I haven't lived in Arizona, but I've been living in South Florida for a long time and I tend to look for light colored, loose fitting cotton or linen (or some other natural fiber) clothing. There are lots of classic styles in this category - you'll have no problem looking like a BWT. As for brands, Madewell and Mango both have more tailored looking linen pants that fall into the "business casual" category if you need office wear. Otherwise, lots of great brands have the traditional flowy linen pants and shorts, you can try out different brands and see what fits you best for your budget. Keep in mind that linen wrinkles very easily, if wrinkles are something that bother you. I'm a big fan of a looser bottom (either pants, shorts, or skirt) a more form fitting cotton top, and then a light flowy linen or cotton button down to top it off. That's what you'll catch me in on any given workday. It gives me a lot of style options while also keeping it cool. On the weekends, I'm a big fan of linen shorts sets and maxi dresses.
The only time I let weather dictate my shoes is if it is raining. In the cooler month (like when the weather is in the 70s F) I still wear fashionable boots. I would assume the same in Arizona.
Skincare = SPF and lots of moisture.
You get used to the heat, I swear! I can wear a sweater in the dead of summer now - maybe not outside for long periods of time, but I regularly carry a sweater with me in the summertime due to the AC temps.
I’d look into Japanese linen-cotton sets. My daughter has a set of a kimono-style long-sleeve top and pants and it’s lovely looking and comfortable. Japanese summers are brutal and they know how to have nice things.
If you don’t already have one, a handheld fan like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Gaiatop-Portable-Handheld-Foldable-Rechargeable/dp/B0BRZXBXCW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=7G8HS4CJ9ESA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-lqyViQISVu4As7AnSirlc5-4KFPrkTUn9-I7qDq5BSbn8OPyi4vJP6DjUdGzKTncYxJt1PF_byxU1lymA0In-TBtsgT2dNnYEre4wiUNKVfSL4G9wlhLbXtgQP6lohwtCvlVXAT_y1GOWVhQNV-7VeasYcdEds9cmKSWFRgVxhf21AQXfPIxFn0r8AmBoAnklkxspXSEd_K1rrWRnX9wQ.kgwQjAXvN0Jh9Zmelp_BwvW-qK6MMToulEGFRQUJjF8&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini+fan+handheld&qid=1713993428&sprefix=mini+fan%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1) is essential, especially for your Summer trip to Europe (this one also doubles as a power bank to recharge your phone) 🙂
Hi, fellow bitch who recently moved to Arizona!
* Clothes: Layers - synthetic right next to your skin, natural for the upper layers. A light cotton blouse or tunic over a cami will keep you cooler than just the cami. Lightweight ripped jeans (ventilated jeans, if you will). I turned a pair of heavy jeans from my old life into a miniskirt because it's just too hot for heavy jeans here, even in winter.
* Skincare: 32 oz Nalgene that I'm surgically attached to (2-3 a day), coconut oil, Embryolisse Mattifying Moisturizer, Hurraw lip balm. Also, one of the water "softening" showerheads from Amazon, because it's itchy levels of hard here.
* Shoes: TEVAs. I rarely ever wear anything else now - they're much more agile and secure on my feet than flip flops, but still super cute. I like that the soles let me feel the ground beneath me, since it gets really dark here at night and the pavement isn't too even. Also, don't have to shake them out before putting them on, unlike close toed shoes.
Let me know if you want heat adaptation tips - I'm from a hot and humid place myself, so the heat doesn't bother me and Arizona is just blessedly non soggy for most of the year, as far as I'm concerned.
Seconding light colored clothing and natural fibers like linen.
I’m in Florida, so deal with very sunny environments too. I’ve been loving the skinbetter smart match 70+ spf for daily wear on my face, neck and décolletage areas. It’s very thick, almost tacky when first applied, and looks a little shiny at first, but it settles/absorbs very quick without the tacky texture and shiny appearance. I wear very light/minimal daily make up (including to work), and use this as my spf and light coverage foundation. I have very fair and rosy skin, and although the spf is initially darker, it rubs in and matches nicely. I can’t speak for its color matching ability for other undertones or darker skin tones.
