Great Style and Sun Protection Too

Summer is coming, and it's more important than ever to protect our skin from the sun. Research shows that more people have skin cancer, than all the other cancers combined. That's scary - isn't it?

Did you know that you can be proactive and wear sun protective clothing as a first defense? It's true. In fact, Coolibar sent me one of their amazing ZnO Bali Tunic to try out for myself. This shirt not only looks awesome, but it provides UPF 50+ sun protection and blocks 98% UVA/UVB Rays.

Let me tell you that I am in LOVE with this shirt. It's stylish, fits like a dream, works with so many pieces I already have in my wardrobe AND it feels like I'm wearing my favorite broken-in t-shirt. Truly the perfect addition to your wardrobe - right?

The first time I wore it, it was a little chilly and I tossed it on over my favorite Bienne Tank from Aventura, with a pair of yoga pants. Hello stylish, sporty outfit perfect for meeting friends for cup of coffee!

Yoga Pants - Target

Tunic - Coolibar

Flip Flops - Vionic

I also wore it on a sunny warm day, when I was going to be sitting outside in the sun, watching my youngest play baseball. Again, it didn't disappoint; it looked stylish and kept me protected from sun. And even though the tunic has long-sleeves, I wasn't too hot because it has great breath-ability.

Shorts - Lands End (old)

Tunic - Coolibar

Hat - Aventura - I'm an Ambassador

Sandals - Target

Bracelets - Tiffany and Alex and Ani

It looks great with skinny jeans cuffed up too. I am also planning to pack this tunic for our beach trips this summer and wear it over my bathing suit as a cover up on the beach.

Here are some more tips from Coolibar and the American Cancer Society to help you be #SkinSmart this summer:

• Teach kids that being safe in the sun is as important as wearing a bike helmet! Limiting sun exposure now helps prevent skin cancer in the future.
• Make sure to wear lightweight clothing that is tightly woven (t-shirts do NOT block UV rays!), and contains a UV protection factor of 50.
• Keep sunscreen and a hat in your gym bag, stroller or diaper bag so it¹s always accessible when needed.
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes BEFORE going out in the sun, and remember to reapply to exposed areas every two hours, and more often after swimming or sweating.
• Take regular breaks from the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest, and make sure to drink lots of water. Set your phone¹s alarm for reminders.
• Wearing a wide-brim hat provides extra coverage to the neck and shoulders. Every inch of hat brim can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%.
• Wear a swim shirt specifically designed for water activities while at the pool or beach. These provide maximum sun protection, cover a large amount of exposed skin, and dry quickly so they are great for trips.
• Wear sunglasses. In addition to protecting eyes from UV exposure, another cancer risk, the right sunglasses offer impact protection, and reduce reflection if you are participating in any rigorous activities.

What do you wear to protect you from the sun?

catch you soon -
This post is linked up at The Pleated Poppy and at Get Your Pretty On. Be sure to check them out for even more style and outfit ideas and inspiration.