You're right about the socks. Changing into fresh socks feels so much better in those conditions than it does at home. I recently bought 9 pairs of socks at a flea market and wondered why. Now I know.
I used to love to go to the big 3-story REI store in Seattle. I would dearly love a paid shopping trip there now because I have very few things that I'll be needing or that will make life livable. The good thing is that it's summer so all the warm clothing can wait a while. But the bad thing is, it's summer and will soon be stiflingly hot.
I've read a lot of emigrant's guides to the western US. (including the one the Donner party used, I quoted it in my sourdough paper, actually).
The pioneers were somewhat more hardy than modern Americans in some respects, but they appreciated their creature comforts, too. A damp bandana draped across the neck helps to cool the body and is very inexpensive. An unglazed terra-cotta jug kept in the shade keeps water cool by evaporation.
I love the stuff at REI, but there are lots of field expedient options that don't cost much.
Tell me what you want and I'll see if I can find an expedient.
/john