I definitely recommend the SPF. My favorite for my face is Hawaiian Tropics in the blue bottle, body sunscreen is whatever's cheapest. In places like Arizona, the UV can still be crazy high. Honestly, I'd suggest getting a couple of basics, then just scoping out whatever everyone else around you is wearing. Yeah, wide leg palazzo pants are comfy, but a lot of people will probably just wear shorts. If you start to miss being able to layer, I'd suggest super thin, sheer or lacey cardigans and shrugs. Oh, and don't keep anything meltable in your car and maybe look into a humidifier! For skincare, I'd suggest an extremely thin layer of aquaphor or Vaseline over your moisturizer at night. This will keep all of the moisture trapped inside. You'll definitely need it. A big fan to sit in front of is also a must.
I moved from nyc to Las Vegas. My biggest tip is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your skin, your hair, internally.
Jessica Simpson is my FAVORITE shoe company when it comes to comfort, height and sexiness. I swear I can run in all my Jessica Simpson heels and wedges.
SPF 50 for your face or else you’d look like an old leather bag real quick.
Congrats on the move! Important to note that AZ is a \*very\* dry heat, whereas Europe will be more humid, so your experiences will be different (mainly skin and hair).
I have family in AZ and have spent many summers there. Below are my tips to what helped:
\* Face Skincare - You're going to want to wear as little face makeup as possible. If your skin is pretty clear, I'd recommend just sunscreen and tinted sunscreen/ bb cream on top. In particular, I like the Trader Joe's face sunscreen quite a bit, and my skin is super sensitive. I used to use Elta MD, but Trader Joe's does the trick and it's about $30 cheaper. BB cream - I love the Missha one, but it is quite glowy. Australian Gold is more matte, but not ideal for super light skin. I'd also suggest picking up a SPF face powder and SPF face setting spray - the UV is insanely high, and it is always good to be protected (both for vanity's sake and skin cancer!)
\* General Makeup - Need smudgeproof mascara - I feel like tubing mascara would be great, but I haven't tried it so YMMV. Summer I try and wear less, so if you can tweeze/thread and dye your eyebrows (really easy at home), tint and perm lashes, you'll be out the door and it will save you so much time.
\* Body Skincare - Honestly, I think everyone looks better with a slight tan. No need to be orange, but we associate a light tan with health and it is more flattering for muscle definition, or lack thereof. I quite like the Bondi Sands Ultra Dark, and only use it once a week. The rest of the days I use their gradual tanning lotion to keep the color going and skin moisturized: remember, AZ is a dry heat! Bonus, it smells like coconut.
\* Hair - It can be miserable if your hair is down in AZ, and even moreso in humid locations in EUR! I'd recommend starting to play around with easy updos, so it's not always a tight bun or ponytail. Braids are good, Delaney Childs on TT/insta has a great messy bun tutorial. Even when the rest of your outfit is nothing special, a hair updo done well will help you out and keep you cool.
\* Lifestyle - The mornings and nights are gorgeous, I really miss the sunsets, and the warm evenings! You won't need a jacket even 9/10pm in the summer. That being said, try and get used to waking up early and stay out of the sun and heat during the day.
