Summer is here. The days are longer, the temperature has risen and you wonder how you’re going to get through the day without wilting. Well fear no more. Here are a few tips to help you beat the heat, feel fresh and look great all summer long.

The key to staying and looking cool in the hot summer months is to keep things light. When the air is hot and heavy, the last thing you want to do is add more heat and heaviness to yourself.

Balance the sweltering heat by wearing light cottons, linens and silks that drape or sit loosely around the body as opposed to cling to it. This will allow the air to flow around you and keep you from feeling stifled. Keep colours light as well to reflect the heat and to avoid being a target for those burning rays.

When the thermometer rises, there’s a natural tendency to want to lose the clothing and bear it all - which is fine, if you’re at the beach. However, for those days when you’re not, try to avoid showing too much flesh.

Ladies, short shorts are great if you’ve got the legs for them or if you’re young enough to pull off the look. Shorts that land at mid thigh are neither here nor there and have a tendency to visually shorten the leg. Choose a straight cut or slimming short that lands at or around the knee (depending on your shape and height), avoiding cuts that are too wide or bulky.

Tank tops or dresses with thin straps help keep you cool, but make sure to keep bra straps hidden - try wearing a strapless bra instead. For those of you with larger busts that require a supportive bra, opt for tanks or dresses with wider straps (which tend to look better on women with fuller chests).

Gentlemen, try to avoid looking like you’re heading out to the gym all summer long. There are many choices available for great, stylish summer clothes. Instead of grabbing a t-shirt and gym shorts, opt for a short sleeved, button down shirt or golf shirt. Pair it with bermuda or cargo shorts or a pair of cropped pants in light cotton or linen.

Think of others when applying fragrances or hair products. Heavily scented perfumes, colognes and hairsprays can be overwhelming - especially if you live in a humid climate. Opt for lighter scents and use sparingly. A hint of fragrance is always better than a barrage of smells.

Stay on top of your grooming. You’re probably exposing parts of your body that haven’t seen the light of day in months. Buff, polish, shave, wax or do whatever you need to do in order to keep all uncovered areas looking their best. Inadequate grooming is a distraction. After all, do you want people to notice you for looking great or for the little things that you failed to take care of?

And ladies, use a light hand when applying your makeup. Not only is most heavy makeup unable to withstand the heat, but visually it seems a bit much in hot weather. Instead, opt for sheer coverage on the skin or a light dusting of mineral powder to keep pores from clogging. Instead of a heavy blush, try using a bronzer on the cheeks for that sun kissed look (just make sure that you’re using the right colour for your skin tone). Keep eye makeup to a minimum. Consider lightly enhancing the eyes during the day and save the drama for the nights.

But most importantly, to survive the heat in style always remember to drink plenty of water, wear your sunscreen, avoid getting to much sun and you’ll look fabulous all summer long.