What Dresses Are Best for Dining Outdoors This Summer?
When the weather is nice, it's enjoyable to eat outside. It's such a refreshing way to get the most out of the seasons when you can be outside without bundling up! After all, fall and winter will send you indoors once again — so make the most of each moment. When you dine outdoors, it's even more fun if you dress up.
Taking the time to pick the right women's dresses will make a big difference in how comfortable and stylish you feel when you dine outside. So what dresses are best for dining outdoors this summer? This list of criteria and styling ideas will help you look and feel your best this season.
Step 1: Find the Right Material
In the summer, you need breathable materials that will keep your skin feeling cool. Overall, you should stick to lightweight materials that are moisture-wicking, such as thinly woven cotton, linen, or a jersey dress. It's best to avoid heavier fabrics like sweater materials, cashmere, thick cotton knits, wool, and fleece. It's also advisable to avoid any type of nylon or polyester that traps sweat close to your body.
These decisions should happen naturally as you adapt to the weather and seek cooler materials that will give you the best experience outdoors. Though it's better to plan, you can also learn through trial and error or simply follow your instincts and feel the fabric of the dress before you put it on. Do you believe it will keep you cool? Is it made from fabrics that will allow your skin to breathe and not trap in your sweat? Once you find the right material, you can then find the right fit, cut, and color for your needs.
Step 2: Find the Right Fit
If you want to stay cool outside, loose-fitting clothing is your best option. This rule applies to all types of summer clothing — whether you wear wide-leg pants, oversized blouses, or loose skirts, the best warm-weather clothing gives your skin some room to breathe. If you're looking for a summer dress that's really going to keep you cool, then explore maxi dresses for women that are made of breathable materials. The long and flowy silhouette of the maxi dress is perfect for the summer because it doesn't just promote airflow but also keeps the intense sun off your legs. You will also enjoy fit and flare dresses because of the way the skirt's loose fit helps you breathe!
Step 3: Get Sun Protection
If you plan to enjoy a meal outside during the height of the day, you should use sun protection. Whether you need to apply a lot of sunscreen or wear a lightweight cardigan to cover your arms and back, blocking UV rays will take the sting off any intense sun exposure. In fact, long sleeves that don't fit too tightly can keep you cooler than wearing sleeveless dresses. While this sounds counterintuitive, it makes a lot of sense. Wearing a loose layer of clothing is more effective than just sunblock alone. For the best results, check out swimsuit cover-up cardigans that are made with UPF Fabrics. This protects against over 90% of UVA and UVB rays. As a bonus, they dry quickly and can also be worn with your swimsuits.
Many summer dresses have sleeves, so you don't have to worry about protecting your back and arms. For example, shirt dresses cover the shoulders and can come in long or short sleeve versions. These are excellent for providing that extra protection you need from the sun when you don't have time to grab sunblock or a cardigan. Make sure that your shirt dress is made out of a thin material that breathes for the most comfort.
Step 4: Pick Cooling Colors
Did you know that some colors are better than others at keeping you cool? In particular, white, gray, yellow, pink, and red clothing does a better job of reflecting sunlight so that the heat does not get absorbed into the clothing as much. Colors to avoid in the height of the day include anything dark like navy, black, brown, or purple. However, if you plan to dine in the evening, the color of your dress doesn't matter as much since the weather gets much more pleasant as the evening goes on.
Just keep in mind the weather and the time of your meal to plan accordingly. For example, if you are dining outdoors for lunch, a light pink midi dress with a lightweight, protective shawl will give you adequate sun protection and cooling effects. Conversely, if you have a romantic dinner date by candlelight, you can pick any color you want, such as a reliable black dress or a tight-fitting purple bodycon dress.
By following these 4 easy tips, you can find the best dress for dining outdoors no matter the time of day.