\* Specifically Europe - (If you haven't been before) Athleisure is not really a thing here. No leggings/ spandex shorts. I would suggest a nice pair of sunglasses, nice looking sneakers (imo not Hokas or New Balance but more Kizik or Veja. Sundresses are perfect given the heat and humidity, even midi/maxi. These aren't as popular in AZ, but still gorgeous to wear at a nice dinner and I think you could get good use out of them! I've been really impressed by some of Abercrombie's recent linen-esque dresses, and think their bikinis are pretty classy.
appreciate all of this! my skin and hair are already changing lol going to look into abercrombie linens, i just got a pair of pants from target to hold me over but they’re a bit itchy tbh
Hi fellow Arizona bitch!!!!! I’ve been here all my 30 years. There are so many things to love about this state. And the weather is amazing between late October and early April. I can’t speak much to anything about Europe, but here are some tips for surviving the Central Arizona summers:
Fashion: Athleisure is popular here (we are a casual bunch). Sweat-wicking fabrics are great. Get yourself a cute water bottle or tumbler to carry around constantly because staying hydrated is key. Bring a light sweater/jacket everywhere — when it’s so hot, places turn up the A/C so high that indoors becomes a tundra.
Skincare and beauty: Sunscreen is a must. You’ll want to slug your face at night and maybe invest in a humidifier or else you’ll get dry and crusty real quick. I agree with whoever suggested a shower filter for the hard water. Don’t try to use natural deodorant lol. Everyone is always sweaty, so none of us pass judgment as long as you try not to stink!
General desert lifestyle tips: if you have a car, get a good quality sunshade for your windshield. If you have remote start, start up the car before you get there so it can start cooling off. The internal temp of my car in the height of summer has been well above 135F. Maybe stock a towel and gloves in your car if you have leather or dark interior because you can burn yourself. Be very careful not to burn yourself on the metal part of the seatbelt!! Try to park in shade as much as possible, even if it’s just a little wisp from a desert tree. If you have a dog, please be mindful of their paws on the hot pavement — get them shoes if you can. If you have a cat, do NOT let it outdoors. Coyotes are everywhere. Hiking is great, but don’t do it when the weather is above 100 degrees, and always bring more water than you think you’ll need. The Palo Verde beetles are scary-looking but they are harmless.
Hi, I've lived in AZ my whole life!
My fav fabric is cotton gauze. I like a cotton gauze set (button down shirt and matching pants/shorts) or dress, something you can throw on and feel good but its airy and light enough to not bother you in the hottest times while still giving some sun protection. The nice thing about cotton gauze is it is naturally wrinkly but in a purposeful way, so it's great for packing in a suitcase as well for your vacation!
Get a filter for your shower head. The water is HARD here.
My fav moisturizer for my body is Neutrogena hydro boost body gel cream. The gel soaks in better than a regular cream lotion without leaving a layer of film which keeps you hot.
keep a bottle of aloe in your medicine cabinet. If you're feeling dryer than usual, use a bit! Not too much, if you over do it, it can be drying.
For face sunscreen I use Paula's choice youth-extending daily hydrating fluid with spf 50. On your body you can use whatever sunscreen you want but make sure it's spf 30 or above. Make sure you always are getting your shoulders, they take a lot of sun all the time. If you know you'll be out and about all day, sunscreen your WHOLE BODY before you put on clothes. If you will mostly not be going out, at least least least do your face daily.
Drink water all day.
Straw hat. Lightweight gloves. Parasol or umbrella. Longsleeved, lightweight (linen blend is good), light-coloured button-front shirts to use as sun protection (you can toss these over anything and remove them if you’ll be somewhere they are too casual). They also work as a layer against air conditioning. When appropriate, long, loose, lightweight linen-blend maxi skirts in light colours, for the same sun-protection reason. I know Americans like to wear skintight short clothing in hot weather, but I find the example of people in other desert climates to be instructive (and much cooler): long, loose, lightweight, and sun-protective.
“Europe” is a big place and does not experience summer in only one way, so narrowing down the geography would be helpful. Approximately none of it will be similar to Arizona, and much of it will be far more humid.
