The beginning of the fall semester means campus is back in full swing with classes and activities.
It also means trekking from place to place in unbearable heat. Women normally show up to campus in their comfiest tank tops and running shorts, water bottle in hand, ready to take on the school day.
But you don’t need to dress like you’re ready to run a marathon to avoid getting overheated. There are multiple clothing options that look put together and work in the hot weather.
One-piece items — rompers, dresses and jumpsuits — are a great option. Pick a lightweight material like cotton or chiffon and a loose silhouette. A light fabric keeps the piece from feeling heavy, and a loose fit allows for greater airflow and less constriction.
Getting ready for class is a breeze with one-piece outfits. You don’t need to match tops to bottoms, so there’s very little planning involved. The simplicity of summer patterns and fabrics makes them easy to accessorize. Simple sandals, flats and sneakers all work for running from building to building. Jewelry also doesn’t need much plan time. A simple necklace ties everything together and won’t weigh you down like an armful of bangles.
A charcoal jumpsuit is option that can work for both days and nights on campus. This jumpsuit has a gray chiffon overlay and a wide leg. It may look like a lot of fabric, but its material and fit make it comfortable and easy.
Rompers are an alternative if you’d rather shorts instead of pants. A basic romper can be spiced up with accessories, or a patterned romper can make a statement on its own.
If a one-piece isn’t your thing, separates can be combined for a casual look.
Most people keep denim in their closet, and while the material is heavy, it makes the perfect ensemble paired with a loose top.
Kimonos and lightweight, basic tank tops are a match made in heaven. Basic tank tops and T-shirts are soft, light and can be paired with anything. When it gets cold in class, a kimono can be thrown on top. Kimonos are easy to store in a backpack and add an element of interest to an outfit. Floral patterns come in multiple color schemes and add color to a basic outfit.
If you’d rather reach for jeans instead of shorts, skinny jeans are a good choice because they work with almost any shoe. The darker the denim the better, because it’s more versatile than a light-wash jean. Patterned camisoles made of chiffon or cotton can be layered when classes are cool, but work on their own when walking through the sticky humidity.
While denim is a classic, it’s not the only options for bottoms.
Patterned fabric shorts are another option when you want to change up your usual choices. Patterned shorts can be high- or low-waisted. They also come in multiple prints, from floral to Aztec to striped. They’re a change from plain material and usually lighter than denim or khaki.
Buying a number of these shorts is a great choice. They’re comfortable, like running shorts, but look much cuter and can be paired with a plain tank top or T-shirt. It almost feels like you’re in workout gear, but you have more flexibility with accessories and shoe options, which makes any outfit more fun.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Walter Radam

outfit 2