In the spring and during summertime, we are inundated with articles about color. Everything, from magazines to blogs, seem to be screaming, “Wear pops of color!,” “Insert x color into your wardrobe,” and my personal favorite, “Pink(/Orange/Green/Neon Yellow) is the new black!” Let’s be honest, though. Nothing but black will ever be “the new black.”

The one problem with black in the summer, however, is that it can be super sweltering. Especially if (like myself) you live in a desert area where the heat can get up to 120 degrees, sometimes more. Below are some tips for making the most out of a heavily black wardrobeduring the hottest months of the year.

1.  With darker stuff, sheer fabrics reign: When in doubt, pair a sheer shirt with an opaque bra (like my friend Ashley in the above photo).

2.  Don’t be afraid to embrace linen pieces. Not everything made out of linen looks like it came from your mother’s collection black of vacation pants.

3.  Just like you can wear summer things in winter, you can modify winter things for the summer. Tie a knot at the bottom of that maxi dress.

4.  Think “this outfit, minus tights.” Got any favorite black dresses you wore every day in winter? Just wear them without tights and with sandals instead of boots.

5.  Avoid anything too stuffy. When in doubt, if something “feels” too wintery, it probably is.

Visit thingsonhangers here.