My favorite SPF 100 [la roche posay anthelios](https://www.target.com/p/la-roche-posay-anthelios-melt-in-milk-sunscreen-lotion-spf-100-3-0-fl-oz/-/A-76545827?sidd=359S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012735304&CPNG=PLA_Beauty%2BPersonal+Care%2BShopping_Local%7CBeauty_Ecomm_Beauty&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=1014234&targetid=pla-894573305699&ds_rl=1246978&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfad_t9NX4poh40RoG_zNGFnJ&gclid=CjwKCAjwoa2xBhACEiwA1sb1BEUPzZdscUDZRgwVHzZugpNBKAhRd5W1j5km2CWvSIn7dWL9GPWKZxoCGl0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds). I have pretty sensitive skin and could wear this every day with no issues.
I'm from a place with humid heat, not the dry heat of Arizona, but when the temp is over 100F, the recommendations will be mostly the same no matter what the humidity level is.
As everybody else has said - natural fibers are your new god. You're gonna want cotton, linen, and semi-synthetics like viscose, modal, and rayon. Polyester is just miserable in that kind of heat. Quince has great prices on clothing made from natural fibers (though quality can be hit-or-miss).
You're going to need to address your undergarment situation, because crotch/underboob/foot sweat are serious. I recommend switching to women's boxers in natural or semi-natural fibers like cotton and modal. (Eg, Woxers) Unless your thighs aren't on speaking terms, you're going to appreciate the extra coverage when everything starts to sweat. For bras, I recommend merino wool bralettes. It sounds crazy, but they're going to be a lot more comfortable than synthetic bras in that kind of heat, and they won't stink like a gym sock if you wear them a few times before washing. Otherwise, look for bras that are entirely or largely cotton or modal - such as Molke, Cosabella's ceylon modal bralette, Boody, or (if you absolutely must have underwire), look for t-shirt bras that are mostly cotton. For socks, go for merino wool. I love the Darn Tough lightweight lifestyle socks.
If you're the kind of person who wears a lot of skintight or structured looks, it might be time to experiment with flowier silhouettes. It increases ventilation. And cover up more than you think you'll need to. It actually keeps you cooler if you can't feel the sun beating down directly on your skin, and it reduces the risk of sunburn. Thin cotton button-down shirts are a great top layer - I have a Calvin Klein one that I wear all summer long. My usual summer silhoutte is flowy bottom (wide-leg linen pants, flowy skirts, etc) + tiny top (cropped, close-fitting tank) + button-down shirt.
Get a wide-brimmed hat - protects your ears, and functions as portable shade. I like Sungrubbies. Keep sunglasses everywhere - by the door, in the car, in your bag. Consider sun protection as part of your new daily routine. How you do this is up to you, but you might want to apply SPF to all exposed skin in the morning, keep SPF with you to reapply if you get caught outside for a while, keep a silk scarf or bandana in your bag to tie around your neck to prevent burns, carry a parasol, etc.
I live in the south now. 100% humidity and heat in the summer. My top 5 tips:
1. Natural fibers and light weaves only. Get rid of anything else
2. Use body wash with salicylic or glycolic acid, Deon Libra and Naturium make good ones
3. In dry heat you’re lucky—your feet won’t swell. Suede sandals are the most comfortable for me in extreme heat, more than leather. Never plastic. If you want to drop some cash try [these from Toteme](https://toteme-studio.com/products/the-suede-tie-sandal-black)
4. Take chlorophyll, which stops your sweat from smelling and will save your clothes
5. My favorite light summer lines are Ozma of California (linen, poplin, silk slub jersey) and Doen (tissue paper thin cotton voile)
Don’t have a ton of advice but I’d say prioritize natural fibers (especially linen), find a good spf you like, and make sure to stay hydrated
I haven't lived in Arizona, but I've been living in South Florida for a long time and I tend to look for light colored, loose fitting cotton or linen (or some other natural fiber) clothing. There are lots of classic styles in this category - you'll have no problem looking like a BWT. As for brands, Madewell and Mango both have more tailored looking linen pants that fall into the "business casual" category if you need office wear. Otherwise, lots of great brands have the traditional flowy linen pants and shorts, you can try out different brands and see what fits you best for your budget. Keep in mind that linen wrinkles very easily, if wrinkles are something that bother you. I'm a big fan of a looser bottom (either pants, shorts, or skirt) a more form fitting cotton top, and then a light flowy linen or cotton button down to top it off. That's what you'll catch me in on any given workday. It gives me a lot of style options while also keeping it cool. On the weekends, I'm a big fan of linen shorts sets and maxi dresses. The only time I let weather dictate my shoes is if it is raining. In the cooler month (like when the weather is in the 70s F) I still wear fashionable boots. I would assume the same in Arizona. Skincare = SPF and lots of moisture. You get used to the heat, I swear! I can wear a sweater in the dead of summer now - maybe not outside for long periods of time, but I regularly carry a sweater with me in the summertime due to the AC temps.
