Now that it’s hotter than Bali in the UK, I’m sure we’d all love some tips to stay cool in the heat – without spending a fortune or having to brave an overheated shopping mall – particularly with the added challenge of social distancing and a distinct lack of stock.

Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

As a redhead, I have always found being out in the sun for too long a really uncomfortable experience.  My skin turns red in about 10 minutes!  Now I have kids it’s even more important to be aware of the risks of too much sun exposure and to have an arsenal of techniques to keep your children cool, particularly if they struggle to sleep at night.

Ieuan was a June baby and those of us who have given birth (or are about to) in hot summer weather know how difficult it can be to stay cool and comfortable.  And what about those of us working in offices where we are still expected to wear formal attire in the absence of air conditioning?  I’ve worked in a fair few offices like that.

So, here are my tips to stay cool in the heat.

Tips to stay cool in the heat

Choose loose-fitting clothing in cool, comfortable fabrics

Cotton and linen are cooler than man-made fabrics and there is no need to sacrifice style in your quest to keep cool. Personally, I always feel far more comfortable if my skin is covered, rather than exposed to the full glare of the sun. I’m a big fan of maxi dresses which you can dress up or down and, if you’re going through the menopause, tight clothes with manmade fabrics are a definite no-no!

Stay hydrated

Make sure that you carry water with you during the day and drink it regularly. Dehydration can lead to some quite unpleasant physical symptoms so know the signs: – increased thirst, sleepiness, headaches, and dizziness are clear signs you need to up your water intake.  Water, that is, not caffeine drinks which are diuretic and will leave you spending more time on the loo!

Another idea is to carry a water spray in your bag for a quick cool down and you can also cool your body by putting your wrists under cold running water.

Eat plenty of water-rich foods

Our bodies also take water from the foods we eat so it’s important to choose foods with high water content.  Natural whole foods have the most with fruit and vegetables containing 80 to 98 per cent water.  Great water-dense veg to eat include carrots, cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes. Try some great easy-to-make summer salads.

Stay out of the sun

A bit of a no-brainer this one but try to avoid staying in the sun for long periods. Don’t forget your sun hat and you could even use an umbrella as a parasol.  Stay out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm to minimise the chances of sunburn too – particularly important for little ones.

Protect your skin with sunscreen

It’s so easy to leave for work in the morning without thinking about applying sunscreen but you should take every chance to protect your skin, not least to ward off wrinkles and accelerated ageing.  There are plenty of high factor sunscreens for the face (I love Clinique’s City Block) and don’t forget the back of the neck and your ears.   Here’s what the British Association of Dermatologists has to say on the importance of sunscreen.  I also have some tips for applying your makeup in the heat.

Take lukewarm showers

You may find a tepid shower more cooling than a cold one.  And why not keep your body lotion in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.  It’s tempting to drench yourself in a highly perfumed body spray but I have never found these particularly cooling and an overly fragranced product tends to give me a headache.  These don’t really work as an effective deodorant either.

Make sure you’re prepared for the heat if using public transport

There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a swelteringly hot bus or train – and the temperatures can really climb on the underground.

Make sure you take water with you in case there is no buffet car or trolley on the train.  Portable fans may help too.  The husband tells me people passing out from the heat on the London underground is a regular event.

Now, of course, we have the added challenge of having to wear a mask on public transport in both England and Wales to protect us from COVID-19.  Make sure you choose one that meets the necessary safety requirement but is made from a soft and wearable fabric.  Some, of course, are permitted to forego masks for certain medical conditions, however, it is better to be safe than sorry in my book.

Keep as calm and relaxed as possible

I’m sure you’ve noticed that temperatures definitely tend to fray quicker in the heat.  Make sure you stay as mentally chilled as possible by ensuring your self-care doesn’t slip and you prioritise your health and well-being.

Whether that’s by changing the time of your daily exercise to the cooler early morning or evening or finding a cooler location to practise your yoga or meditation, it’s important to protect your me-time.  That’s especially important if you’re dealing with over-heated and fractious kids!

