Last week in New York was one of the steamiest on record -- and it's not even August yet! Ducking outside the office for an errand felt more like hopping into a sauna. Further, it's hard to feel pulled together in heat this oppressive... all-consuming... oven-like. If chopping off all your hair is not an option, then one of the easiest (and chicest) alternatives for getting your hair off your neck is a braid.

At Fashion Week Swim in Miami, Mara Hoffman sent her models down the runway in long, wispy fishtail braids. We also spotted chunky, slightly-haphazard versions this fall at Pucci and Y3. The trick to making this classic style look slightly more edgy is to create lots of texture before you braid your hair. Work in dry shampoo to build fullness and body, and spritz in a salt spray to create even more of a mussed-up feel. Don't stress about making it perfect and neat -- the messier the better.

For more braids, check out our salon visit to the Braid Bar at John Barrett Salon in New York.

Tell us, what are you favorite hot-weather hairstyles?

where to buy:

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, $23, bumbleandbumble.com

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo, $20, ulta.com

Tie-Dye Hair Ties, $10.50, etsy.com