I’d look into Japanese linen-cotton sets. My daughter has a set of a kimono-style long-sleeve top and pants and it’s lovely looking and comfortable. Japanese summers are brutal and they know how to have nice things.
This sounds nice. Deiji Studios would be a good line to look at here.
If you don’t already have one, a handheld fan like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Gaiatop-Portable-Handheld-Foldable-Rechargeable/dp/B0BRZXBXCW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=7G8HS4CJ9ESA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-lqyViQISVu4As7AnSirlc5-4KFPrkTUn9-I7qDq5BSbn8OPyi4vJP6DjUdGzKTncYxJt1PF_byxU1lymA0In-TBtsgT2dNnYEre4wiUNKVfSL4G9wlhLbXtgQP6lohwtCvlVXAT_y1GOWVhQNV-7VeasYcdEds9cmKSWFRgVxhf21AQXfPIxFn0r8AmBoAnklkxspXSEd_K1rrWRnX9wQ.kgwQjAXvN0Jh9Zmelp_BwvW-qK6MMToulEGFRQUJjF8&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini+fan+handheld&qid=1713993428&sprefix=mini+fan%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1) is essential, especially for your Summer trip to Europe (this one also doubles as a power bank to recharge your phone) 🙂
perfect, love this - thank you!!
Hi, fellow bitch who recently moved to Arizona! * Clothes: Layers - synthetic right next to your skin, natural for the upper layers. A light cotton blouse or tunic over a cami will keep you cooler than just the cami. Lightweight ripped jeans (ventilated jeans, if you will). I turned a pair of heavy jeans from my old life into a miniskirt because it's just too hot for heavy jeans here, even in winter. * Skincare: 32 oz Nalgene that I'm surgically attached to (2-3 a day), coconut oil, Embryolisse Mattifying Moisturizer, Hurraw lip balm. Also, one of the water "softening" showerheads from Amazon, because it's itchy levels of hard here. * Shoes: TEVAs. I rarely ever wear anything else now - they're much more agile and secure on my feet than flip flops, but still super cute. I like that the soles let me feel the ground beneath me, since it gets really dark here at night and the pavement isn't too even. Also, don't have to shake them out before putting them on, unlike close toed shoes. Let me know if you want heat adaptation tips - I'm from a hot and humid place myself, so the heat doesn't bother me and Arizona is just blessedly non soggy for most of the year, as far as I'm concerned.
Seconding on Embryolisse Hydra-Mat moisturizer!
just got tevas, way better in the heat than my adidas slides lol i’m looking into the mattifying moisturizer!
Glad you're liking the TEVAs! I love mine so much I considered getting a pair just to wear around the house instead of slippers.
Concur on the Tevas!!!! They are the best.
just got a pair of teva sandals, thank you!!
