Here's What to Wear in 90-Degree Weather When It's Too Hot to Think

There's hot, and then there's instantly sweat-inducing heat that makes going out a chore. When the extreme temperatures roll in, the last thing you want to think about is what summer outfits to wear, especially when your main objective is just trying to keep cool. Figuring out what to throw on in 90-degree weather without compromising style for comfort is easier said than done. Fortunately, I've discovered the next best thing to wearing a bathing suit in public.

We looked to some of our favorite fashion figures to help you get through those days filled with warmth, sunshine, and unbearable levels of humidity. Whether it's a simple tank with a colorful button-down, a romantic sundress, or a pair of loose trousers and a cutout bodysuit, these outfits will help you stay cool and refreshed so you can go about your day without the discomfort of sticky pools of sweat. Check them out now and then shop the looks to make them your own.

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(Image credit: @moeblackx)

We called it a while ago about crochet: The crafty hobby has become a certified go-to trend for fashion people this summer. It's an airier alternative to knits, so you're less likely to sweat when the sun's up.

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

We told you crochet mania is here to stay. One way to use your fashion to cleverly avoid uncomfortable sweating is to wear loose crochet or mesh bottoms. This ACNE Studios skirt can serve as a cover-up on the beach or as a look for a day out in the country. Finish it with a poplin shirt for a more urban vibe.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Loose pants are always a solid option for hot summer days when looking put-together is the main objective. While you don't have to put away your leggings just yet, it might be wise to swap them out since a wider cut will let your legs breathe. Play with menswear-inspired tailoring and prints (like pinstripe) for a classic approach.

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Take advantage of your more breathable pieces and wear them out. A racerback tank paired with a colorful, oversize button-down shirt will look stylish without getting too stuffy.

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(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

There's nothing a pair of tailored shorts with a classic tee or tank can't solve when the weather's hot. Keep it updated with a fashion-set favorite—the exaggerated-shoulder T-shirt—for an elevated take.

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Fashion Market Editor

Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter where she started working at Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her work at Who What Wear, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times.