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Yoliswa Dube

IT’S blazing hot these days and believe me; nothing is as difficult as getting yourself swagged up for 33 degree Celsius weather.

You just can’t seem to get it right because you’re trying to get yourself as comfortable as possible otherwise you’ll be miserable in your discomfort all day long.

I thought winter was brutal but this heat is murdering!

In trying to get comfortable, most of us are losing the plot. I was just out of it the other day and realised how bad it was when a colleague said,

“You’re now wearing T-shirts and flip-flops to work”.

Of course I wasn’t in a T-shirt and flip-flops, technically speaking, but her point was you’re not looking as good as you should, in spite of the heat.

Before I even think of wearing a button up blouse or shirt, I’m already fretting about closed shoes.

Peep toes won’t even cut it; they’re as bad as court shoes. And let’s be realistic, how many of us own at least three pairs of strappy high heels?

The heat even causes your feet to swell, once you remove the shoes — getting them back on is a hassle and a half. They’ll go back on but they’ll be so tight you can barely walk.

And for the gents, having to wear a pair of socks, tie and blazer must be a nightmare! But you know what they say — a gentleman knows no weather.

There’s not much you can do about the weather but you can try and make a few adjustments that’ll ease things up a little bit for you.

The way you dress can go a long way towards keeping you comfortable in this sweltering heat. The white linen shirt every male movie star wears on the beach isn’t just fashionably conscious; it’s also intelligent for hot, sunny days.

Dark clothing absorbs more heat, and tight clothes don’t let sweat — your body’s natural cooling system — evaporate. Try to remember this whenever you’re getting dressed. If you want to have a less crappy day under the sun, avoid dark coloured clothing and pieces that won’t let your skin breathe.

You need to try and keep your skin dry otherwise you might find yourself nursing rashes and skin infections as a result of excessive sweating.

Dresses are such a clever investment for times like these — they go on easy and let in air through all the right places. Make them your best friend and if you don’t already own any — put them on your budget for the next time you go out shopping.

Sunglasses are chic and functional. They prevent harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from scorching your corneas and protect your eyes for many more summers to come.

Choose sunglasses that block 90 to 100 percent of UV rays. It might be a long shot maybe, but if you can afford it, don’t settle for those $5 sunglasses sold by the street corner — they might hurt your eyes over time.

Unlike eight-inch high heels at the park, a hat is smart summer fashion. Throwing on a wide-brimmed hat prevents UV rays from hitting the sensitive spots on your face and keeps your skin looking young and wrinkle-free.

Nothing knocks good days off a summer calendar like nasty sunburn. When outdoors, use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15. Use a higher-rated, waterproof sunscreen if you’ll be under the sun for prolonged periods.

Don’t forget to cover areas that burn easily such as the nose, ears, shoulders, and the back of the neck. I know most of us don’t think we need sunscreen neither do we value its purpose but believe me when I say whether you’re yellow bone or chocolate brown, you need sunscreen.

Just like sunscreen protects the rest of your skin, a lip balm with SPF protection blocks out the sun and locks in moisture for your lips.

There’s a lot to do when the weather is right: family picnics, endless hours on the golf course, or lounging in your backyard hammock.

Unfortunately, too much fun in the sun can be dangerous. Excessive heat exposure can cause dehydration, which in turn can cause dangerous conditions such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

No matter what your plans are, combating the toll of the heat and sun on your body will keep you healthy and active.

l Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to catch up with me on Twitter handle @Yolisswa, visit my blog,

www.stayera247.blogspot.com or like my Facebook page Pattern & Style.