The 85 Degree Edit: Dressing for the Florida Heat
June 5, 2026
I’ve never experienced true sweltering heat until moving to Florida. I’m sure you know what it’s like if you’ve traveled here; the humidity in particular can hit you like a wall!
Now, in the Orlando area, it’s not as bad here as it is in South Florida, but it’s still intense. From around May to late October, it’s the kind of heat that you literally have to plan your life around. I joke with my Pittsburgh friends that, while I used to run into heated buildings in winter, I now have to run into air-conditioned buildings in Florida in summer. The “weather problem” in inverse!
All of that being said, I find myself planning my outfits for this season not just around how they look, but mainly for how I feel when I’m wearing them.
My Must-Haves for Dressing for the Florida Heat
- Breathable fabrics, with a preference for natural fabrics like cotton and linen
- Simple cuts, because there’s nothing worse than fidgeting with straps and buckles or whatever when it’s 85 degrees outside!
- Nothing too tight
- Versatile—not necessarily basic, but if it’s a pattern or bright color, it should be mixable with other daily-wear items
I put together a list of some pieces I have an eye on for summer, with all of those must-haves in mind.
Tanks & Tops for the Florida Heat
These tanks and tops will take you from day to night, no matter your plans or the temperature.
From L to R:
Black split-hem tank top
Notch-collar popover shirt
You always need a good, basic ribbed white tank—the square neck on this one dresses it up a bit!
Donni tees and tanks get amazing reviews; another classic: the black square-neck tank
This cotton v-neck tank top is simple but unexpectedly chic in orange
100% linen short-sleeve button down shirt
100% cotton button down in tan
The 85 Degree Edit: Pants
When it comes to wearing pants in the summer, you need lightweight, breathable fabrics in loose designs. Here are some of my favorite options!
From L to R:
100% cotton wide-leg pant from Barefoot Dreams… knowing that brand, these have to be insanely comfy!
Loose-fit pale pink trousers
100% linen olive trousers
Lightweight cotton poplin trousers in navy
100% European linen pleated trousers
One-and-Done Outfits for the Florida Heat
Sometimes, the answer to dressing for the Florida heat is as simple as throwing on a dress and heading out the door.
From L to R:
SKIMS cotton rib tank dress
100% cotton denim shift dress
Shirred pinstripe maxi dress
U-neck black mini dress
Summertime Shorts
It feels like the summer of shorts (and skorts) this year. From denim and linen to high-waisted, there’s an option for everyone.
From L to R:
Mid-length denim shorts
100% European linen skort
Relaxed fit cotton-elastane blend short
High-waisted linen shorts
Cute Sandals
Show off your pedicure with these cute and comfortable sandals.
From L to R:
A flat jelly slide with colorful bead detailing… how cute are these?!
They also come in a more neutral caramel color
100% Italian sheep leather slides (with a cushion foam insole!)
Bags for Summer Fun
Whether you opt for something metallic, neutral, or colorful when it comes to your bag, I’ve got you covered.
From L to R:
Silver “foil” leather woven handbag… This brand is amazing. I own one of their bags and it is so high quality.
Large woven bucket bag (I love a bucket bag; they fit so much!)
This color alone makes me smile, and this is another high-quality brand I own! Clare V Petit Moyen mini bag in handwoven lilac leather. Drooling!!!
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