Today’s story was written by clothing artist Lisa Hall. I found her on Instagram (she was featured in my “who to follow on Instagram” list), and her passion for living a vibrant life shines through on her page. Enjoy, darling!

*Affiliate disclosure.

I have to admit, I’m vain. I’m also a fashion designer who loves looking my best every single day. For the past 13 years, I’ve lived in the small town of Bhuj in Kutch India. Bhuj is extremely hot most of the year. So why do I choose to live here?

Discovering Unique Textiles and Crafts

My business Madame Hall, creates and designs art-to-wear clothing from artisan made textiles and embroideries. When I first visited Bhuj many years ago, I was overwhelmed by the textiles unique to the Kutch area. Such variety, such skilled crafts people and such an abundance of different techniques. I was in heaven! 

Adapting Style to the Climate

My life has always revolved around making beautiful clothes, and in Bhuj I saw the opportunity to create clothing from an amazing range of extraordinary fabrics and embroideries. But to realise this potential, I knew I needed to leave Australia, and come to live in Bhuj.

Amongst the many considerations of such a major move, was the intense heat Bhuj experiences during summer. How would I cope with running a business when the temperature rarely falls below 105 degrees fahrenheit? Luck, learning from the local culture, trial and error, plus a need to dress for the climate myself, have all contributed to the success my label, Madame Hall, enjoys today. 

Women Want Comfortable and Stylish Clothing

I guess it all started with designing clothes that I felt comfortable wearing in the heat. Flowing cotton dresses, loose fitting tunics and unstructured silhouettes became my go-to for style in a hot climate. I began making the same designs for my Madame Hall Etsy shop, and discovered so many wonderful women all around the world who also want to look fabulous, cool, calm and collected on hot days. 

Finding Inspiration in Local Culture and Creativity

Spending time in remote communities during the heat of summer does have its challenges. But for me the excitement I get from immersing myself in the layers of a different culture, the shared enjoyment of creativity, and immense respect I feel for craftspeople living in harsh conditions makes it all worthwhile. Whatever your reason is for living in, or visiting a hot place, there’s certain to be benefits to enjoy, too.

Being ready to face a hot day with enthusiasm and engagement, really makes a big difference to your perception of the temperature.

The Difference Between Style And Fashion

Here are some of my tips for staying glamorous, serene, and keeping cool when the temperature rises:

Tip #1 Style Starts with Serenity

A calm mind is the best way to get my day off to a good start. Enjoying peaceful music and the aroma of incense while I get ready for work creates a harmonious environment. A little time outside in my garden before the heat sets in refreshes my mind for the start of a new day.

Keeping the body as calm and relaxed as possible will keep you fresh as a flower! It’ll provide you with the energy to focus on all the rewarding, fun and interesting aspects of your day. Yes, it may be hot, but your tranquility will be enhanced by not dwelling on it.

Tip #2 Choose Smart Styles and Fabrics for the Heat

The heat can be stressful, so cool, loose-fitting cotton is essential. Luckily, I love an oversized look! Covering up and protecting my skin from the sun is extremely important to me, which is the reason my summer wardrobe is filled with 3/4 sleeve dresses and kaftans.

As Bhuj is a conservative town, I almost always layer these over loose cotton pants. Dressing this way avoids sunburn. It also ensures great air circulation on my skin without the direct intensity of the midday sun. 

Tip #3 Skip Tight Clothes and Jewelry

To stay cool, I avoid t-shirts, jeans and anything tight or close-fitting during the summer months. I find, even too many bangles and chunky or uncomfortable jewelry are also unnecessary heat traps. I don’t wear them during the heat of summer.

Tip #4 Choose Accessories that Bring Shade

I wear a hat whenever I go outside during the day. It protects my eyes from strong sunlight, and is a very efficient way to keep the sun off. Eyes affected by bright light will make you tired, and diminish your ability to stay stress free. Always wear a hat and sunglasses!

Which brings me to hair…I’ve had very short hair as well as shoulder length hair since I’ve lived in India. Both have been successful. Having hair long enough to pull back, or really short hair is a big plus in a hot climate. If you’re growing out a short haircut, do it during winter like I did!

Tip #5 Sweat the Small Stuff

Small things often make a big difference, such as always carrying a hand fan, wearing easy to slip on, slip off shoes and always, always drinking lots of water. These things will make an enormous difference in the ability to function well.

By staying hydrated and wearing comfortable cotton clothing, the body’s natural cooling methods will work efficiently and you’ll get through your day in a breeze.

Bonus tip: Treat yourself to a chilled lime juice with mint and a dash of salt. It’s a truly refreshing way to beat the heat!

Tip #6 With Makeup, Less is More

The heat isn’t kind to heavy makeup. My beauty routine takes me 5 minutes in the morning. Simply a suitable moisturiser, followed by a quality, lightweight sunscreen.

I don’t use foundation as it becomes a muddy mess by afternoon. Instead, I use a light dusting of M.A.C. Mineralize SkinFinish, mascara, minimal eyeliner and lipstick. For staying glamorous in a hot climate, I love M.A.C. products, as they still look good by the end of the day.

Keep in mind that heavy perspiration or a shower of monsoonal rain can ruin your make-up. Waterproof mascara is a good idea (just be sure to have a good makeup remover)! Keep your perfume light and fresh. Your friends will appreciate it and you’ll get heaps of compliments.

Tip #7 Get Your Beauty Rest

For centuries it has been customary for people living in hot countries to have a rest during the afternoon. This is a fabulous idea, and a habit I can highly recommend. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit sleepy after lunch during summer. Giving your body a chance to recover will make a huge difference to getting the most out of your day.

Find a cool spot…indulge in a daydream, listen to music, perhaps read a book and take some time out for relaxation. It’ll refresh your energy for the cooler evening hours, and restore your effervescent sparkle!

Tip #8 Eat Cooling Foods

Eat foods that cool the body and don’t over tax your digestive system. I have become vegetarian since living in India. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but purely because light foods like fruit and vegetables are kinder to my body and digest more easily. They make me feel energised without the bloated feeling associated with a non-vegetarian diet.

Seafood, salads and not too many carbs will keep you feeling good. If you drink alcohol in a hot climate, be sure to drink plenty of water at the same time to avoid dehydration. Nothing worse than a hangover in the heat.

Staying Positive is Your Best Tool

Simply by accepting it’s hot, but not allowing it to overwhelm your thoughts should ward off distress. Knowing it’s a temporary situation and won’t last forever puts it in perspective. Panicking will only make matters worse, and prevent you from enjoying other good things going on around you…so put temperature to the back of your mind. Choose the right clothing, accessories and eating well, and you too may start enjoying summer and the hot climate as much as I do!

What are your best tips for looking your best when it’s hot, hot, hot? Please let me know in the comments.

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Lisa Hall is an Australian born fashion designer, residing in Bhuj, India since 2012.  Her long career creating costumes for the Australian theatre and film industry has influenced the dramatic flair she now brings to her exclusive Madame Hall collection.