Cool Fashion Pieces for Summer

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I love summer. It's my favorite time of year. But let me tell you, there is nothing as hellish as waiting for the subway in New York City on a sweltering weekday in July or August. By 9 a.m., it often feels like a sauna. I've learned to plan ahead for those times when I have important meetings and need to appear both fresh and professional.

For more of Cindy's age-wise style advice, visit Apprécier.com.

My go-to choice is a loose cotton or linen dress. No shapewear required! It can be a shift, a shirtdress, or a tunic-style, but nothing that restricts your movement. Belted styles are fine as long as they aren't tightly cinched.

Another great option is a shirt-and-skirt or -pants combo. Again, cotton, linen, or cotton-linen blend tops are much cooler than silk or polyester. Look for A-line, pleated, or flowy skirts to the knee or below—or pants that aren't too skinny or tight.

If you have to wear a suit jacket to work, a linen or cotton blazer works, but be sure to wear it over something lightweight. Uniqlo’s "AIRism" collection is a great resource for moisture-wicking tanks with built-in bras and tees. Gap also has a line of underpinnings (including tanks, T-shirts, bras, and panties) called "Breathe" with dry-wicking fabric technology.

Should you still feel the need for just a little control underneath, Spanx makes a line of perforated shorts and panties that are intended for warm weather.

Hope this helps you to focus on the work at hand, without sweating the small stuff!

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JAMES PERSE Shirt

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$185 James Perse available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Uniqlo Shirt

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$30 Uniqlo available at uniqlo.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Rebecca Taylor Skirt

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$275 Rebecca Taylor available at rebeccataylor.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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TOTÊME Jacket

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$342 (originally $570) Toteme available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Uniqlo Dress

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$35 (originally $60) Uniqlo available at uniqlo.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Uniqlo Tank

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$15 (originally $25) Uniqlo available at uniqlo.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Uniqlo Shirt

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$8 (originally $13) Uniqlo available at uniqlo.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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J. Crew Blazer

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$198 J. Crew available at jcrew.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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J. Crew Pants

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$80 (originally $90) J. Crew available at jcrew.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Max Mara Dress

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$326 (originally $466) Max Mara available at matchesfashion.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Banana Republic Pants

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$88 Banana Republic available at bananarepublic.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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J. Crew Dress

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$138 J. Crew available at jcrew.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Zara Skirt

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$50 Zara available at zara.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Banana Republic Pants

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$48 (originally $88) Banana Republic available at bananarepublic.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Cos Skirt

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$99 COS available at cosstores.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Banana Republic Shirt

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$40 (originally $78) Banana Republic available at bananarepublic.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Banana Republic Blazer

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$130 (originally $168) Banana Republic available at bananarepublic.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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17 Ways to Keep Your Cool at Work During Sweltering Hot Summer Days