Sassy’s Guide to Dressing for Humid Hong Kong

Whoever said that ‘women don’t sweat, they perspire’ has obviously never been to Hong Kong! When I was younger, my baggy denim jeans were a wardrobe staple; even during Hong Kong’s hottest months, you would catch me in my trusty jeans and a pair of Sketchers not even close to breaking a sweat… but nowadays, I struggle to leave the house and not look a hot mess within 20 minutes!

We’re currently in the thick of Hong Kong’s most uncomfortable, sweaty and humid months – the months when you can’t leave the house with more than a fine layer of tinted moisturizer, lashings of waterproof mascara and preferably, Daisy Duke shorts. During a Hong Kong summer, I wish I could dress like I was going to Coachella every day (more Kate Bosworth, less Katy Perry FYI); however, flower crowns and crop tops don’t bode well with office dress codes and city living, so you’ve got to be smart and plan ahead when purchasing and planning your summer wardrobe. Here’s my guide to dresssing for Hong Kong humidity!

SASSY’S TOP FIVE STYLE RULES FOR DEALING WITH HK HUMIDITY

Layer It
This may sound like a stupid suggestion given that it’s normally about 32 degrees out, but as the temperatures rise, everything inside (malls, offices, even public transport) crank up their air-cons to sub-zero temperatures! We have to be dressed for a HK Summer and a North Pole Winter all at the same time, so keep a cover-up around for making sure you don’t freeze indoors. My go-to is a boyfriend blazer in a bright colour.

Defuzz
This is obvious given that summer weekends are generally spent at the beach or on a junk, but give yourself some wardrobe flexibility by sticking to a waxing/shaving regime so that the weekdays aren’t spent sweating the streets of Hong Kong in trousers.

Fabrics & Styles
Cotton, linen, muslin and silk are your new best friends – anything lightweight, breathable and loose fitting. Yes, that cashmere mixed tank you bought on The Outnet is cute, but you will regret it the moment you step outdoors!

Keep It Up
How I wish I could recreate sexy, tumbling beach curls to compliment my summer outfits. Nuh-uh, honey. Get on Pinterest (or check out our summer hair article) and look for cute summer up-dos that you can do at home. No sweaty neck, no flat lifeless hair – no problem!

Hoochie Ain’t Hot!
Just because the sun is out doesn’t mean that you should be showing off every inch of skin. Maintain balance and remain demure!

…And here are five great summer looks to take you from the office to the beach and everywhere in-between!

WORK & PLAY

Clockwise, left to right: Zara Palazzo Trousers, Paul and Joe Sister Tank Top, Topshop Tuxedo Jacket, Tiffany & Co Knot Key Necklace, Tory Burch Robinson Envelope Clutch, BaubleBar Silver Stacked Love Rings, Accessorize Lexy Domed Ring, ASOS Pivotal Wedges

I love this outfit. These trousers are not only perfect for the office, but they can be dressed down or up to suit any occasion. Add a pop of red lipstick to complete the look in the evening and you’re good to go!

DINNER DATE

Clockwise, left to right: Ted Baker Aliah Dress, ALDO Fawnia Shoes, T BY ALEXANDER WANG Blazer, Forever 21 Cutting Edge Geo Cuff, Saint Laurent Belle de Jour Clutch

This style of this dress is perfect for humidity, the shape means that the fabric naturally falls away from your lower back (chief sweat offender!) and the fabric itself is incredibly light. Again, this can also be dressed down with a cute pair of sandals and a satchel.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Clockwise, left to right: Zara Mini Skort, Michael Kors Camille Watch, Zara Top, London Rebel Angus Sandals, Michael Kors Ring, Dannijo Necklace, Zara Striped Blazer

This skort has taken the fashion blogging world by storm! Available in a range of colours, this skirt can be perfectly paired with a tee, tank or shirt.

BEACH DAYS & JUNK TRIPS

Clockwise, left to right: Topshop Scallop Hem Shorts, ZADIG & VOLTAIRE Tank Top, Victoria’s Secret Bandeau Bikini, Coach Studio Legacy Backpack, Jelly Bean Shoes

I was so excited to hear that jelly shoes were back in fashion! A fab alternative to Havaianas (especially when you are in desperate need of a pedicure!), these Jelly Bellys from peakandpedder come in a range of awesome colours to jazz up any outfit. Check out Melissa for more jelly shoe alternatives!

TREKKING ROUND TOWN

Clockwise, left to right: Michael Kors Skirt, Escapology Jungle Crop Tee, Burberry Spark Cat-Eye Sunglasses, Michael Kors Joni Sandals, Mar Y Sol Montserrat Basket Tote, Kate Spade Bow Ring, Jennifer Zeuner Ring

Dare to embrace the crop top? When running errands around town, keep fabrics light and breezy. I love this skirt for that reason, plus the colour and shape keeps it interesting!

TOP 5 HANDBAGS ESSENTIALS FOR HUMID HONG KONG

• Keep cool with a fan – sophisticated and handy
• Wipes – much better than deodorant for freshening up
• MAC Mineralized Water – godsend in a bottle
• Sunglasses – leaving the house without make up is always OK if you have an oversized pair of sunnies!
• A range of hair ties, grips and slides – anything to keep the hair off your face!

You’re now armed and ready to tackle Hong Kong’s humidity in style! Don’t sweat it girls!

For more summer style inspiration, check out our guide to make-up for humid Hong Kong and how to work denim for summer!

Top image from Wildfox