If you’ve ever spent a summer in Washington D.C. then you know it gets hot. Like, sweat through your silk blouse before you even leave the house HOT. It is days like these you go to the pool … not the office. In fact, these hottest days have a very special name – the phrase Dog Days of Summer describes the most oppressive period of summer, between July 3rd and August 11th each year (more on that in a minute).
But no matter the temps or the name, you still have to go to work. To do this, you need heat friendly looks that still look professional. Well, you are in luck!! I’ve created an arsenal of go-to outfits guaranteed to leave you looking fabulous when the temps are rising and you are melting. Whatever urban oasis you call home during the hottest months of the year, use this as your guide to solve the “what am I going to wear to work” problem!!
I’ve waxed poetic about the value of sleeveless tops before (Warm Days, Cold Office) but these are not the only pieces to combat the worst summer has to offer. This collection of outfit ideas includes skirts, pants, dresses, colors and texture and so much more. My hope is to give you some inspiration for those days you just have none!! I want to help you stay cool AND look cool – because trust me, you are going to want to do both!!
Before we dive into the collection though, let’s talk about the phrase Dog Days of Summer. Where did it come from and what does it have to do with dogs? (As with all things I encounter that I don’t know the answer to … I turned to google.) #CuriousCat
Dog Days of Summer
Many people believe the phrase stems from the fact that dogs tend to be sluggish during the hottest days of summer (aren’t we all?), while others still say the days are so hot it causes dogs to go mad. But the name is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. This is why Sirius is sometimes called the Dog Star.
In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. On July 23rd, specifically, it is in conjunction with the Sun, and because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.”
Thus, the term “Dog Days of Summer” came to mean the 20 days before and 20 days after this alignment of Sirius with the Sun — July 3 to Aug. 11.
Dog Days of Summer Looks
And now that we know why we have Dog Days … let’s create some outfits to survive them!! #BringItOn
Everyday from July 3rd to August 11th I will add a new look to this post. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to seem them immediately or check this page. For each outfit you will able to shop either exact or similar items to recreate each look!
Join me in the fun using the hashtag #DogDaysforDays and a chance to be featured on my Instagram!!
Dog Days of Summer Leopard Shoes Inspiration
We kicked off the Dog Days with Leopard Shoes! Because what kind of style inspiration would I provide if we didn’t also have a little fun!! These really are a neutral. I will pair leopard shoes with nearly anything!! If you don’t believe me check out the gallery and then shop my top picks!! If you are already on board share you look using the hashtag #dogdaysforday to help inspire others! This gallery provides tons of ways to inspire … happy start to summer survival!