What to Wear in a Canicule (Heatwave)?
Wilting in the heat of this year’s shockingly high temperatures, we turned to Giovanni Dario Laudicina, fashion consultant, stylist, and fashion director for U La Repubblica, for advice.
At one point in late June, with meteorologists reporting temperatures exceeding 40°C (more than 100°F), Paris was hotter than Athens, Cairo, and Bangkok. Offices, boutiques, schools, and virtually any business without air conditioning that didn’t need to be open in the midday sun… wasn’t.
Tourists (and others who didn’t need to maintain decorum in an office) donned shorts, beach-style sundresses, and heaven forbid, even flip-flops, to venture out into the streets, breaking nearly every unstated but widely respected Parisian dress code.
Still, Paris is a big capital city, one of the fashion capitals of the world, and there are standards to keep no matter what. Parisians “present” themselves, and many French businesses still tacitly require a moderate level of decorum (think banks, large corporates, high-end retail establishments, for example). And even if the work premises are air conditioned, what happens to that polished presence during the blasting heat of the commute between home and the office?
Who better to provide advice than fashion director, stylist, and consultant Giovanni Dario Laudicina, who agreed to answer a few questions…
Reporting from Paris: Cities require a certain level of elegance and an office dress code. During heatwaves, especially where air conditioning isn’t always available or reliable, what does one wear to look professional and avoid perspiring profusely (which would undermine the whole point of the dress code)? What can replace a suit or a dress?
Giovanni Dario Laudicina: I would recommend embracing oversized volumes, covering as much of the body as possible, and choosing highly breathable fabrics such as linen. It reduces direct sun exposure, helps avoid visible sweat marks, and prevents the skin from looking damp in the heat.
RFP: Accessories and details: What does one wear on the feet? What can replace a tie? Should the shirt or sweater be tucked into the skirt... or leave it untucked altogether? Briefcase or…?
GDL: Right now, the trend is to let clothes fall naturally rather than styling them through excessive draping or tucking. For footwear, I always prefer shoes with very thin soles, which create a more elegant silhouette. Large, understated bags work best. And if you’re not wearing a tie, don’t try to replace it with another accessory.
RFP: Which fabrics work best in the heat (keeping one cool and not wrinkling too much) while still maintaining a “put-together” look?
GDL: I wear almost exclusively linen and hemp during the warmer months. I would avoid silk in the heat, while a touch of cashmere can still work beautifully in the evening.
RFP: Fragrances: deodorants, colognes, hairsprays, etc. – which scents hold up best in the heat? What should be avoided?
GDL: Nothing particularly complicated: simply avoid fragrances that are too strong.
RFP: The future holds more frequent, longer, and more intense heatwaves. What opportunities do you see for fashion designers and cosmetics companies to meet this new and growing need? What should they focus on?
GDL: I focus on clothing because that’s my field, but in reality, this new climate is also changing the way we think about fashion. It limits certain possibilities and forms of creativity because many of the traditional seasonal references no longer apply. We are all navigating new territory, often guided by practical considerations and market demands. Heavy clothing has become increasingly difficult to justify, while the transitional seasons seem shorter than ever. The opportunity, however, is to refocus on what truly matters: quality. Fewer options, but better ones. A more carefully edited and intentional wardrobe.
Giovanni Dario Laudicina is a fashion consultant and stylist for both men and women. In 2024, he was appointed fashion director at U La Repubblica, the men’s magazine of one of Italy’s leading daily newspapers. A native of Sicily, Giovanni graduated from the University of Architecture in Venice before launching his career as a stylist at Vogue Hommes in 2016. He lives in Paris and Milan. Discover more about his work here and follow him on Instagram: @giovannidariolaudicina
