It’s the middle of summer in Iowa, which means temps are ticking up and up and up. This might be ideal weather for a pool day, but when you’re headed into the office, more layers are usually required. Navigating professional attire during a heat wave can be challenging.

"The key to looking put together is honestly being comfortable with what you have on,” said Tricia Rivas, owner of Trixie’s Salon & Spa, “And feeling amazing in your own skin. Confidence is timeless.”

So how do you balance comfort with polish? We gathered some more tips to help you stay looking and feeling cool:

Choose breathable fabrics

Opt for lightweight, natural fabrics like cotton, linen and even bamboo. These materials are breathable and wick away sweat, keeping you cool throughout the day. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester that trap heat and moisture. Structured linen sets are currently trending, which makes getting dressed for work in the morning even easier.

Embrace light colors

Light colors reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, helping to keep your body temperature down. Whites, pastels and light neutrals not only keep you cool but also present a clean, professional appearance. Neutral tops are simple to pair with most other items in your current wardrobe. “Basics and accessories are a combo you can never go wrong with,” Rivas said.

Select appropriate silhouettes

Loose-fitting clothes allow air circulation and significantly reduce your chances of overheating in stuffy meeting rooms. Consider shift dresses, wide-leg trousers, and A-line skirts. These styles can be easily dressed up with accessories for any level of office dress code.

“Satin skirts are all the craze right now, they can be paired with a white top and cardigan. Layers are key!” Rivas said, “Print dresses are also a must for your summer wardrobe — florals are my must-haves.”

Prioritize comfortable footwear

Choose open-toed or breathable shoes. Leather sandals or loafers can be both stylish and practical. If you spend long days on your feet, make sure you’re choosing shoes with comfortable support.

Most business casual dress codes make room for clean, minimalist sneakers, too. “Dresses with tennis shoes are still on trend. Right now, I’m loving the Converse that have a chunky heel,” said Rivas. These shoes tend to be more breathable, and wearing fitted socks can help prevent sweaty feet.

Incorporate layers strategically

A lightweight blazer or cardigan can be essential for transitioning between the hot outdoors and cool, air-conditioned offices. Look for options in breathable fabrics that can be easily removed when moving outside. Rivas recommends pairing printed cotton T-shirts with lightweight blazers and trousers for an easy, professional look that can adapt to temperature changes.

Shop local

If you’re stuck, look no further than your peers. There are dozens of women-owned boutiques, brands and resale and vintage shops. Visit one near you and ask the employees for recommendations, or for tips on styling your current pieces.

Downtown, MARNe, May Eleven, and Velvet Coat offer plenty of options to choose from. Rivas’ favorites include Harlow & James in Valley Junction and LuLa Belle Designs in Indianola.