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Summer dressing frustration

abc

Veteran

I'm fortunate to have a mild climate year round. It only gets hot for a few months of the year if that. Well, it's here and I'm struggling to dress appropriately when I can't rely on my tried and true toppers (blazers, denim jackets, motos, etc) which I wear the other months of the year.

I also don't like to expose my upper arms and I seem to have lots of layering tops - several sleeveless and plenty of basic solid T-shirts (but the sleeves are shorter than I'd prefer to wear alone).

I only have two pairs of shorts and I'm not crazy about either pair.

I have several of the VC tube skirts but am challenged to wear them without the topper.

I don't feel polished without the topper and it's too hot for scarves. I'm loving statement jewelry less and less.

I also realized I only have 2 pairs of comfy non-flat casual sandals. I'm an urban city dweller and walk a lot but comfy slightly heeled sandals could help me mix it up and feel less blah, perhaps?

So please tell me (or better yet show me) your warm/hot weather solutions from head to toe. I'm WFH/MOTG and when I say hot I mean 80s (~30C) but in the concrete jungle it seems to feel hotter. Explanations and/or formulas help tremendously.

We are having people over on Sat so I'm hoping I can pull something together by then.

Thanks for listening to my whiny rant. I think the heat's getting to me. Apologies to our friends up north that have snow on the ground.

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Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I suffer through hot humid summers as well and like you prefer toppers. I don't care so much about arm coverage as I do about adding waist definition...

That being said I do have some shrugs that have sleeves and tie at my waist that I wear over a tank top and I love.. They are either knitted or perforated...similar to the style of the one I found her on Amazon..mine are slightly longer more at waist level...

http://www.amazon.com/Joe-Brow.....8&

Don't know if this helps...but I also have great air conditioning! Comfy shoes that make you feel great are super important!!!!

Gigi

Veteran

I probably won't be much help...but since you love toppers, have you looked for one that is maybe a cotton-linen blend? Or a silk blend? That would be very light and breathable; it would cover your arms but not make you hot. A thin rayon would probably work OK too, but otherwise I would stay away from synthetics.

Here are a couple from Nordstrom (they're petites', but I'm sure they come in regular too, if you are regular...can't remember!):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ni.....igin=categ
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ni.....n=category

I have the second one (black in pic, though I have it in white) and can attest to its being very lightweight. It wouldn't keep me warm in AC, for example.

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AJ

Veteran

1)Tube skirts look great with hi-low tops.

2)Last year I wrote this post.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....or-the-80s
That thin cotton vest is a warm weather workhorse for me.

3)An on trend sandal would add fun to a basic summer outfit. I have this on my shopping list (gold version):
http://m.dsw.com/shop/collecti.....dal/298766

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krishnidoux

Veteran

Dresses, dresses, dresses... upper arm: dress + thin shell
this shell ex. http://www.talbots.com/online/.....8;catId=ca

Aubergine

Veteran

Our summers get really hot and sticky, so I've got lots of experience here!

I do lots of knit dresses since they're so cool and breezy and they can look pulled-together just on their own. I usually wear them without toppers when I'm not at work, and the toppers I do use are generally just thin cardigans kind of like the ones Gigi linked to. I also wear lots of dangling earrings, probably more I do in winter, since my hair's more likely to be pulled back so you can see them well and they don't really touch my skin like other jewelry might. And I think looking for really great, on-trend shoes can help a lot. I actually should do a little more of that myself, come to think of it. I get so bored of wearing the same few pairs of boots in winter, then somehow end up wearing the same few pairs of comfy sandals in summer, and it just seems like a waste of opportunities to have more fun with my shoes.

Also, what about looking for more tops that can stand alone for the summer? Like maybe lightweight materials in elbow-length 3/4 sleeves with interesting cuts or patterns.

Parsley

Veteran

Oh, abc, I commiserate with you!
I think hot weather is the hardest to dress for. It's so much harder to look polished without that third piece to finish off an outfit. And the arm issue- ugh!

One of my solutions is a loose, floaty top with a tank or camisole underneath. Basically it feels like you're only wearing a tank, but the floaty top provides some coverage. It can work with the tube skirts, too. And some don't even require a camisole.

I loved some of the tops that Angie showed yesterday. She had some great versions with sleeves for summer.

I also like wearing a basic long-sleeved linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up. it looks classic and in spite of the sleeves is quite cool in summer. J Jill carries nice ones every year. I size down for a sleeker look.

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

I hope this helps! At least you can know you're not alone in being stymied by hot weather!

Aziraphale

Veteran

I wish I could help. Hot weather destroys me too. I have no suggestions about arm covering, as I prefer clothes that reveal my upper arms, but what about relying on jewellery instead of toppers and scarves for adding a little bit of flair to an outfit?

Also, really well-cut, good quality garments (especially those made of linen) can look fabulous, even if the outfit is really simple. And great sandals. Awesome shoes always perk up how you feel in your clothes -- or at least, it works for me!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

ugh. 15 years ago i moved from beautiful, foggy Berkeley where i could always wear a third piece (in fact my style utterly depended on it) to Walnut Creek where it's going to hit mid-80's today jsut to get us revved up for the weeks and weeks in the 90s during the rest of the summer and on into later October. It drove me nuts, but i've learned a helluva lot about dressing and personal style that i doubt i would have learned otherwise.

I don't know about you, but i can't bear even a thin cardi at 103F. I rely on blouses in thin, airy coton, linen and silk worn over skirts; and dresses. Your particular choices will depend on your personal style (classic, boho, etc.). I sew, so i can't give you many shopping resources, but what you're looking for is pieces with the presence and structure a jacket would provide. For example, shirtdresses are wonderful and come in a variety of fabrications, colors, and style details. Button down style shirts provide that finish as well, rolled or short sleeves keep you cool.

In my experience, i don't find any shops that seem to cater to this type of dressing, so when i do shop i tend to pick bits and bobs from here and there. If you're unsure about dropping lots of cash on something new, this a great time to do some thrifting to 'test drive' pieces you're not sure about.

Again, stylish sandals really help up your look - every piece has to pull it's weight when you're wearing so little! I also find that coming up with a hair and makeup routine that gives a bit of polish and wears well in the heat makes a big difference. I wear a lot of hats, too. HTH, good luck and i'll be watching this thread as well!!! steph

rachylou

Veteran

I need to cover up from the sun - I wear cotton shirts as toppers when it's really really hot. I even have some Solumbra stuff.

Thistle

Veteran

You have gotten lots of great advice.

I really have nothing to offer as it is mostly cold here (and artic summer AC makes it a year round phenomenon) and I wonder how many layers I can get on and still move my arms

Von

Veteran

I hate humid dressing also. I'm getting out all of my skirts now, because when it's hot here, the last thing I want on is a skirt (hot legs...ugggggh!). Our summers range from 98-105 last year, and I wore pants + sleeveless tops, and no toppers, but I have quite a few light cardigans if I must top something. Breezy cotton shirts sometimes work, if you don't mind them getting a bit wrinkly on the commute. I tend to stay away from anything that doesn't breathe, and would cause me to sweat because it's not airy enough. Cotton is nice, and white tops work better than dark ones.

Jules

Veteran

Was thinking the same as Parsley - loose long sleeved tops in very light cotton, linen or blends, with tab sleeves or just rolled up. I was at the Gap yesterday and there are some in very light fabrications (can't say which ones here exactly):
http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=34608

Day Vies

Veteran

WOW I love the visual. That gave me a good laugh!
My solution -- because I think sleeveless outfits are not as pulled together for work in the summer short sleeve jackets in linen (they exist but only in the summer ;-)) Also you could use a button down shirt (short sleeve/ 3/4 sleeve or long sleeved rolled up)as a jacket and either wear it like a jacket over a shell or tank or you could button it to about mid-torso and tuck. Examples of my linen jackets. are below:

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columbine(erin)

Veteran

I struggle with hot weather dressing too. I was from a cooler climate and it worked to wear Fall type outfits almost year round. I also don't love wearing shorts or being sleeveless. Last year a favorite combo was a sleeveless linen sheath dress with or without a light cotton cardi and sandals. That felt cooler than wearing pants or shorts. Last year there were fires so it was too smokey to open the windows for a breeze and we don't have ac so it was 105 F in the house sometimes.

I saw some linen dresses with sleeves and nice linen tops at Jjill, if they would fit in the budget, maybe look there? Two years ago I found my favorite linen dress at Macy's, not sure what they have this year.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I like wearing very light, soft cotton or linen shirts in our hot (100+ for months) Texas summers. I do wear sleeveless too, but I often like the coverage from the sun of a long sleeved shirt and I just scrunch up the sleeves. In addition there are a lot of very thin cotton slub tees available these days if that style suits you. I live in them for a big part of the summer heat.

I also have a collection of very light toppers in linen, slub cotton and similar weight fabrics that work for me when I want a slightly more "dressed" look or when I'm in the cold AC. I have very light weight navy, white and flax toppers that seem to span most of my wardrobe options but I have considered adding a brighter colored one to the mix. Jcrew has a nice linen cardigan right now, but it is a bit delicate so you have to use some care in handling it.

I recently purchased this top linked below from BR and it is a great example. I sized up because I don't like the feeling of anything fitted when it's really hot outside. It looks black/white in the image but to me it reads ink blue/white IRL. Very nice with dark blue jeans or with white/navy or deep olive shorts. Usually not a pattern person but this one is perfect for me for whatever reason (my slight "Bohemian" side?)

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=969321002

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mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

I have to chime in and thank so many ladies for posting! Von, it's so helpful you posted how skirts drive you NUTS in the heat, as for me it's the exact opposite! It points out how personal it is, and how important it is for a person to experiment around to find out what works for them. And Day Vies, those short sleeved linen jackets sound so fresh and sophisticated, yum While Txstyle, that shirt sounds so 'cool' style wise in addition to temperature wise! rachylou makes a good point as well, i have a jean style jacket in light weight khaki cotton i use to cover up from the sun, as well as a battered parasol i need to replace.

Thistle, you crack me up! Thank you all, it's really reassuring to hear there's so many of us in the same situation, steph

Aida

Veteran

Lots of great advice already, I have similar tactics. Our "hot" days are usually only in the 80s as well (and equally short-lived), and like Rachy I usually need sun protection because I burn ridiculously easily. I tend to pick one area of exposed skin, legs with short shorts or arms with sleeveless tops, or I'll go moderate with both. I don't have AC at home or at work, so if it's truly hot then I'll go short on top and short on bottom

Natural fibers can go a loooong way in the heat; if you're not a naturally hot person, you can also get by with items that have 30%+ of a natural fiber and the rest synthetic. Linen shirts are a wonderful way to beat the heat while staying covered, and are often my top of choice if I'm going to be outside for a long stretch. Linen, cotton, and silk are my go-tos for hot weather. Breezy tees can also be wonderful in the heat, as are sheer silk blouses that are layered over thin cotton tanks. I personally wear sweaters all through summer, and will wear my lightweight options up to about 80F; open-weave sweaters with a thin breezy tank underneath are great options for hotter weather.

Breezy midi skirts are also lovely in the heat (I'm especially fond of hi-low hems on these), as are lightweight wide-leg pants. I also wear a lot of knickerbocker style knee length shorts, in cotton or silky, as well as linen mid-length shorts. And of course, light jersey dresses are a must for truly warm days! Lightweight jacket options include cropped THIN denim jackets, cotton utility jackets, and of course a vest is a great topper that will keep you much cooler than a jacket.

I don't have access to anything recent (which is too bad, I think I had some good examples from this past summer), but here are links to some previous summer outfits. I do have this one image from below, which is a good example of shorter breezy summer wear for me.

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Peri

Veteran

Just commiserating. I live in a very hot humid summer climate that lasts a few months too many for my happiness. I don't have good solutions. I feel like I just put up with not looking as good in the summer. I never get excited about summer clothes like I do about cold weather things. I think I just lower the bar and survive it!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Here are a couple of outfits I pulled off August and July last year from my blog. Mostly I work in A/C, so even long linen shorts get worn with a topper (probably too warm for you). So, these are more on the casual side.

1. silk tunic-like dress worn over beige capri leggings with low-heeled light-colored cage sandals
2. white cropped cotton trousers worn under flowy yellow top (pink leather jacket in hand)
3. striped tee with interesting neckline and rolled sleeves worn with white denim and metallic flats
4. very casual denim cuffed knee-length shorts with metallic boat shoes, a linen tee and matching straw sun hat.

ETA - I realize some of these (all?) don't meet your arm-covering requirement, but you may be able to find similar items that do in the shops?

I guess when it gets hot I throw my vanity aside and bare what needs to be bared...LOL.

Hope these help!! You might have to go shopping! (-;

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Greyscale

Veteran

If you want to keep your upper arms covered, I vote for short-sleeve cotton button downs with big sleeve openings. Somehow those end up making my arms look smaller, not larger. For instance, I'm loving this shirt from Everlane right now (sadly discontinued):
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/209628557628155137/

My formula for hot weather is sleeveless silk or cotton button-downs, loose and flowy, with chunky sandals and boyfriend jeans or boyfriend shorts. Like you, the warm weather here is only in the 80s, but I always run hot.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

So we should re-name this the how to make a two piece outfit thread. Much more challenging than the three piece.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have to ask the question, abc. Do you work in a/c all day?

abc

Veteran

Checking back in after a long busy weekend.

First of all, THANK YOU all for:
(A) the solutions offered aplenty, many with pics and/or links! and
(B) commisserating with me (and my bah humbug attitude)

To answer Angie's question -- no, we don't have A/C (or heat!). I WFH most of the time and highs are in the 80s now, but early mornings (walking kids to school, for example) and late evenings/nights may require a top layer. The heat of day is the issue, though...

Now, on to individual replies!
@TraceyLiz, thanks for the summer topper suggestion. I actually went back to your blog to look at your series on toppers hoping I'd find a solution I hadn't thought of yet!

@Gigi, thanks for the links. Visuals always help me. And you are right, I need to pay attention to the fabric.

@AJ, the top with your tube skirt is so pretty, I'd love to find something like that. Your link is full of inspiration on breezy summer dressing. This is the wardrobe hole I have, for sure!

@krishnidoux, I realize now that you mention it I have only one summer day dress. Adding to my shopping list!

@Aubergine, you are on track with the dress comment AND the sandal comment as well. I'm also looking for tops with sleeves long enough that I feel comfortable.

@Parsley, thank you for feeling my pain I'm looking into the long sleeve linen shirts. Those seem like they could work well for me, spanning most of the year due to our climate. Thanks for the suggestion!

@Aziraphale, you're right - linen items and new sandals are top of the list.

@mrseccentric, it seems like you know my climate well. Your comments are spot on, and you're right about the structure part - I think that is the biggest thing I'm missing without my key 3rd piece.

@RL, I'm not outside too much so sun protection is not top on my list, but the overshirt thing sounds like what I'm thinking with the looser linen tops (like the JCrew one Angie linked to the other day)

@Thistle, haha, I think we are living opposite situations! No A/C here!

@Von, breathability and light colors are my takeaways from your comments. Thanks!

@Jules, thanks for the link. Gonna take a closer look before buying anything.

@DV, ha on the visual. Couldn't post that rant WITHOUT one! You are with me on the structure part, I am really struggling without it! Love your linen topper. I saw one at Nordstrom the other day but it wasn't laying right so I knew it was going to be one of those constant fiddling items and I passed it up. I'll keep looking.

@Columbine, I have only one linen item in my closet, so I'm going to take your advice and look for more. Thanks. Wow, 105F in the house? You are braver than I.

@Texstyle, I like the top you linked to. Thanks!

@mrseccentric, glad the post is helpful.

@Aida, thanks for your thoughtful reply and links and pics! Our weather sounds similar, though I think you get more rain than we do (ours is mostly a season, not year round).

@Peri, noooo, I'm trying not to lower the bar, haha, but yes it could be an option!

@Jenava, thanks for breaking down the example outfits. That always helps me a lot and thanks too for the pics.

@Greyscale, thanks for the tip. I will keep an eye out for shirts like that, too.

@Ummlila, haha, you are so right on the thread title! Little did I know when I started it!

@Angie, nope...no A/C here! Highs are around 80s F in the afternoons.

Again, thank you to all that took the time to reply.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ABC, so often our lives are parallel, and in this -- hot temps with no air conditioning and work from home -- we're on parallel tracks again. My summers are not long (a couple of months) but heat waves can last for weeks without much of a break. And it's sticky, icky heat.

My solutions (such as they are) resemble those you've already heard: natural fibres, skirts and dresses, changing clothes more than once a day. I don't mind baring my arms so I tend to go sleeveless, but I also love my J. Crew linen tees (with sleeves). Gaylene put me onto those, and they are a godsend. Linen knits in general are a brilliant thing for heat. The J. Crew ones are not inexpensive unless are lucky enough to find them on sale (I did) but they drape beautifully and breathe well. (Wearing one in #2) I also wear button up shirts in linen/ cotton blends.

Gaylene also suggested colour blocking in summer. It's a great idea, especially if your style is minimalist (at least in heat). I started doing it more consciously last summer and it really helped to bring cohesion to some very simple outfits.

I'm not claiming these are anything great, by any means. But they are a step up from where I was a year ago, and I'll hope to improve even further by this summer.

Hang in there! Sometimes what throws us the most is the abrupt transition.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh. I also wanted to say something about footwear. Don't skimp on it. Do you know what brands work for you? In the photos I am wearing Sam Edelman Suttons in #1 -- the wedge heel makes them a good choice, although they're not really all day walking shoes for me in the humidity (because my feet swell). The coloured sandals are Reikers and an Angie pick from last year -- watch her picks because she almost always has a good option or two. The other sandals (neutral) are Reikers and the ones in photo 2 are Clarks which sadly never did fit me right. Anyway -- my point is mostly -- do not discount the comfort brands. They almost always have something that will work and still look pretty good.