Here’s hoping you stay cool and comfortable for the rest of the summer!

Getting fashion right isn’t always easy, and we tend to go through different stages of it throughout our lives. When we are young, free and single, most of us prioritize looking good above all else – even if that means constantly having to straighten out a shirt that’s ruched up under your pencil skirt, or wearing a dress so tight, you aren’t quite sure whether you will ever breathe again normally.

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As we get older and work and family life takes over, a lot of people tend to head to another end of the spectrum entirely – the land of comfort. This means that gone are the days of lace blouses and tight denim – now it’s all about sweatpants and plain jumpers (the baggier, the better). But this transformation into the typical mum uniform can be pretty disheartening for many mothers.

After all, since when did having children mean that you can no longer dress in a way that allows you to express yourself?

Fashion is an art form, and when we lose our fashion mojo, it can sometimes feel as though we’ve lost a lot of our creativity along with it. But is there actually a way to be a style icon while being a busy mother, AND holding down a full-time job? You’ll be pleased to know that there IS a way to achieve this – but you’ll need to get savvy.

In order to create a workable look for yourself, you’ll need to be prepared to fit the fashion around your lifestyle, not the other way around.

The key to doing this is to find workable pieces of clothing that are comfortable, but that also speak to you on an aesthetic level.

This way, you can strike a perfect balance between being comfortable and able to run around after your kids, but also looking pretty fabulous while you do so. Check out my guide below.

Rock some flats

Have you grown up in an era where the ‘feminine’ thing to do was to wear heels 24/7? Sure, heels can make a woman’s outfit look that little bit more girly and glam, and there are some occasions where a pair of heels are very much warranted – a fancy dinner, or a work party, for example.

But wearing them all the time (even mid-heeled boots) can end up causing long-lasting damage to your feet.

Blisters, bunions and ingrown toenails are the least of your worries when it comes to wearing heels – nerve damage, spider veins and even back problems can all be caused or worsened by the long-term wearing of high heels.

In order to preserve your feet for years to come and to make rushing around throughout the day just that little bit easier, make a point of investing in some stylish flats.

Many women think that a flat shoe cannot be stylish, but this is where they are wrong!

There are so many different designs available. For example, you might go for a preppy loafer or boating shoe, or maybe a daintily embellished ballet flat.

Alternatively, a good pair of trainers is something every woman should have in her wardrobe – trainers aren’t just for teenagers, you know! Opt for a classic brand such as Converse or Vans for a timeless look – shoes like this can add a fun, youthful edge to just about any outfit.

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Loose trousers

If there is one item of clothing that restricts our daily movement more than any other, it is the tight trouser. We are all aware of the fashion for skinny jeans – sometimes jeans that are so skinny they almost look as though they were sprayed on!

As fabulous as they can look, however, they are not the most practical things to wear on a daily basis.

Of course, you may try to run your various errands in them – going to work, doing housework, ferrying the kids to and from their various after-school clubs. But all it takes is one awkward squat as you reach down to pick up a discarded toy off the floor, and that’s when you hear it: the dreaded rip.

No one wants to be accused of public indecency swanning around in a pair of torn jeans – so this is just one definitive reason why you may want to consider switching to boyfriend jeans.

Boyfriend jeans (just like the boyfriend shirt or jacket) are designed in such a way to make them look as though you borrowed them from your boyfriend. In this respect, they are usually made with a wide yet straight leg, have deeper pockets (very useful) and need to be tied up around the waist.

They allow for much more movement simply because they are looser, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style.

Wear your boyfriend jeans with a tucked-in stripy t-shirt for a casual cool, or you can even pair with a lacy crop top for a night out.

Other types of loose trousers are also great for everyday wear if denim isn’t really your thing. Palazzo pants have recently come back into fashion as the seventies trend resurfaces, or how about a good pair of harem pants – perfect for both lounging in and going about your daily business.

