How We're Keeping Cool
Mid-summer: certainly the point by which we have all had our fill of sweltering sunshine, and are constantly ducking into cafes for iced coffee and a bit of shelter from the relentless glare of the sun. We’ve sweat through all of our lovely summer dresses, we’ve got sandal tans and frizzy hair, and we’ll do just about anything for a little break from it all.
Lauren Olmeda: My tried and tested methods to staying cool: flowy, sleeveless tops and dresses, bottomless iced lattes, hairspray, minimal makeup (but extra SPF!), and shady spots under trees, perfect for reading the afternoon away.
Olivia Gündüz-Willemin: For some reason this year, I'm fighting the heat by not exclusively staying indoors in front of a fan and looking for shady spots where I can find a breeze. One of my favorite cafés has a terrace that's almost always in the shade, so I've taken to sitting there and reading when I can with an iced almond milk latte in hand. Otherwise, Rory and I have a tradition of sitting on the stone benches beneath Geneva's Saint Pierre cathedral to escape the heat, and I always look to keep cool by wearing flowing dresses and snacking on lots of fruit. This past weekend, though, my husband and I made it up to the mountains for a wedding and honestly now I understand why the Swiss flock to their chalets in the summer months – the breeze and the immediate drop in temperature make me want to start doing the same (or, lacking a chalet, to at least start going on day trips out of the city).
Raquel Reyes: My summer highlights have always included entire days lounging in the nearest coffee shop, stealing the free a/c and wondering whether or not I should throw out any article of clothing that isn’t white, or sits too close to my skin. While I’d love to eschew any physical activity, I can’t deny my love for stormy bike rides. There’s a feeling in the air that makes me nostalgic and hopeful at the same time, and even a light cruise around the block just after the rain has cleared is enough to make me embrace the summertime all over again. At home I’ve adapted to my laziness, throwing my hair in easy topknots to avoid the heat and keeping my refrigerator stocked with cold fruit and homemade cocktail mixes, for meals that come together in minutes.
The Easiest Gimlet Ever:
Mix equal parts sugar and water to create a simple syrup (use your microwave for this, no need to heat up a stove!). Keep this on hand for any drink really, but portion out half a cup and mix that with half a cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Key limes are small and take longer to juice but worth every bit of effort. Refrigerate this mixture as long as you like (a cup of mix will usually last me about a week if I’m not having one every single day). Pour equal parts mix and gin (2 oz each will get you one drink) over ice in a shaker with ice and shake it up until you can’t feel your hands. Hold it to your forehead if the preceding action has caused you to break a sweat. Strain into a chilled glass and enjoy!
Rory Mara: Starting from the first day in June, my skin products go in the fridge. I swear, few sensations are as satisfying and pleasant as applying cool eye cream on your under eye. Another trick to help keep cool — and start the day in the right way — is to drink chilled water with lemon juice instead than the usual hot tea. You will also never see me without sunglasses: not only are they good for your eyes when the sun is merciless, but they are also essential for avoiding squinting and frowning that would result in lines and small wrinkles. Escaping to cafés is also a favourite past-time of mine, as there is always something that needs to be written or gossip that needs to be shared with a friend. I have also considerably reduced the amount of alcohol I drink: no more than a beer or a glass of wine once in a while (even less than once a week). Alcohol tends to make you feel warmer and contrast all your efforts to stay hydrated. A small sacrifice, but totally worth it – especially because it makes the occasional indulgence all the sweeter!
Everything featured in the above photos belong to the Editors. Raquel's dress is Old Navy and a past season's version of this dress (also available in larger sizes here). Her lace top is from Forever 21 (also available in smaller sizes here). Lauren's book is Ronan Farrow's War On Peace. Rory's monogrammed ring is from Anthropologie, her crystal bracelet is Alison Lou X J.Crew, and her sunglasses are now-vintage Dolce & Gabbana. Featured lipsticks are Bobbi Brown's Crushed Lip Color in Ruby and Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb. We may earn a small commission through some links in this post.