The Hidden Secrets to Summer Style

Ah… summer. In my opinion, the best season of the year. Some people say the season is overrated; it’s too hot, too romanticized… I love it all. The season is slower, the days are longer, and clothes are cuter.

Summer fashion is tricky though – there are swimsuits, tricky tops, sheer detailing, and all-white-everything. So what are my secrets to pulling off a flawless look each day of summer? Turns out, the trick isn’t always what you see, but what you don’t see.

Size matters.

Whoever said size doesn’t matter was clearly not talking about tampons. Tampax Radiant at Walmart virtually disappear in my romper pockets, due to their small size, and can easily fit in the confines of a small summer purse. Found at Walmart, this new product features Tampax Radiant at Walmart’s superior width-wise expansion and LeakGuard Braid™ protection system, a purple pocket size applicator, and a unique re-sealable wrapper. Bonus points for being the cutest tampon wrapper I’ve ever seen. No matter what you choose to wear or what time of the month you choose to wear it, Tampax Pocket Radiant gives you the confidence to look and be the best. Tampax Radiant at Walmart has slid easily into all my purses, so I can always be prepared for anything on-the-go. I also love that I can easily fit it into any of my tiny summer pockets.

Get nudes.

Honestly, why do I even own black underwear? As practical me is finding out, nude colored undergarments are about 100x more practical. They work under everything, especially in the summer, when white sundresses and white denim are all the rage.

When it’s time to replace some of the drawers in your drawers (I really crack myself up), make sure you stock up on nudes that you can wear under all your summer clothes. My favorite pairs are seamless so I can wear them under leggings and tighter skirts without the dreaded VPL.

Check your fabric.

Some fabric is more, umm… sweat prone than others. When you go to start picking out your summer wardrobe, knowing the difference between fabrics and fabric blends can save you from embarrassing butt sweat marks (no judgement, it happens to the best of us).

So from one sweaty girl to another…

Good fabrics:

• Cotton: Good quality, lightweight cotton is one of the most natural breathable fabrics, allowing for more airflow so everything can dry out, if you know what I mean. Since it’s a natural fiber, it helps to absorb moisture, rather than repel it.
• Linen: Again with those natural fibers. Linen is super absorbant, so it dries out quickly – great for those of us sweaty Bettys out there! The cuts of linen also tends to be light and airy, helping you stay cool. Tip for purchasing: If you’re worried about wrinkles, grab a fistful of the fabric in your hand and then let go. If it stays wrinkled, avoid, but if the wrinkles disappear, you’re good to go!
• Moisture wicking fabric: Ah yes, God’s gift to sweaty gals.Most of these blends are polyester based, but these fabrics are woven in a way that allows them to be more permeable. Think: a magic power that makes sweat disappear. It’s truly beautiful. This is especially important for fabrics you intend to work out in!

Bad Fabrics:

• Polyester: Polyester is one of the most common manmade fabrics, known for its durability. Unfortunately, durability means ‘water resistant,’ which translates to: don’t expect it to absorb any of yo’ sweat.
• Cotton/spandex blends: Cotton may be king of breathability, but Spandex neutralizes the king. This blend tends to be a heavy weight fabric and is often combined with lycra. The end result is a fabric that essentially suffocates your skin. No bueno.
• Rayon: While rayon is traditionally a lightweight, breezy fabric, it is not a sweaty person’s friend. The synthetic fibers, like polyester, repel water. In layman’s terms: avoid rayon unless you like sitting in your own sweat.

Help out the girls.

Bras are tricky in the summer time. I’ve acquired a variety of bras over the years, in various colors and cuts, so now I have one for about any occasion. For summer, I recommend getting a few bandeaus and bralettes, a good strapless bra, and a good nude t-shirt bra. Investing in the right bras will help the girls not only look better under your clothes, but feel better with the right support.

In the summer, a good strapless bra is key; you don’t want one that will slide off with a little bit of sweat. Try a few on in the dressing room and jump around to see if it’ll stand the test of [summer]time.

A good t-shirt bra that disappears under clothes is a wardrobe staple in general, but also a good one to have on hand in the summer. It’ll go under all those white and semi-sheer tees.

So you tell me – what are you hidden style secrets for summer?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tampax Radiant at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.