Fashion Clothing 17 Ways to Keep Your Cool at Work During Sweltering Hot Summer Days By Cindy Weber-Cleary Updated on June 19, 2016 @ 03:00PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy 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! 01 of 17 JAMES PERSE Shirt Courtesy Buy Now 02 of 17 Uniqlo Shirt Courtesy Buy Now 03 of 17 Rebecca Taylor Skirt Courtesy Buy Now 04 of 17 TOTÊME Jacket Courtesy Buy Now 05 of 17 Uniqlo Dress Courtesy Buy Now 06 of 17 Uniqlo Tank Courtesy Buy Now 07 of 17 Uniqlo Shirt Courtesy Buy Now 08 of 17 J. Crew Blazer Courtesy Buy Now 09 of 17 J. Crew Pants Courtesy Buy Now 10 of 17 Max Mara Dress Courtesy Buy Now 11 of 17 Banana Republic Pants Courtesy Buy Now 12 of 17 J. Crew Dress Courtesy Buy Now 13 of 17 Zara Skirt Courtesy Buy Now 14 of 17 Banana Republic Pants Courtesy Buy Now 15 of 17 Cos Skirt Courtesy Buy Now 16 of 17 Banana Republic Shirt Courtesy Buy Now 17 of 17 Banana Republic Blazer Courtesy Buy Now