The Modern Mom's Guide to Summer Readiness: Layering Your Way to All-Day Comfort

Because summer isn't about wearing less—it's about planning smarter.

Summer hits different when you're a mom. My summer consists of a lot of play dates in the heat of the day, poolside breakfast, chasing fireflies and frogs by night, and weighted walks on the regular. It's FUN in the best of ways. It's also HOT, and unpopular opinion: I LOVE it. Summer was always a season of the lightest clothes I could find, but this year, I'm revolutionizing how I think about summer dressing, and it starts with one counterintuitive concept: strategic layering.

Rethinking Summer Layers: Protection Over Subtraction

Most people think summer means stripping down to the bare minimum, but smart summer dressing is actually about building the right foundation. The secret? Fabrics and pieces that work with your body's natural cooling system, not against it.

The Foundation Layer: Your Sun Protection MVP

Enter the game-changer: a quality sun hoodie that actually makes summer better. I've been obsessing over the Vertx Lena Full Sun Hoody, (code: AMBERELLE for all things Vertx!) and here's why it's become my non-negotiable first layer:

The Science Behind Smart Coverage:

• UPF 40+ protection blocks harmful UV rays more effectively than most sunscreens (and won't sweat off). We don't fear the sun in our house, we welcome it! But I do like to try to get something between my skin and those direct rays on blazing days, and having fabric that does the job for me is ideal!

• 37.5® Technology naturally regulates your core temperature by managing heat and humidity

• Moisture-wicking fabric that dries 5x faster than cotton keeps you feeling fresh

• Crossover neckline provides extra coverage for that often-forgotten chest and neck area

When to Reach for Full Coverage? I don't use full coverage all day, everyday, but I do stay in tune with my peak windows of full spectrum exposure, where we'll be for the day, and I try to play it smart as often as possible! You can think of your day in 4 segments:

• Morning (7-10 AM): UV rays are already intense, and you're setting the tone for your skin's day

• Peak sun  (10 AM-3 PM): Non-negotiable protection time—especially during outdoor sports or pool days. This might mean a sun hoodie, it might mean a hat, or it may just mean glasses, sometimes all 3, but we definitely reach for some form of protection during this window!

• Afternoon (3-4 PM): Sometimes harder to find shade options during this window!

• Evening  (5-7 PM): UV can still be strong during golden hour.

Layering Your Summer Experience: Beyond Clothing

But summer readiness isn't just about what you wear—it's about layering your entire experience for maximum enjoyment and minimum stress.

Layer 1: The Hydration Foundation

Before anything else, we're building a solid hydration base. Here is a yummy summer drink recipes that actually taste good enough to keep you coming back for more:

Cucumber Mint Refresher:

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced thin

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Pinch of sea salt Let it infuse for 30 minutes—perfect in a cute leather American flag koozie (my latest obsession) to keep it cold and add that summer magic touch

We are fully loving our Just Ingredients electrolyte powder this summer, it's a 3:1 potassium to sodium ratio, and my kids are loving the fruit punch and blue hawaiian flavors! AMBERELLE gets you 10% off!

After completing a 75 Hard back in 2024, and drinking a gallon of plain water everyday, I learned that electrolytes do make all the difference in your ability to take that water into your cells vs simply make yourself a slave to the potty. Even just adding a sprinkle of a good quality salt to your water does wonders! I found this delicious salt, that's lead free, unlike the other popular salts we have all been loving! Thankful we have options! The market is always changing, it can be so overwhelming to try to keep up with the shifting standards of the brands we have come to know and love, but thankfully that's one gift that social media has given us, is greater eyes scanning for transparency, and quicker solutions when we need them!

TIP: If I drink a fun bevy, like an Olipop, I like to follow that up with 40 oz of water with electrolytes or salt! It works well to keep me hydrated and avoid all of the ick that comes with "I didn't drink enough water..."

I've also been LOVING these new San Pellagrino sparkling waters. It's similar to a Sprindrift, with the juice aspect, but so yummy! The cherry tastes like Dr. Pepper if you squint really hard. Ha!

Layer 2: The Accessory Strategy

Every summer accessory should serve a purpose beyond looking cute (though cute doesn't hurt):

The Hat Collection:

• Wide-brim for pool days: Maximum face and shoulder coverage. I love my Gigi Pip hats-more of an investment, but they've held up for nearly 7 years of frequent wearing (and many accidental drops into the lake and ocean!)

• Baseball cap for active pursuits: Stays put during playground chaos

• Visor: Sun protection without hat hair-nerdy but goody.

The Eyewear Arsenal:

• Polarized for water activities: Reduces glare and protects eyes. Go for cost effective + cute that way you won't cry when they fall into the abyss of the lake.

• Classic for everyday: Because sometimes you just want to look put-together. Make sure you have UV protection in the lenses! This pair was such a splurge, but I had my eye on them for years, and finally bought a pair a couple of years ago as a birthday gift to myself! I still love them so much!

  
  

  

  
  

Layer 3: The Activity Prep

Morning Setup:

• Sun hoodie as base layer

• Water bottle filled with electrolyte water

• Hat and sunglasses within arm's reach

• Koozie ready for your iced coffee at the splash pad

  
  

Midday Adjustments:

• Sleeves rolled up or down based on sun exposure

• Hood up for extra protection during peak hours

• Hydration check-make your kiddos stop what they're doing to take some good sips of water!

  
  

Evening Transition:

• Hood down for cooling off

• Switch to evening hydration blend

• Accessories stored for tomorrow's repeat

  
  

Building Your Summer Layering Kit

The Essentials:

• 1-2 quality sun hoodies in versatile colors

• Collection of functional hats

• Polarized sunglasses with strap options

• 2-3 beautiful koozies for different occasions

• Water bottle that you LOVE

• Electrolyte powder or salt

The Nice-to-Haves:

• Lightweight cardigan for over-air-conditioned spaces

• UV-protective lip balm with SPF 30+

• Cooling towels for post-activity refresh

• Insulated tumbler for hot morning coffee that stays cool

Summer Success Mindset

Here's what I've learned: Summer preparedness isn't about having the perfect Pinterest-worthy setup. It's about building systems that work for your real life.

When your base layer is handling sun protection, temperature regulation, and comfort, everything else becomes easier.

You're not constantly thinking about reapplying sunscreen, adjusting uncomfortable clothing, or desperately seeking shade. Instead, you're present for the moments that matter—whether that's cheering at Little League, hosting a summer cookout, or just enjoying a quiet morning coffee with your favorite morning devotional.

The Bottom Line: Smart summer layering means you're prepared for whatever the day throws at you, while still looking (and feeling) like the put-together mom you are. Because when you're comfortable in your own skin—literally and figuratively—summer becomes what it's supposed to be: the season of possibility, adventure, and making memories that last.

Ready to revolutionize your summer game? Start with one great foundation piece and build from there.

What's your go-to summer layering strategy? Drop a comment and let me know how you're staying cool, comfortable, and prepared this season!