Summer is my favorite season for fashion, but transitioning from the back-and-forth spring temperatures to bikini weather isn’t always easy. When the sun is shining and sleeves make you sweat, the last thing you probably want to do is add more layers to enhance your style. Luckily, you don’t have to! Here are five ways to add some visual interest to your summer look while keeping the heat to a minimum.
1. Spray Tan
I don’t know about you, but every time I try on gorgeous summer dresses one of the first things that comes to my mind is: “This would be perfect…if I were tan.” After a long winter of hiding your legs for so long you forgot what a razor was, you might not be ready to bust out the bikini just yet. If you don’t want to face all the bronze bombshells at the beach—who somehow got a head start on their summer tans—spend a much-needed day at the spa getting your bod primped for summer. Go for a full-body wax, get a facial, exfoliate and top it off with a spray tan for that envious summer glow.
2. Earrings and Ear Cuffs
Accessories like bracelets and necklaces can be cute for indoor summer fun, but festival fashionistas and beach babes might want to avoid potentially awkward tan lines by rocking a pair of earrings instead. Wearing an ear cuff can give this style a punk rock edge, which definitely makes up for the lack of other jewelry items. Choose oversized, dangly styles to add more color and texture to simple strapless dresses and spaghetti-strap tanks.
3. Temporary Tattoos…
…or real ones if you’re feeling especially bold. Nothing complements hippie hair waves and that sun-kissed nature-girl look quite like exotic henna tattoos, which look fierce around your belly button with a cute crop top or on your back for a sexy signature style for your string bikini. Don’t feel limited to henna, though! There are plenty of colorful and creative temporary tats to try out for a new, sexy swimwear accessory every day of the week.
4. Nail Art
This trend has been huge for pretty much every season, and it just so happens to be the perfect solution for adding colors and patterns to your outfit with no jewelry or extra layers necessary. Nail art is super feminine and totally easy, which makes it convenient to personalize your look and change it up for different occasions. Hit up the nail salon for an intricate design, or try out some DIY decals for a budget-friendly fashion statements.
5. Highlights
Your hair is bound to lighten up a bit with the added sun exposure, but why not amp up that beachy blonde look by getting some highlights for summer? If you’re already a blondie, try out lowlights for an eye-catching contrast that makes your blonde locks brighter. Although letting your hair loose can fit perfectly with a boho-chic style, make sure to have a few go-to updos ready to keep your hair out of your face during those hot and sticky summer days. Braids are a great choice for an elegant hairstyle that stays put, which can also really show off your new highlights.
Your winter scarves and spring rain boots might not be as practical during the warm summer months, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal fashion sense just to keep cool. Try these five looks to stay colorful and cute without the added layers, so you can be ready for summer in just one Saturday.