Sunshine Staples

Every spring, before Colorado’s summer heat settles into the mountains, I start dreaming of somewhere tropical. Not just warm. Hot. Humid. The kind of place where my hair goes curly, my skin finally feels hydrated and a fresh piña colada becomes part of my daily routine.

This year, that meant bouncing between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, where my suitcase was filled with lightweight shirts, easy dresses and breathable shorts designed to survive thick humidity and spontaneous adventures.

Back home in Colorado, summer heat arrived with a vengeance and I find myself reaching for the same warm-weather pieces I traveled with. The ones that straddled the line between kid-approved hikes and sunset cocktails. And why not? They’re lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, exactly what I need to stay comfortable in the heat.

The trick is mixing outdoor pieces into my everyday wardrobe so it doesn’t look like I just took off my hiking boots. Here are the warm-weather staples that transitioned seamlessly from tropical destinations to Colorado’s hottest days:

Button-Ups Are the New T-shirts

At some point, my collection of short-sleeve button-ups became excessive. The evidence is in one overstuffed drawer that requires a strategic shove every time I close it. A good button-up does something a basic tee can’t: it makes an outfit feel intentional while requiring no effort. Sometimes I style them half-open; other times, buttoned up to the neck.

That’s why I’ve been reaching for pieces from Terlingua Threads, a small-batch apparel company focused on hot-weather comfort. When I first met the founder, Doug Waters, last year, I loved his company’s concept: woven hemp fabric paired with hidden ventilation at the back and under the arms to maximize airflow.

My only gripe? The original women’s shirt was too long. I suggested a shorter fit and Doug listened.

The result is the upcoming Biscayne Shirt (available in limited quantities later this summer), a cropped version that is perfectly suited to summer. Lightweight hemp, discreet airflow panels, tawny-brown recycled buttons and a clean, flat-band collar give it the feel of your favorite worn-in tee, except it’s actually designed for 90-degree days.

Shade Without the Sacrifice

There are some things I know are good for me that somehow never become habits. Eating enough protein (I try, but can’t manage to hit my goal). Drinking enough water (coffee counts against my total). Setting boundaries. Sleep, thankfully, is the one thing I’m fully committed to.

Sun protection falls somewhere in the middle.

I’m meticulous about using sunscreen daily on my face. My arms, back and legs? Somehow, they get skipped before hopping on a hike or heading out for a trail run, despite knowing better. It’s not that I don’t care, I just have approximately 47 tabs open in my brain and “reapply sunscreen” is usually the one that gets accidentally closed.

The obvious solution is a sun shirt. The problem is that most of them feel like wearing a compression sock around your torso.

The Royal Robbins Salathe Sun Hoodie changed my mind.

With UPF protection, ultralight fabric and a relaxed, cropped fit, it feels airy instead of restrictive. The adjustable pull-cord hem lets you cinch the waist for a little shape, while the elastic cuffs keep the sleeves in place (and bugs out). A high-neck quarter-zip protects your neck, especially with the hood up, leaving you feeling covered, not cocooned.

I throw it on first because it’s comfortable, and sun protection is a bonus. Something my future self will thank me for.

The Secret Stylish Shorts

Motherhood has changed many things, including my approach to clothing. Somewhere between having kids, surviving Covid and transitioning into a work-from-home freelance job, my style shifted from office-focused to outdoor-focused. I want pieces that feel stylish, but they have to survive playgrounds, road trips and whatever other adventure inevitably gets added to the schedule.

The Blackstrap Utility All-Purpose Short hits those marks. At first glance, it looks like a casual everyday short. Then you notice the technical details: quick-dry fabric, a hint of stretch, an adjustable web belt and a high-waisted elastic waistband that still has a zip-and-button closure.

Then there’s the fit. It’s slightly relaxed and a subtle rise in the outer hem creates a flattering shape that elongates the leg. In a sea of drab olive green, tan or black, the rich cherry-red color is a bolder and more beautiful neutral.

One Last Thing for Kids

I know this column is mostly for ladies, but these kids’ hats deserve a shoutout (after a whole lot of compliments).

The Landmark Project’s five-panel kids hats have become the unexpected hero of summer. Lightweight, packable and quick-drying, they’ve survived beaches, campsites, playgrounds and the general chaos that comes with two active boys.

As a bonus, the company supports public lands and outdoor conservation efforts. Anything that protects my kids from the sun while helping protect the places we love to explore feels like a win.

The Carry-All That Actually Carries it All

There are two types of outdoorsy people: minimalists and always-prepared overpackers. You either thrive on nothing or everything.

I used to think I was an outdoor minimalist. Then I had kids.

That made Costa Rica’s rainy season the perfect testing ground for the RUX Waterproof 30L Tote. Calling it a tote almost undersells it — it’s really a dry bag and a structured carry-all.

The wide, open design makes it easy to grab what you need without digging to the bottom of a backpack. But the real magic is hidden inside: a roll-top dry bag stays tucked neatly along the sides until the skies open up, or you’re heading to the beach, a waterfall hike, the pool or a lake. When you need waterproof protection, simply pull up the liner, roll it closed and buckle it shut.

The RUX Tote has become my default bag anytime water is involved. The 30-liter capacity swallows all the family’s essentials without becoming a black hole, which, if you’re packing for a family, is worth its weight in gold.