.
Yes, this is a white dress, but you might not realize that. Which means you could combine a white top and white skirt to create the same look.
Insider detail: We’ve shown 3 colorways of what to wear with a white skirt to give you other ideas.
Details:
-Suzann’s skirt had an attached slip, but it was too restricting and so she removed it. Instead, she wore a lingerie slip. Do girls even know what those are anymore?
-The belt! Seriously, Suzann is even more creative than I am. She combined a fabric flower barrette to hold together this embellished pink self-belt.
-Finding a purse that contrasts can be a fabulous, stylish element. This one has a silver chain strap, but Suzann stuck it inside in order to carry it as a clutch.
-She also sewed on the straps to the top part of the dress so it would stay up more easily.
Charlotte: Natural Fibers
Charlotte chose to concentrate on natural materials. As a seamstress, she realizes that these fabrics have been keeping humans comfortable in hot climates for thousands of years.
Linen leads the pack for desert wear, offering unmatched breathability and improving with each wash. We recently discussed ways to stop worrying about wrinkles when wearing linen.
Cotton, especially lightweight weaves, provides comfort and versatility.
Silk is actually an excellent hot-weather choice due to its temperature-regulating properties and natural protein fibers that resist odor.
The key is understanding how different natural fibers behave. There’s always a pro and con, right?
Linen wrinkles but breathes exceptionally well.
Cotton holds its shape better but may not be quite as cooling.
Silk drapes beautifully and regulates temperature, but requires more careful maintenance.
And of course, in this day and age, there are many blends. Once you start knowing which ones work best for you, you’ll be in the know.
Because in reality, the question of what to wear in the desert isn’t rocket science.
Details:
-My mom is wearing a peasant top (worn preciously) over her hand-made knit dress. The original crew all have a version of this dress.
-Her heart brooch, she made from 2 zippers. She bought a similar brooch on her travels to Russia and Sweden and gifted it to me.
-My mom finds that when it’s hot outside, it’s very chilly inside, so layering her cotton items is perfect for the AC.
Your Desert Style Strategy
The beauty of these five approaches is that they’re not mutually exclusive. You might choose loose, light-colored linen pieces that provide coverage while incorporating interesting details. The goal is to find the combination that works best for everything about you.
The true key is that desert dressing is about working with your environment rather than against it.
Once you realize that you have to change your mindset about what to wear in the desert, it’s not hard.
Some of those mindsets may be:
-more wrinkles with natural materials (as we’ve discussed with keys to wearing linen)
-Minimal may be key.
-Loosey, goosey doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish.
-You don’t need to look thinner.
-Cool, is just a state of mind.
The biggest lesson that we’ve learned after living in Arizona for years is that great style shouldn’t stop just because the temperature hits triple digits.
You can find ways to be the boss of your clothes, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
Ageless Style
Welcome to the Ageless Style group. We all have very different styles, so I hope you check out other ideas for beating the heat.
We don’t all post at the same time, so make sure to check back if their post isn’t up yet.
Next month we will be “back to school,” if anyone wants to join in.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Jennifer ~ Overflowing With Thankfulness
Blog | Instagram
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Blog
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Blog | Instagram | Facebook |
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from my crew and me. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all, it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun.
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.
It’s not just about me on this blog, but also my crew. We get to showcase not only different decades of life but also different body shapes and unique personal styles.
