Summer MVPs: 7 Hot-Weather Heroes

breezy dresses, hard-working accessories, the SPF I swear by, plus genius entertaining hacks!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Eve! In the United States, this weekend marks the beginning of summer, and is filled with red, white, and blue parades in honor of the military, casual outdoor parties and picnics, and of course, the return of white jeans.

Our family is celebrating a big milestone, as my daughter, Sadie, graduates from high school on Sunday. We’re in for an unseasonally chilly weekend here, which makes the sundress I’d planned to wear redundant, but I’m optimistically thinking hot-weather thoughts and hoping for sunny days!

Whether it warms up this weekend or not, summer, with its late sunsets, sweaty tennis games, lazy beach days, and vacations, is upon us, and I’m thrilled. I was raised in a hot, humid place, and feel well-qualified to handle the heat.

Here are the things I rely on each summer to stay cool and stylish, entertain effortlessly, and make the most of my favorite season!

One thing I love about summer? Not wearing pants. Is there anything better than escaping waistbands for an entire season? I think not! My day-to-day summer uniform consists of a blue and white striped cotton cap-sleeved shirt dress with pockets that is sadly no longer available. Here are three options to throw on and be dressed for the day:

1. Cotton short-sleeved swing dress. Comes in striped or plain. Another great Old Navy option, with pockets.

2. Cotton-linen striped, embroidered mini dress. Love the front patch pockets!

3. Cotton long-sleeved button-down. With pockets, of course!

I have been carrying this recycled canvas and vegan leather tote for more than 5 years: it has reliably gone from airplane to beach more times than I can count, and has held its shape and color beautifully.

Essential for cool mornings and evenings, air-conditioned movie theaters, windy days on beaches or boats, and of course, airplane rides. Whites + stripes = summer!

1. Cotton rollneck. A summer classic, in ivory, navy, or striped.

2. Striped cardigan. From Kule, a brand that specializes in preppy stripes!

3. Organic cotton crewneck. With 6 colors to choose from.

I wear this genius tinted moisturiser/sunscreen instead of foundation all year round because, due to some magic I don’t understand, it is formulated to match the color of your skin as it changes during the seasons! It was recommended by my dermatologist and includes zinc and vitamin C as well as SPF 45, goes on smoothly, and lasts all day. While expensive, it’s the best tinted moisturiser I’ve ever used and I cannot recommend it enough!

Almost every summer event I attend is outside and involves at least some standing and walking on grass. The only shoes that make sense are flats or wedges. Nude or black strappy sandals go with everything, and espadrilles are a fun twist on ballet flats.

1. Nude strappy flats.

2. Almost flat wedge espadrille. Lots of colors to choose from!

3. Strappy black sandals. They also come in ivory and gold.

Before I had children, I don’t remember ever needing anything more than a towel to wrap around my waist over my swimsuit—but these days, I don’t go near a pool, boat, or beach without an airy, comfortable cover-up, preferably with pockets!

1. Quick-drying button-down. A shirt in just the right length, in a quick-dry fabric!

2. Airy Cotton Gauze. This is the cover-up I wear the most. I love that it covers my arms and knees, and it has pockets.

3. Aqualace mini-dress. I have a maxi version of this washable, quick-dry dress, and love its “summer on a European yacht” vibes!

4. They’re a splurge, but Ulla Johnson’s beautifully made matching swimsuits and skirt cover-ups are stunning!

Pavlova

• Pavlova. As an Australian, I’m biased, but I believe this is the ideal summer dessert—and it’s gluten-free! Some notes on this recipe: it does not specify caster, aka superfine sugar, but using it makes a notable difference. You do NOT need to sweeten the whipped cream - the meringue is already incredibly sweet. And finally, once the cooking time ends, turn off the oven (don’t open it!) and let the pavlova cool down, ideally overnight.

• Confetti Corn. When corn is in season, I serve this extremely easy sautéed corn side dish instead of corn on the cob, which, while delicious, tends to get stuck in teeth!

• The Easiest Appetizer. Ever since reading this piece by Jenny Rosenstrach, I’ve followed her “three-things strategy” to give guests something tasty but not too filling to nibble on pre-dinner. I typically serve salt and vinegar potato chips, a bowl of olives, and some nuts.

• Sunny Easy Breezy Tunes. This is our family’s go-to playlist for lazy afternoons and long car rides. For something more upbeat, we play Summer Anthems!

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I’d love to know: what are you up to this weekend? And what are your summer essentials?! And my commiserations to those of you who dislike hot weather—I know it’s not everyone’s favorite season…

1. The Tennis Edit. Serving preppy-chic entertainment and gift ideas.

2. How To Create A Beloved Family Tradition. 6 things I've learned from 20 years of "The Beach."

3. 10 Instant (and Free!) Mood Boosters! Simple pleasures, easy treats, and fun surprises…

The Four Seasons

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