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Style June 21, 2024

Summer fashion 101: How to stylishly get dressed when it's scorching hot outside

WATCH: More than 100 million Americans under heat alerts

Summer is summer-ing, and it's the perfect time to reset your wardrobe to be reflective of the season.

As temperatures rise, trying to figure out how to keep cool while still looking ...well, hot — can be quite the task.

However, where there's a will, there's always a way, and for that reason "Good Morning America" tapped top Miami-based style blogger Monroe Steele who certainly knows how to make getting dressed in the scorching hot heat look like a breeze.

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A post shared by Monroe Steele (@monroesteele)

From must-have summer fabrics to the best shoes and accessories, just ahead, Steele breaks down her best tips for getting dressed when it feels like a sauna outside.

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Tip #1: Look for fresh linens

PHOTO: "Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele
"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.

"One of my favorite fabrics for summer is linen because it is light and breathable but still looks quite polished," Steele told "GMA." "Every summer I invest in a slightly oversized linen shirt and linen dress and wear them on repeat all summer long."

Shop it:

100% Linen Boyfriend Shirt

Price: $34 · From Gap

Slim-fit linen vest

Price: $89.50 · From J.Crew

LINA PLEATED LINEN SHORT

Price: $90 · From Banana Republic

MORE: All the linen pieces your wardrobe needs for the summer

Tip #2: Try out crochet knitted looks

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele
"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.

Steele is a huge fan of large crochet knitted looks for summer. "You'd think it would be extremely hot, but because the knit is loose it allows air to flow through and keep you cool," she said.

Shop it:

Combined crochet polo shirt

Price: $59.99 · From Mango

MIHOLL Womens Crochet Swim Cover Up

Price: $26.09 · 25% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $34.99

By Anthropologie Crochet Pants

Price: $88 · From Anthropologie

Tip #3: Layer on cool cotton + polyester combinations

PHOTO: "Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele
"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.

"Lots of people turn their nose up at polyester but cotton/polyester blend fabric pieces keep you cooler than just cotton or polyester on their own," advised Steele. "Cotton is the best breathable fabric and polyester is great at keeping you dry! I have a few amazing 2-piece sets with a cotton/poly blend that is perfect for the hottest Miami days."

Shop it:

The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Price: $30 · From Everlane

A-line dress

Price: $49.99 · From Mango

All For Sun Maxi

Price: $98 · From Anthropologie

Editor's Picks

Tip #4: Step in style with an open-toe flat sandal

PHOTO: "Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
courtesy of Monroe Steele
"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.

Steele pointed out that if your feet feel cool, the rest of your body tends to feel the same way. "Summer is the time to ditch socks and closed-toed footwear," she said.

Shop it:

Toe-ring slide sandals in leather

Price: $132.99 · 10% Savings
From J.Crew

Original: $148

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal (Women)

Price: $170 · From Nordstrom

Metallic strap sandals

Price: $59.99 · From Mango

Tip #5: Stay protected with a large brim sun hat

"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.
Instagram @monroesteele
"Good Morning America" tapped style blogger Monroe Steele to break down her best summer fashion tips for getting dressed when it's scorching hot outside.

"A large brim sun hat is a must as well to help protect against UV rays," Steele said.

Shop it:

Wide-brim raffia bucket hat

Price: $59.50 · 25% Savings
From J.Crew

Original: $79.50

Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat

Price: $68 · From Free People

MORE: Pregnancy style: Influencers share their fashion favorites and must-haves

Last, but not least, Steele pointed out the importance of carrying water to stay hydrated and investing in a portable handheld fan. "I never leave home without one on the hottest Miami days," she said.

You can catch more of Steele's style intel on Instagram and YouTube.

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Editor's note: This story was originally published on July 12, 2022.