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Welcome to Addressed, a weekly column where we, ahem, address the joys (and tribulations!) of getting dressed. So far, we’ve unpacked how to wear shorts at the office and beyond, how to pack a carry-on bag for a work trip, how to dress with style in your third trimester, and even how to layer without looking like that chair in your room (you know the one). Download the Vogue app, and find our Style Advice section to submit your question.
Hey, did you hear about this? It’s hot out. Like sweltering hot. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” you might say, and guess what? It’s also insanely humid. Standard eight-minute walks from here to there have become an exercise in how disgusting you can feel while still having to show your face to the world (the answer is very). Heatwave dressing (which is just summer dressing, really) has been a big topic of conversation here at Addressed; we’ve already discussed how to approach the sandals conundrum, the shorts issue, the hat situation, and, of course, the it’s-boiling-outside-and-freezing-at-your-desk debacle. There’s only one thing left to think about when we step out of the house each morning—did we remember to grab the fan?
But what kind of fan are we reaching for? There are so many different styles to choose from now, so we’ve put together a fun guide to help you find the right handheld fan for you.
A Classic Accordion Fan
This foldable version is a classic for a reason. Its slim size means it can live at the bottom of your bag, and with a quick flick of the wrist you’re on your way to cool-down city.
Perfect for: If you have a bit of a boho streak, you can find a vintage—always vintage!—groovy floral or lace-trimmed version that matches your dreamy vibes. Alternatively, if your style leans more no-nonsense, a version picked up at a souvenir tourist shop during your summer travels might be right for you. And if you’re really fancy—Hermès makes a calfskin heart-shaped version.
An Around-the-Neck Fan
I don’t know how this objet was invented, but I have to assume it was a DJ who, looking in the mirror while his headphones hung limply around his neck said to himself, “there’s got to be a better way!” And so he turned the speakers into fans that not only cool you off, but keep your hands free for reading and drinking an ice cold beveragino.
Perfect for: Fans of hardcore silhouettes and even more hardcore sounds. But also sporty outdoorsy types who love a bit of gorpcore.
A Handheld Battery-Operated Fan
These started becoming a fashion week essential three years ago, when Naomi Campbell was spotted sitting front-row at the Louis Vuitton Men’s show with one in hand. They are small, come in a wide array of colors, and require nothing from you other than just… holding it there.
Perfect for: Gen Z girlies (and Gen Z girlies at heart) who love complicated tank tops and experimental knitwear, will love the foldable styles—complete with teddy bear ears!; while the modern design of the Jisulife Fan Pro (futuristic blowdryer?) is better suited for fans of aggressive minimalism, or sleek-yet-complicated layering.
A Box Fan
Ok, so this one isn’t portable… but sometimes you have to ask yourself if dealing with the heat is worth leaving the house for. But you should still dress up! That’s something you do just for you.
Perfect for: Divas.