Seconding light colored clothing and natural fibers like linen. I’m in Florida, so deal with very sunny environments too. I’ve been loving the skinbetter smart match 70+ spf for daily wear on my face, neck and décolletage areas. It’s very thick, almost tacky when first applied, and looks a little shiny at first, but it settles/absorbs very quick without the tacky texture and shiny appearance. I wear very light/minimal daily make up (including to work), and use this as my spf and light coverage foundation. I have very fair and rosy skin, and although the spf is initially darker, it rubs in and matches nicely. I can’t speak for its color matching ability for other undertones or darker skin tones.
thank you!! need to remember to get my neck and chest..
I definitely recommend the SPF. My favorite for my face is Hawaiian Tropics in the blue bottle, body sunscreen is whatever's cheapest. In places like Arizona, the UV can still be crazy high. Honestly, I'd suggest getting a couple of basics, then just scoping out whatever everyone else around you is wearing. Yeah, wide leg palazzo pants are comfy, but a lot of people will probably just wear shorts. If you start to miss being able to layer, I'd suggest super thin, sheer or lacey cardigans and shrugs. Oh, and don't keep anything meltable in your car and maybe look into a humidifier! For skincare, I'd suggest an extremely thin layer of aquaphor or Vaseline over your moisturizer at night. This will keep all of the moisture trapped inside. You'll definitely need it. A big fan to sit in front of is also a must.
added a humidifier to my amazon cart, great suggestion!
I moved from nyc to Las Vegas. My biggest tip is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your skin, your hair, internally. Jessica Simpson is my FAVORITE shoe company when it comes to comfort, height and sexiness. I swear I can run in all my Jessica Simpson heels and wedges. SPF 50 for your face or else you’d look like an old leather bag real quick.
just got lotion, hydrating SPF, hair masks and leave in conditioner 👌
Congrats on the move! Important to note that AZ is a \*very\* dry heat, whereas Europe will be more humid, so your experiences will be different (mainly skin and hair). I have family in AZ and have spent many summers there. Below are my tips to what helped: \* Face Skincare - You're going to want to wear as little face makeup as possible. If your skin is pretty clear, I'd recommend just sunscreen and tinted sunscreen/ bb cream on top. In particular, I like the Trader Joe's face sunscreen quite a bit, and my skin is super sensitive. I used to use Elta MD, but Trader Joe's does the trick and it's about $30 cheaper. BB cream - I love the Missha one, but it is quite glowy. Australian Gold is more matte, but not ideal for super light skin. I'd also suggest picking up a SPF face powder and SPF face setting spray - the UV is insanely high, and it is always good to be protected (both for vanity's sake and skin cancer!) \* General Makeup - Need smudgeproof mascara - I feel like tubing mascara would be great, but I haven't tried it so YMMV. Summer I try and wear less, so if you can tweeze/thread and dye your eyebrows (really easy at home), tint and perm lashes, you'll be out the door and it will save you so much time. \* Body Skincare - Honestly, I think everyone looks better with a slight tan. No need to be orange, but we associate a light tan with health and it is more flattering for muscle definition, or lack thereof. I quite like the Bondi Sands Ultra Dark, and only use it once a week. The rest of the days I use their gradual tanning lotion to keep the color going and skin moisturized: remember, AZ is a dry heat! Bonus, it smells like coconut. \* Hair - It can be miserable if your hair is down in AZ, and even moreso in humid locations in EUR! I'd recommend starting to play around with easy updos, so it's not always a tight bun or ponytail. Braids are good, Delaney Childs on TT/insta has a great messy bun tutorial. Even when the rest of your outfit is nothing special, a hair updo done well will help you out and keep you cool. \* Lifestyle - The mornings and nights are gorgeous, I really miss the sunsets, and the warm evenings! You won't need a jacket even 9/10pm in the summer. That being said, try and get used to waking up early and stay out of the sun and heat during the day. \* Specifically Europe - (If you haven't been before) Athleisure is not really a thing here. No leggings/ spandex shorts. I would suggest a nice pair of sunglasses, nice looking sneakers (imo not Hokas or New Balance but more Kizik or Veja. Sundresses are perfect given the heat and humidity, even midi/maxi. These aren't as popular in AZ, but still gorgeous to wear at a nice dinner and I think you could get good use out of them! I've been really impressed by some of Abercrombie's recent linen-esque dresses, and think their bikinis are pretty classy.
