Remember the consecutive rainy days that led to 20-degree sweater weather earlier this year? Feels like a distant memory, as Singapore is back to its glorious heat and humidity.
Since this stickiness-inducing weather will be with us for the upcoming months, we’ve tapped into the styling prowess of celebs such as Blackpink’s Jisoo and Jennie, as well as local stars Fann Wong, Rebecca Lim and Jesseca Liu to show you how to stay cool and stylish in such a climate.
Crop tops like what Blackpink’s Jennie is wearing are having their moment in fashion thanks to the revival of ’90s fashion. These midriff-exposing designs are trendy, cover less skin, and that of course means less chances of sweat pooling on your torso. Conscious about baring your tummy? Pair cropped tops with breezy, high-waisted skirts or pants.
Available in two colourways – light khaki green or black – this ribbed jersey crop top with a racer back is versatile to pair with your athleisure attire or a pair of wide-legged jeans and dad sneakers. Definitely an off-day favourite.
White isn’t a colour many of us gravitate to because it can be troublesome to maintain the pristine, ethereal hue. However, white is the colour of choice to keep us cool as it reflects light (and heat) away from the wearer.
With its roomy silhouette, clean white hue and puffed sleeves, this Zara dress makes for a great garden brunch dress with your partner or girlfriends. The unique cutwork embroidery detail also acts as mini “vents” to let sweat evaporate easily.
Letting your skin show allows sweat to evaporate quickly to cool the body. Plus, it reveals more skin surface area for the sun to hit so that you can generate enough vitamin D, which many Singaporeans are deficient in as we spend so much time indoors. One stylish way to bare skin is to go with a scarf top like Taeyeon.
The fun part of this trend is that you don’t have to buy a new scarf, you can always repurpose an existing one you have at home. But if you’re looking for a fun option that gives you summer vacation vibes, try this geometric print version from Mango.
Donning on a pair of shorts when the mercury rises seem rather intuitive for us. But as Jesseca Liu shows, you can still earn style points when you pick up a pair that features a unique design or material like the leather shorts seen here. So put down those denim shorts you’ve had since 10 years ago and shop for a more contemporary design such as the one below.
Made by homegrown fashion label Klarra, this pair of textured high-waisted shorts come with pockets to stash your cards and phone. Finish the look with the matching blouse or any top of your choice.
Cotton is a favourite during hot weather as it can help absorb and wick away moisture. However, linen, such as the brown shirt Kim Go-eun is wearing here, is a far superior choice as it has improved breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities than cotton. Linen is often more lightweight than cotton too.
Besides the pretty embroidered details that add to the breathability, this Mango blouse is made with a blend of cotton and linen so you get the best of both worlds without sacrificing style or comfort.
We love jumpsuits for their quick all-in-one outfit that can get us out the door in the shortest time possible. Jumpsuits’ full-length silhouette, however, can feel stifling when we’re not in air-conditioned spaces. The solution? Playsuits. Like the outfit Joanne is sporting, playsuits have a shorter length that doesn’t trap heat and sweat around the thighs.
Designed with blazer-like lapels, this Steve Madden creation can be worn both at the office or at the weekend brunch. Style it with a pair of white pumps for office, and strappy flats for weekend dates.
Dressed in white? Check. Another tip you can glean from Blackpink’s Jisoo is to wear a loose, flowy strappy dress. Whether it is midi or maxi, these designs tend to be made with a lightweight fabric and cut in a way that allows airflow.
The Selia is a sleeveless, maxi dress with a high, cowl neckline and an open back. It features adjustable, tie straps so you can fit it to your liking. It’s relaxed-fitting throughout if you’re looking for something not too form-fitting.
Dressed in a glamorous Valentino maxi dress, Fann looks cool and polished thanks to the sheer fabric, which is naturally lightweight. This style will come in handy especially for outdoor events.
Made with lightweight chiffon, this breezy ruffle dress will feel barely there. While the sleeves are sheer, the main dress is lined to ensure no peek-a-boo incidents! It’s an easy dress to slip on for a weekend brunch.
Another way to keep cool in hot weather is to follow what Hwasa is doing here by swapping out your sneakers and closed-toe shoes for open-toe designs. These silhouettes do not impede airflow nor trap sweat, and are available in many designs that you can incorporate into your work or play outfits.
Nude mules are a versatile staple that everyone should have in their collection to fall back on. This Charles & Keith pair takes it a step further with the chunky statement buckle and geometric heels.
Activewear doesn’t have to be worn only when you’re exercising. Outside of the gym, feel free to incorporate your gym attire into your everyday wardrobe, like Zoe Tay here. Activewear is made to be moisture-wicking and prevent the wearer from overheating and often uses technical fabrics backed by research and science.
Made with Uniqlo’s proprietary technology AIRism that touts superior moisture- and heat-wicking capabilities, these leggings are also built with quick-drying and UV-protection features. It is available in four colours, so you can experiment with various colours and styling.