by Minka Stoyanov

Created on: December 14, 2007

Spring and summer in the Rio Grande Valley are hot, and women's fashions from cooler climates (such as New York) are simply not comfortable. While the unique culture of "the Valley" is influenced by Hispanic trends, and less conservative attire is becoming the norm in Hispanic media, more conservative choices are still safest this side of the border. It is however, possible to create a contemporary and professional look while dressing for this unique southern lifestyle. Spice up your style and stay cool through bold use of color and fun accessories, as opposed to being scantily clad. The trick to summer fashion is simple, quality attire, worn in layers, and accessorized well.

Choosing the right colors and fabric is paramount to ensuring comfort in warmer climates, like "the Valley" area. Dark colors act as furnaces, absorbing sunlight and heating you as you wear them. Thus, it is best to look for lighter colors like white, beige, and pastels rather than darker colors often associated with women's business attire. If you must wear dark colors, use them as accents against primarily lighter outfits. Avoid synthetic materials, as they can cause perspiration. Cotton and linen are the best fabrics for summer clothes; they allow for the best ventilation. Light colored linen is the most versatile as it can be paired with bold accessories for social events or more conservative accessories for the office, however stiff linen garments wrinkle easily, and white shows dirt more readily. Try to choose softer linen materials to maintain a fresh look all day. Linen suits, worn with simple tops or bold jewelry, provide multiple options.

Another hot tip for summer fashion is loose fitting attire. Loose fitting clothing is airy and breathable. Also, look for loose fitting linen jackets to pair with simple undershirts for an understated, distinctly southern, tailored look. It is never acceptable to give into the summer heat and shorten the length of your skirt, but no one expects that you wear tight fitting suit-skirts and stockings either! Longer, loose fitting skirts that are well tailored are more comfortable and much more chic than short ones.

While skirts are always an easy solution to beat the summer heat, some women are more comfortable in pants. Summer pants absolutely must be made of a lightweight breathable material. Baggy or drawstring cotton pants paired with an oversized linen jacket and a shell (or nice cotton t-shirt) creates a fashionable, but comfortable summer style.

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