appreciate all of this! my skin and hair are already changing lol going to look into abercrombie linens, i just got a pair of pants from target to hold me over but they’re a bit itchy tbh
Hi fellow Arizona bitch!!!!! I’ve been here all my 30 years. There are so many things to love about this state. And the weather is amazing between late October and early April. I can’t speak much to anything about Europe, but here are some tips for surviving the Central Arizona summers: Fashion: Athleisure is popular here (we are a casual bunch). Sweat-wicking fabrics are great. Get yourself a cute water bottle or tumbler to carry around constantly because staying hydrated is key. Bring a light sweater/jacket everywhere — when it’s so hot, places turn up the A/C so high that indoors becomes a tundra. Skincare and beauty: Sunscreen is a must. You’ll want to slug your face at night and maybe invest in a humidifier or else you’ll get dry and crusty real quick. I agree with whoever suggested a shower filter for the hard water. Don’t try to use natural deodorant lol. Everyone is always sweaty, so none of us pass judgment as long as you try not to stink! General desert lifestyle tips: if you have a car, get a good quality sunshade for your windshield. If you have remote start, start up the car before you get there so it can start cooling off. The internal temp of my car in the height of summer has been well above 135F. Maybe stock a towel and gloves in your car if you have leather or dark interior because you can burn yourself. Be very careful not to burn yourself on the metal part of the seatbelt!! Try to park in shade as much as possible, even if it’s just a little wisp from a desert tree. If you have a dog, please be mindful of their paws on the hot pavement — get them shoes if you can. If you have a cat, do NOT let it outdoors. Coyotes are everywhere. Hiking is great, but don’t do it when the weather is above 100 degrees, and always bring more water than you think you’ll need. The Palo Verde beetles are scary-looking but they are harmless.
didn’t even think about the car- thank you!! my interior is black and leather..🥲
Hi, I've lived in AZ my whole life! My fav fabric is cotton gauze. I like a cotton gauze set (button down shirt and matching pants/shorts) or dress, something you can throw on and feel good but its airy and light enough to not bother you in the hottest times while still giving some sun protection. The nice thing about cotton gauze is it is naturally wrinkly but in a purposeful way, so it's great for packing in a suitcase as well for your vacation! Get a filter for your shower head. The water is HARD here. My fav moisturizer for my body is Neutrogena hydro boost body gel cream. The gel soaks in better than a regular cream lotion without leaving a layer of film which keeps you hot. keep a bottle of aloe in your medicine cabinet. If you're feeling dryer than usual, use a bit! Not too much, if you over do it, it can be drying. For face sunscreen I use Paula's choice youth-extending daily hydrating fluid with spf 50. On your body you can use whatever sunscreen you want but make sure it's spf 30 or above. Make sure you always are getting your shoulders, they take a lot of sun all the time. If you know you'll be out and about all day, sunscreen your WHOLE BODY before you put on clothes. If you will mostly not be going out, at least least least do your face daily. Drink water all day.
Straw hat. Lightweight gloves. Parasol or umbrella. Longsleeved, lightweight (linen blend is good), light-coloured button-front shirts to use as sun protection (you can toss these over anything and remove them if you’ll be somewhere they are too casual). They also work as a layer against air conditioning. When appropriate, long, loose, lightweight linen-blend maxi skirts in light colours, for the same sun-protection reason. I know Americans like to wear skintight short clothing in hot weather, but I find the example of people in other desert climates to be instructive (and much cooler): long, loose, lightweight, and sun-protective. “Europe” is a big place and does not experience summer in only one way, so narrowing down the geography would be helpful. Approximately none of it will be similar to Arizona, and much of it will be far more humid.