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Casual cool

Over the past year, we have seen a couple of interesting new trends emerging in high fashion. One is the sports luxe look – the other is the trend for pyjama suits.

Huge fashion brands such as Fendi have been branching out into clothing that takes inspiration from sportswear – but that has been twisted so that it is acceptable to wear on just a regular day.

The benefit of all this? You are on trend and my, you are comfortable too!

An easy way to get this look is to don a pair of luxe joggers (if Fendi is a little out of your budget, there are plenty of great high street imitations too) and pair with a simple, chic t-shirt or jumper.

As far as the pyjama look goes, things are a little more complex. You have to get it completely right. Otherwise, it can just look as though you simply haven’t bothered to get dressed that day.

The first step is to look for something tailored – this is what will make your ‘pyjama set’ look more like actual clothes, rather than sleepwear. Then, pay attention to the material you choose. Avoid cotton at all costs – instead opt for something like a suit material, or maybe satin if you are feeling particularly luxurious.

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Throws and ponchos

We may be on our way into spring now, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still have the occasional bitterly cold day.

When the temperature drops and it’s rainy and cold, most of us want nothing more than to hide out in a cosy blanket at home, away from the prying eyes of the world. But, as is life, we usually need to leave the house to get on with our days.

Thankfully, there is a way you can stay cool and comfy and warm all at once – and it is with the help of blankets and ponchos.

We really saw blankets come into their own in the autumn/winter season of last year, so if you’ve still got one, don’t be afraid to rock it!

Simply wrap up in it whichever way feels most natural to you – if you want to make the look a little more streamlined, simply cinch yourself in at the waist with a stylish belt. As long as your arms are still free, there really isn’t a more comfortable piece of clothing to snuggle up in on a cold and frosty morning.

Fashion and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive – there are plenty of ways you can feel good and look good every single day.

Looking your best every day isn’t an easy task. When you’re a mother, it can be even harder to find the time to put yourself together every day. But just because you’re busy, it doesn’t mean you have to neglect yourself.

If looking good is important to you, you can find your own way to create your look in the time you have available.

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One of the ways to look good all the time is to pay attention to the little things. Even if you’re dressed casually, you can still have a unique necklace on or an eye-catching bag.

Try these little touches to elevate any outfit.

Wear a Watch

Perhaps currently you use your mobile to tell the time. A watch might seem a little pointless to you, but it can be the ultimate accessory for a busy mum.

Whether you wear a traditional analogue watch, a digital watch or even a smartwatch, it can look good and help you stay on track.

Your watch can be an ever-present accessory that completes any outfit, and it can do a variety of other things too. If you get a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you can watch your activity levels.

Smartwatches can help you stay on top of your schedule and calls.

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Get an Arty Phone Case

Most people have their phone with them all the time nowadays. You’re probably forever having to get it out, whether you’re taking a business call or scheduling a play date. If it’s going to be surgically attached to you at all times, you might as well make sure it looks good.

An artistic iPhone case can add a splash of colour to any outfit. Even if you’re conducting the school run or going to the gym in leggings and an old t-shirt, it shows that you’re usually much more fashionable.

Match a Few Details in Your Outfit

If you’re unsure about how to bring an outfit together, consider picking a motif to run through your outfit.

There might be something on one piece of clothing that you can match to other things. For example, perhaps your floral skirt could go with a flower necklace. However, you could also add something that’s not on your clothes.

Use the same motif on your hairclip as you wear on your bracelet or as a brooch. Nothing has to match exactly, though. You could pick a more general theme to run through your outfit.

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Pick a Signature Accessory

Do you know someone who always has an amazing bag with them or never takes off their colourful scarf? If you want to look good even on your lazy days, this is one way you can do it.

Pick a signature accessory that you always have with you. It doesn’t have to be the same item every day. You can simply build a fun collection of scarves or statement necklaces, so you always have one to show off.

You don’t have to do anything big or flashy to look good. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference.