Layering in warm weather

MsLuna

Early spring and fall are my favourite seasons because I could freely express myself in my personal style. I'm a layering person. Although I have been limiting myself to dresses and tunics/leggings lately, they are always topped with a jacket or cardigan of some kind. So when the snow thaws and Spring arrives, it can only get warmer, right? And Toronto gets excruciatingly hot in the summer.

So for those of you who layer like I do (not necessarily the same body type), do you layer in the warmer months? If so, how do you do it?

14 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Ana

jenanded

Veteran

Hi from the sub tropics... Love the layered look but it really gets too hot and I think most of the popultation here run round here with flabby arms, melting makeup and not NEARLY ENOUGH layers to cover what would be better under wraps :-)... The best that works is light weight and different lengths in tanks, cardis, lightweight jackets (I love the ones I get in Canada and bring home interestingly enough!). When its hot necklaces, scarves etc are just unbearable. A long necklace reduces the amount round the neck but I do think you need something to keep things focused on your face if the rest is loose and layered... Not sure if that helps...

14 years ago

celia

Veteran

I am afraid I won't be much help.Just wanted to add my solidarity on the topic of dressing for Toronto summer.Last year I felt like I spent August in dresses.
Although it is not our predominant season ( or perhaps all the seasons are predominant seasons to us) I do feel that we have to have very fresh separates for summer(sorry, I know you don't love them).
What I was able ti layer in summer were tank tops with cotton vests.
Chewispagethi has some great layer outfits in warm weather.

14 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

crocheted or open weaved jackets or sweaters work for me. Gauze shirts are another option. I like to keep my arms somewhat covered.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

IK has mentioned that knit linen is fab for this! IME, very lightweight black layers work well, too as they hide the sweat.

Do you have dry heat or killer humidity there? I think the former allows you a little more wiggle room.

14 years ago

MsLuna

Veteran

@jenanded I agree with you on scarves and necklaces. I'm usually fussy about what goes on my neck (again, a comfort issue), so I barely wear scarves anyway. I don't have enough long necklaces, unfortunately, but I will be looking into this!

@celia Thanks for the suggestion! I know that everyone loves their separates and I can see why (versatility)! I guess for me if I can find separates that actually don't make me feel like I'm about to gasp for air, I will be ok!

@Meredith I'm with you on the covered arms. I could potentially have clients who require business casual, so I will need to have my arms covered. Plus - I do prefer that as well. I feel somewhat naked if I show my arms (it's really 40% self-consciousness and 60% modesty). Same deal with my legs. I wear a lot of mini skirts but I can never wear them for the summer because I like some coverage.

@rae I should look into knit linen. I haven't actually heard of this before! Maybe if they have a stable knit, I can make structured dresses! I'm always wearing black so I have no shortage of black knits We have killer humidity here in Toronto and occasionally I cycle to commute as well.

14 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

I agree about gauze shirts! I have an old white short-sleeved shirt by Levi's with some sort of a textured pattern, that I only use as a layering piece and always wear unbuttoned. I usually wear it over bright t-shirts or tanks. It may be a bit bulky, though, because the fit is basically of a fairly straight button down shirt so I would love to find something similar but more fitted.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I don't know. Austin is sub-tropical and humid, so summers are awful. Layering is not possible (for most people) except indoors, in which case light sweaters, blazers and denim jackets work. For me, clothes that absorb sweat are a must.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I wear tons of layers because places that are hot outside tend to be freezing inside. Also, because the summer stuff I like is very sheer.

My summer uniform is a white tank with bra in, as lightweight as possible. Then over that, some kind of drapey or sheer layer, paired with lightweight pants, then sandals. I carry a sweater or lightweight jacket for inside. The other uniform is an Eileen Fisher linen a-line dress, worn with a soft bra and sandals.

Sometimes I mix it up with a denim jacket, etc., or a vest, or a LS shirt, but it's all very light layers. And I shower and change A LOT.

14 years ago

celia

Veteran

Btw the outfit I posted on the other thread is a black jumpsuit.no separates.

14 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Really cute sandals and handbags are probably a good investment for anyone living in a hot climate. And hats - straw type fedoras, sun hats. That's kind of a "layer" right?

I would say very light weight linen jackets or cardigans or cotton voile type shirt-jackets are pretty good in the heat. And very useful in the cold AC most places have in summer. Semi-sheer silk and linen blends are also good. A blend helps with the wrinkle factor in lighter weights. Under that, a cotton tank is good or other sleeveless light top in a natural fabric. Gauze seems hard to find - maybe I don't know where to look...?

The challenge (for me) is that the tank has to stand on it's own (it does get very hot here) so I look for tanks that hide bra straps and are flattering in their shape and color. Finding tanks or sleeveless tops in natural fabrics or blends has been an ongoing search for me.

I still find necklaces bearable and I like to wear at least one - even in the 100 degree weather, but I wear a lot of natural materials and keep it very minimal and light. No choker or huge "statement" pieces.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I forgot about the showering and changing part. Like IK, In hot weather I always shower twice a day, and change my street clothes twice, especially if I have somewhere to go in the evening (hence the need for the gigantic, mostly machine-washable wardrobe).

14 years ago

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