How to Stay Chic in Heatwave: 10 Outfits Tested

What I wear in a heatwave as a professional stylist? Not this. Today I'm breaking down four foolproof outfit formulas for the heatwave. And I've got 10 street style outfits, real street style outfits that I wore last week when the heatwave hit my location. Stick around and I'll prove you can look effortlessly chic even when the sidewalk is melting. Hello beautiful people and warm welcome back to my channel. My name is Elena and I'm a professional stylist. So today four foolproof outfit formulas and 10 outfits to illustrate these formulas. So outfit formula number one, bet on a color. I've been living in these three outfits lately. Each is built using the same outfit formula. Let's get into the details. So outfit number one, start with a denim skirt or maybe denim shorts if you prefer denim shorts, but not your classic stiff heavy jean. This one is super lightweight and breezy, perfect for the heatwave. Add a linen button-up in a tint just a bit lighter than the skirt. Same family, different intensity of the color. Then I threw in my tiny green coin wallet bag as a little like chair on top, giving the whole look an unexpected pop. Of course, I still need a roomy tote bag, so I grabbed my white woven bag to carry the essentials. So the takeaway here, pair your favorite denim skirt or denim shorts with a tonal linen button-up, then elevate it with a small green accessory. Instant summer refresh. Outfit two, here this skirt is apricot, a pale soft version of orange, and my bag is the same color, just in a more vivid shade. So actually, I'm using the same color approach, but with different colors, different hues, not blues, but oranges here. It's like color blocking with cousins. I wore this out running errands and spending time with my daughter, so I kept the rest pretty simple. A structured waistcoat and minimal accessorizing, because color combo does all the talking. It's comfy, it's easy, but because the skirt and bag play off each other in different shades, it still looks polished and on point. Now outfit number three, here for the last one, I went with the flowy, airy, plaid skirt, yes, now I know it's plaid skirt, and a short sleeve linen button-up. To tie it all together, I reached for a red bag that becomes the focal point, then I added retro sunglasses and my little fish necklace on a red thread, tiny details that make a big difference. And remember, in summer we can't layer up, so accessories are our best styling tool. And another nice styling tip I want you to use in your next outfit, swapping a plain tank or t-top for a linen short sleeve button-up instantly levels up your look. So these were my three variations of the same outfit formula, and the next outfit formula that works in the summer, one statement piece balanced by one neutral and basic piece. I'm wearing my favorite neutral black shorts, the only cut that really flatters my body shape, paired with this airy linen top. Seriously, it's so unique and chic, I get so many compliments from strangers on the streets every time when I wear it. To add a tiny pop of color, I added my mesh ballet flats, but you can skip this part if it feels like too much for you. And that's it, simple, balanced, and one, this is one of my favorite summer looks. And as always, all the fashion pieces are linked down below in the description box. Actually, there's nothing new for you here, I mean, all the clothing that I'm wearing here in this video, those are real clothing pieces that I've been wearing before in my previous videos, but anyway, all of the links are waiting for you down below. Same outfit formula here, but in reverse. Statement leopard pants in that trendy balloon cut, balanced with a black waisted linen vest, which looks like a neutral basic top here. This set is made for hot days. The linen is super thin and breathable with no lining, so it feels as light as a tank top, but infinitely more stylish. I topped it off with a headscarf, because remember, summer styling is an ode to accessorizing, and carried my vintage handmade basket bag. Yes, I will link similar options from Etsy. And the last one, I pulled out the please say skirt from my skirts video and paired it with an oversized linen top in burgundy. The combo on its own is already a win, but I elevated it with mesh ballet flats and two-tone raffia bag. If it feels like too much for you, you can go with neutral accessorizing. So the key takeaway, breezy non-clingy tops that let air circulate are the secret to staying cool in a heatwave. Almost all my summer tops are loose and lightweight. Airflow is your best friend. And a gentle reminder, especially for those of you who are new to my channel, I have developed a very simple yet highly effective style quiz. Take this quiz, it will take just a few moments, answer a few questions, and you will get your personal wardrobe plan absolutely free right to your mailbox. This plan is designed to help you understand what you might be doing wrong while shopping or while creating your outfits, and guide you towards better style decisions. Follow the link in the description box, and always remember that you're just one click away from transforming your personal style together with me and with my team. Now, outfit formula number three. Super light, totally unexpected layering. And I know, I know, summer heat and layering, it sounds like oil and water, but when you do it smart, you get a uniquely head-turning look. So, I start with my go-to long line top. You have seen it so many different times in different stylings here on my YouTube channel and on my Instagram page. It's made from the thinnest cotton, so it doesn't trap heat. Instead, it lets air move freely under everything, yet visually, it's a showstopper. Adds drama without weight. I wore this exact combo to a beach cafe party with friends, and it was a total compliment magnet. Another variation of the same outfit formula, that exact top paired with another skirt. I added a pleated bag and my favorite strappy sandals. If you want a bit more coverage, just swap the cropped top for a simple tank top. While it works, these lightweight layers give you a double impact style and airflow. Every time I want a statement summer outfit, these are my go-to looks. And the last outfit formula for today, pairing texture with print. This is my secret to adding depth without adding extra layers. Let me show you what I mean. Textured pieces like embroidered elements, crochet fabrics, or ruffian materials work like a print, but without a color, right? It gives a visual interest without introducing a new hue, a new color. So, pairing that with a pattern in the same color family, and you get a cohesive high-impact look. So, an eyelet embroidery top paired with those printed pants. Both pieces are in the same neutral tone, but all those little details in the embroidery and the print keep the outfit anything but boring. I add a raffia bag for extra texture, then my favorite saison beaded necklace and vintage turquoise pendant for tiny color pops. Or, another example here, grab your favorite floral skirt and pair it with a crochet crop top. The cropped cut lets the print shine. I mean, it doesn't cover any part of the print, which is very important here with this specific statement asymmetric print, while the crochet brings in that print-like texture. Finish with knit belay flats, or maybe like crochet style flats, so they echo the top. And you've got a knit-flats mirror both the texture and the color, bringing cohesiveness to the look. So, try texture plus print next time, and watch your outfit come alive. I hope you enjoyed this like freestyle format today. Please drop a comment what do you think about this new format, if it's okay for you. I hope I brought you some value today. These are my real life outfits, what I actually wore during the heat wave here in Portugal. As always, I only share what I genuinely wear myself. Thank you so much for spending this time with me, and see you in the next one! And you are still here! Good news, you're ready to watch another video. My recommendation would be six must-have skirts for summer, season, and mistakes to avoid. Actually, I have created more than 20 outfits styling the same six skirts. I bet you would love this video. See you there!