Taking a little too much heat this summer? If you're on your way to a slow burn, it may be time for a little fashion coverup. And we're not talking about hiding out under a tent either — those muumuus were not a good look. Instead, grab your heavy-duty sunscreen and one of these stylish coverups to save your skin.

— Heady stuff: Anyone who has ever had a sunburned scalp knows that keeping your head under wraps is a good thing when it comes to being outdoors on a hot day. Caps are cool, of course, and easy to stash in a beach bag. For even more UV protection, try popping on a big-brimmed straw classic that will not only keep the sun off your face, but your neck and shoulders as well.

— Super scarves: Go for the big lightweight ones in cotton, linen or silk in the summer. Use them as headscarves tied pirate-style, or giant oblong ones as a shawl wrapped around your arms. At night, the sheerest scarves can be lifesavers layered over strapless sundresses or tube tops.

Scarves also make great travel companions, since they can easily be tucked into suitcases. Collect them like crazy!

— Sarongs: You may call them pareos or lungis depending on where you're from, but these decorative cotton batik wraps really come in handy in the summer. You can wear them layered over leggings or tights in cool-weather months, but on the beach, they're great coverups when skirted over swimsuits. They're also versatile like shawls. If you happen to vacation in the Caribbean or Southeast Asia, stock up on them.

— Big shirts and tunics: One of my favorites — the long, linen shirt that can also double as dresses or sheer tunic tops. Slide them over sunburned shoulders or layer on top of soft cotton tank tops.

Dressed up with beaded trims or dressed down in mesh or crochet, these shirts can be essential in the summer when you want to be cool, but covered up at the same time.

— Summer sweaters: It's effortless style when all you have to do is throw on a little knit cardigan over a camisole and jeans to meet your friends for dinner at your favorite outdoor caf?. Modern cardigans come in all shapes and sizes – lightweight knits in short shrugs or long tunics .

Tie these sweaters around your neck, drape them over your shoulders or wear them as a summer jacket. In bright colors, they're a summertime fashion winner.

— Relaxed knits: You know the kind of item you would wear to a yoga class. Well, how about wearing those same pieces when you're hitting the hot pavement? Cover up with hooded zip-front jackets, drawstring skirts and pants, or short capris and cropped pants — all in cool cotton knits that skim over your body and don't cling.

Always remember, summer is all about relaxing; your wardrobe shouldn't have to work too hard either.

Pictured here: A hat as simple as this newsboy cap from Gap can help keep summer's harmful sunrays at bay. Photo courtesy of Gap.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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