The Summer Style Challenge - YouLookFab Forum

I can see so many people note the challenge of summer style in their 2013 style resolutions. I had a little sigh of relief that I am not alone in this challenge. Living in sub tropics, summer is my dominant season so that means so much of the year it is hard to be stylish...I would be interested in what others try when belts, scarves, jackets etc are just out of the question. As starters here are a couple of looks I am kind of happy with (the dress does look a little more saggy than I usually like but its been a boon for days at home or just running for milk...). I found little bike shorts under work and not as hot as I thought. If its for a work meeting etc, linen pants and a cotton top with a collar seem appopriate and I don't usually do button downs but the collar seems to do 'appropriate'. For the office, i wear a wide leg pant, tank top and then pop on a cotton/linen and unlined jacket which can be hard to find and I scour the stores for them. Sandals of course are de rigeur. I have been taking note that slim women at work wear a lot of linen dresses and a strappy sandal with a heel. In darker or neutral block colours i guess they see that as ok for work and if really needed a light jacket could go over the top. Alas shift dresses don't work for me, Can't wait to see others' ideas... My other observation is my summer clothes rarely last much more than a season. I guess 6+ months of cotton/linens being washed constantly (when you wear 2-3 outfits a day!) don't last so well and I probably buy accordingly...

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11 years ago

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Veteran

I spent the last 5 months in FL, but I was not working, so the looks are mostly casual. Here are a smattering. I didn't find belts to be much of a problem, but many mention they can't do them. I found statement sandals, belts, and cuff bracelets added the finishing touches in otherwise simple and pared down outfits.
My BF shorts, olive skirt, open weave sweater, drapey tees and tanks, and dresses were the mainstays of my summer looks. I wore dress #4 and #17 many times with just different belts and sandals to change it up. Hope this helps.

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Beth Ann

What about a shirt dress? They kind of mimic the lines of your linen jackets, but provide a little structure (color, open neck, waistline definition) with one layer? A lightweight chambray or menswear strip would be fab wit a lightweight belt.

jenanded

You are right about the statement sandal, cuffs etc with plains! I will remember to write that down for myself to guide my styles, love look of your 16 as well. I think Florida is very like our weather here so... And SoCal as well I imagine...

Deborah

Jen you look lovely in both of these outfits. I'm one who has been complaining but I realize things may not be as dire I was thinking. For my casual capsule, I have just bought some hi low hemmed tshirt tops in black, grey and lapis blue to wear over cropped pants, skinnies and knee length pencil skirts (in casual fabrications). I might add one piece of statements Jewellery and then footwear depends on what I am doing but the options are dressy thongs, flat color blocked sandals or heeled sandal/shooties. These outfits are cool, comfortable and I still feel "put together". Work is not so challenging as the office and car are air conditioned so I can even wear a jacket if I want to:). Watching this thread with interest:)

Yes it will be v interesting to see everyone's ideas Deborah! And YLF is making me realise I spend a fair bit of the year in this mode and need to come up with some formulas for myself... Yes can't wait to see all the ideas! It sounds like others are facing this question too...

Anonymous

Jen, I love that graphic black and white stripe on you! The dress might be a little wilted from the heat, but the design looks amazing on you. I also love your version of *le safari*. You look cool and collected here, and the open, belted shirt looks a bit like a jacket. That would totally be appropriate in an office here in summer as well. Do you find that knits are hotter than wovens? There are months when I just cannot bear to but a cotton cami on under anything, so my shirts have to work on their own. I like Beth Ann's idea of a shirt dress too. And yay for unlined, washable jackets! They really save the day. I am saving my clothing money for my dominant summer. You're right, the clothes really do take a beating when you're washing and wearing them that hard for so long.

Aside from dresses, I think it makes sense to buy *pieces* like you have on in outfit number 2, all in your color palette that will mix and match together. That way if something's in the laundry, you could grab another blouse and it would match your pants. Last summer I started going nuts with prints and different vivid colors and I ended up boxing myself in a little. Not everything played well together. I hope to avoid that this year.

rae

Our summer would not end this year! I feel your pain... at some point, clothes of any kind start to feel really gross. :T This year, I tried to stay current through color, cut, and print (e.g., digital prints and hi-low hems) and inject my personality mostly through my bags, sandals, and belts. Anything more was oppressive, even most jewelry!

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TraceyLiz65

I think adding interest with pattern and textures as well as fabulous jewelry would greatly help and is my plan for summer.

Joy

We have very hot, humid summers when relief from heat is difficult, especially with hot flashes too. Last summer I enjoyed adding arm candy in the form of bangles and cuffs, using little vests over tank tops, and wearing more loose shift dresses than usual. I find that knits are hotter than woven fabrics and avoid tee shirts. I seek out woven tanks with silk being a favorite fabric.

carolbee

Jen, those outfits look fine. If you are willing to put in the time searching there are some decent dresses out there. I finally found one by Qior, its a black/white print with red stitching on the edges, just skims the body and could be dressed up and down. Try looking in some of the smaller boutiques, I was quite surprised to find this dress was cheaper than a dress I saw in Autograph.

For wearing under your dress, I have a problem with my thighs chafing in summer, so I recently bought a pair of moisture wicking boxers from Wickers, in the US. They are brilliant. I sized up, as I always do with knickers and they actually are too big but still wearable. If I ordered again I would probably get more than one pair as they are expensive by the time you add on shipping to Oz. However as I will only be wearing them with this dress they should last ages.

Hi Carolbee... you are in Oz too right? I am not up on this Qior label - where did you find that? Jen

Found this....

http://www.semayafashions.com......4569728949

Yes, I'm in Oz too. I found my dress in a boutique in Bunbury, WA. I didn't provide a link cos when I searched for Qior there weren't any matches. However looks like Deborah has done well, these styles are similar to mine, they could be dressed up or down, and the prices are great. Oh dear .....

I've just been looking at the link Deborah provided. They have some lovely items in the dresses and tops, even if some of it is a bit old-ladyish. I paid $72 for my dress, so the prices are good too, even when you add on shipping. They also have cotton bloomers! Deborah, have you actually dealt with this company?

Carol, no I just found them when I googled. In fact it was the only thing that came up for Qior. I am familiar with the Whisper and Lilia ranges which are available in boutiques here. I was really surprised at the prices on line as these ranges sell for more like what you paid in store.

cheryl

Every one of you look fantastic in your summer wear photos. I'm sitting here bundled up and dreaming of the beach lol.

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