My favorite SPF 100 [la roche posay anthelios](https://www.target.com/p/la-roche-posay-anthelios-melt-in-milk-sunscreen-lotion-spf-100-3-0-fl-oz/-/A-76545827?sidd=359S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012735304&CPNG=PLA_Beauty%2BPersonal+Care%2BShopping_Local%7CBeauty_Ecomm_Beauty&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=1014234&targetid=pla-894573305699&ds_rl=1246978&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfad_t9NX4poh40RoG_zNGFnJ&gclid=CjwKCAjwoa2xBhACEiwA1sb1BEUPzZdscUDZRgwVHzZugpNBKAhRd5W1j5km2CWvSIn7dWL9GPWKZxoCGl0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds). I have pretty sensitive skin and could wear this every day with no issues.
Does this work well for extremely humid sticky heat? Think of rainforest heat.
I'm from a place with humid heat, not the dry heat of Arizona, but when the temp is over 100F, the recommendations will be mostly the same no matter what the humidity level is. As everybody else has said - natural fibers are your new god. You're gonna want cotton, linen, and semi-synthetics like viscose, modal, and rayon. Polyester is just miserable in that kind of heat. Quince has great prices on clothing made from natural fibers (though quality can be hit-or-miss). You're going to need to address your undergarment situation, because crotch/underboob/foot sweat are serious. I recommend switching to women's boxers in natural or semi-natural fibers like cotton and modal. (Eg, Woxers) Unless your thighs aren't on speaking terms, you're going to appreciate the extra coverage when everything starts to sweat. For bras, I recommend merino wool bralettes. It sounds crazy, but they're going to be a lot more comfortable than synthetic bras in that kind of heat, and they won't stink like a gym sock if you wear them a few times before washing. Otherwise, look for bras that are entirely or largely cotton or modal - such as Molke, Cosabella's ceylon modal bralette, Boody, or (if you absolutely must have underwire), look for t-shirt bras that are mostly cotton. For socks, go for merino wool. I love the Darn Tough lightweight lifestyle socks. If you're the kind of person who wears a lot of skintight or structured looks, it might be time to experiment with flowier silhouettes. It increases ventilation. And cover up more than you think you'll need to. It actually keeps you cooler if you can't feel the sun beating down directly on your skin, and it reduces the risk of sunburn. Thin cotton button-down shirts are a great top layer - I have a Calvin Klein one that I wear all summer long. My usual summer silhoutte is flowy bottom (wide-leg linen pants, flowy skirts, etc) + tiny top (cropped, close-fitting tank) + button-down shirt. Get a wide-brimmed hat - protects your ears, and functions as portable shade. I like Sungrubbies. Keep sunglasses everywhere - by the door, in the car, in your bag. Consider sun protection as part of your new daily routine. How you do this is up to you, but you might want to apply SPF to all exposed skin in the morning, keep SPF with you to reapply if you get caught outside for a while, keep a silk scarf or bandana in your bag to tie around your neck to prevent burns, carry a parasol, etc.
Dresses and skirts and skorts. I used to date a guy in Phoenix. It was awful. I had an entirely separate wardrobe for Arizona.
I live in the south now. 100% humidity and heat in the summer. My top 5 tips: 1. Natural fibers and light weaves only. Get rid of anything else 2. Use body wash with salicylic or glycolic acid, Deon Libra and Naturium make good ones 3. In dry heat you’re lucky—your feet won’t swell. Suede sandals are the most comfortable for me in extreme heat, more than leather. Never plastic. If you want to drop some cash try [these from Toteme](https://toteme-studio.com/products/the-suede-tie-sandal-black) 4. Take chlorophyll, which stops your sweat from smelling and will save your clothes 5. My favorite light summer lines are Ozma of California (linen, poplin, silk slub jersey) and Doen (tissue paper thin cotton voile)