By Debra D. Bass

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

(MCT)

Carefree and colorful epitomize summer style. So as we fight to keep cool and look cool doing it, here are a few suggestions to help you handle the rising heat index and retain your style quotient. It's OK for them to see you sweat, if you look good doing it.

1. Go natural, or at least fake it. If your hair is naturally curly, experiment with hair products that allow you to get away from the flat iron and blow dryer. You'll be surprised at what the right cut and the right curl serum can do. If you don't have natural curls, you can experiment with French braiding your hair at night and unraveling it in the morning for something soft and easy.

Curls are a naturally youthful look that can take a few years off your face, especially if you combine it with a few strategic highlights that can last you most of the summer. Braids are another option, but you don't have to go all out. Try styling your hair loose with just one small braid down the side or across the top of the head like a headband. Both are a nice touch for semi-casual daytime and chic nighttime wear.

2. Adopt a bold-colored pair of shoes and try them on with everything. That doesn't mean you have to wear them every day, but you have to stop instinctively reaching for same boring black or neutral pair of shoes to go with everything. You'd be surprised how some red shoes can add pizzazz to everything from blacks to peach ensembles. Mix colors. No matter what color you're wearing you can probably add shiny red, green or yellow shoes for an unexpected pop of color.

3. Summer lip, lids and tips. Play up your eyes, lips and nails with some of the vibrant colors summer has to offer. Highlight your eyes or your lips, but not both unless you have expert status. You don't have to go with a lip color that enters the room two steps ahead of the rest of your face, but try pumping up the shade you normally wear by going with something two shades darker or brighter in the same family. If the color scares you, go with something matte, not super glossy. Coral shades can be universally flattering. For eyes, think greens and golds for a switch. And typically, your lips and your fingernail polish should not clash. If you paint your hands and toes, they should be the same color, unless your hands have clear polish or a French manicure.

4. Commit to a beauty regimen. If you have tons of lotions and potions that you use sporadically, now's the time to make a commitment to applying them as directed morning and night. Otherwise, you are wasting money. Find one slate of products and use them religiously for the summer and see how your skin reacts. Right now, we're in love with the Aveda Enbrightenment skin care system, which improves the surface of the skin and diminishes the appearance of dark spots. Just note that inconsistency is often worse than no regimen at all. The heat, humidity and damaging sun rays put your skin at risk for clogging, breakouts and hyperpigmentation. A regular routine will remove the excess oils that will build up, and if you make sure one of those steps involves a "broad spectrum" sunblock (look for zinc oxide, one of the best blockers), you'll be protected from harmful UV rays.

5. Jackets need not be deferred. We often hang up the jackets and long sleeves for the summer because they are hard to keep fresh. Because we're more prone to wearing something sleeveless underneath a jacket, sweat happens. So the easier-to-care-for cardigans tend to crop up a little more. But a jacket can be a great way to boost a simple summer frock into office attire. A jacket or long sleeves can also validate a tailored Bermuda short for workday wear. Garment Guard ($10.95 to $14.95) at Nordstrom or www.garmentguard.com, offers a barrier. Stick the disposable pads into your jacket or shirts to guard against excess sweating. That way you can still take your jacket to the office to battle the chill of the air conditioning without battling your wallet on dry cleaning.

6. Find your signature item. Invest in a quality accessory piece. It can be a watch that you plan to wear every day or a simple, sexy pair of gold hoop earrings. Go out and buy something worthwhile and wear the heck out of it. Consider the price per wear cost instead of the overall cost. And, no, it doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be distinctive and versatile. Precious metals are a safe bet, but something tribal can also be versatile. From American Indian turquoise pieces to African bead bracelets, the looks can add personality to neutrals, blacks or jeans.

7. Upgrade your flip-flops. There's no excuse to walk around clip-clopping in something that looks like you just stepped out of a communal shower at the gym. 'Nuf said.

8. Flowers, bows and patterns. Now's the time to shake out of the ho-hum solids and spice it up with a printed dress, flirty ruffled shirt or sweeping skirt. Add a little bohemian to your normal attire; it's bound to affect your mood. Even if you're not a print-kinda-girl, a flower pin in your hair, on your shirt or a headband can also lend an element of fun to your day-to-day wardrobe. Emma E. Bows has nonslip hair bows and flowers for adults and children the Etsy Web site at www.ktfin777.etsy.com.

9. Let blemishes be. If you are perpetually acne-free, we hate you, move on. If you are prone to breakouts, then just expect that those pesky blemishes will be worse in the summer. Do your diligence of applying drying potions and wait. Some products will take the red out or shorten the duration when used consistently, but the best thing you can do is keep your hands off. RareMinerals Blemish Therapy ($28) from Bare Escentuals, offers a powder treatment that fights acne, reduces redness and heals. Other products with a 10 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide can work well when applied at night or under moisturizers during the day. But to run a course, blemishes can last for three to five days. Yes, soooo frustrating, but your skin will thank you for your patience, and it won't rebel with something even more heinous, like permanent scarring.

10. Buy new undies. If you haven't been fitted for a new bra in a while, you have probably changed sizes or needs. It's inevitable. And with tank tops and halter tops, you need the right undergarments to lift and flatter. As a bonus, the right bra can make you look five pounds thinner in a snap. If you notice that your bras aren't as stretchy as they used to be, that's a problem. Too comfy can also be a problem. Your bra should feel fairly invisible, but you should not feel jiggly (yes, that's a technical term). Ultimately, you want comfort and support, but above all you want support. You can probably also benefit from some new panties. Sheer fabrics and lighter, seamless items can be nicer looking underneath lightweight warm weather items.