Some of my clients do not wear shorts because of their lack of coverage. I suggest casual skirts and dresses as a breezy alternative, but it’s not a slam dunk because they simply want to wear some type of trouser. That makes the Summery cropped pant awfully appealing because it’s casual, covered, relatively cool, and much like a pair of VERY long shorts. 

Granted, cropped pants are not as ventilating as a pair of shorts, but they are more ventilating than a full-length pair of pants and jeans. Here are some examples of the types of outfits these clients would wear when they substitute cropped pants for shorts.

1. Columned and Gauzy

This type of column of colour is popular because of its vertical integrity. The cardigan, top and cropped pants are low contrast or the same colour, thereby creating the columned effect. The sleeveless tank works well under the gauzy cardigan, and especially in air conditioning. Make sure you like the way the top looks without the cardigan too. Casual slides, sandals, espadrilles, and mules finish off the look.

2. Cargo, Tee and Sneakers

Combine a pair of lightweight cotton cargo pants or chinos with a semi-tucked tee or tank. Add a pair of sneakers, and a casual bag. Here the white sneakers work well with the white patterned top. You can sub a casual breezy blouse for the tee if you like, and add a pair of sandals for a utility pretty boho-lite vibe.

3. Tie-Front Top or Blouse with Cropped Pants

This version is dressier because of the shirt style and more formal fabric of the pants. The strappy sandals add a bit of glam. The shirt is something you can tie with a regular button-through shirt or blouse, if it’s not already tied. Tie the tie a little LOWER on the waist than you expect for a flattering and practical effect. I’d like to see this combination with white sandals, slides, mules or sneakers.

4. Wide Patterned Bottom and Solid Top

This is a much liked combination with clients because the bottoms make a statement, and the roomy fit is almost as breezy as shorts. This type of bottom is lovely and elegant when it’s soft and flowing. Match up the bottoms with a top that picks up a colour in the pattern. Wear the top tucked or untucked. Finish things off with Summer shoes of your choosing, and a cropped denim jacket for the chill of the air conditioning. Add jewellery, headgear, watch and eyewear as desired.

For many of us, the pandemic is changing the way we dress, and present ourselves to the world. This week, I’ve collected some articles that dive into this new reality:

• According to the Huffington Post, the matching athleisure set has become the hero outfit of lockdown.
• “The Death of the Bra: Will the Great Lingerie Liberation of Lockdown Last?“, asks The Guardian.
• If you still prefer to wear a bra, Fashionista rounded up 19 soft, wireless bras “that’ll feel like you are wearing nothing at all.”
• Some people are using face mask chains to give their masks some flair.
• “Make-up in the Age of COVID-19: With Masks We Rely on Our Eyes to Communicate.”
• I found this interesting: “The Psychology of Wearing Fragrance When No One Can Smell You.”
• This is something I have been thinking about too: How can we adapt to a world where facial expressions are invisible?
• Finally, I liked this quote from “After All This Time at Home, Are We Finally Dressing For Ourselves“:

“In the absence of an audience to dress for, I’m learning to just follow my intuition. I think of the time I have now as a chance to define my personal style; my sense of self is getting stronger, my voice is getting louder, and it asks simply and often: does it make you happy to wear that?”

Fab Links from Our Members

Minaminu thought this article about 20 ways to stop buying new clothes forever was interesting.

Slim Cat found “Why Clothes Are So Hard to Recycle” worth a read.

Runcarla resonated with this article about colour stories in fashion amidst the pandemic.

The biggest way the fashion industry is impacting the planet. JP adds: “I think we need to raise the awareness of the impact of our actions, and help by becoming better consumers to hopefully change the industry slowly.”

Suntiger directs us to “Why Does So Much Ethical Fashion Look the Same?“

Skincare brand Clarisonic is shutting down after more than 10 years in business. Nuancedream says: “This is surprising since Clarisonics are quite popular with some skincare specialists and dermatologists.”

Shevia came across two articles about virtual fittings during the pandemic and beyond.

Choosing a sunscreen is tricky because you can find fault with almost every one of them. Harmful chemicals, skin irritations, allergies, unpleasant textures, ineffective sun protection factors, unsightly white residues, greasy finishes, and the list goes on. What should be an easy purchase is becoming awfully complex.

I wear sunscreen every day, and have for the last 25 years. Rain, snow, wind, shine, hail, it doesn’t matter. I am extremely diligent about applying sunscreen to my face, neck and hands. I used to wear Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, but have switched after Greg’s and my recent appointments with our dermatologist. His suggestion was to choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because they offer the best sun and UV protection. An SPF of 30 is sufficient. Also, mineral formulas are gentle, and will not irritate sensitive skin.

Last year’s list of best suncreens, which the YLF community assisted in creating, was extremely helpful and a good starting point. I have tried many of those recommendations, and several others too.

My current favourite sunscreen for my face is the CeraVe Tinted Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30. It is tinted so it doesn’t make me look like I’m wearing a white clay mask. Of course the tint has to work with your skin tone. I lucked out that it absorbs well and blends well with my skin. It is non-greasy, light, paraben-free, fragrance free, works well with my tinted moisturizer, and does not irritate my skin. Zinc used to sting my skin, or at least I thought it did. But I seem to be over that.

Amazon

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 | Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide | Sheer Tint for Healthy Glow | 1.7 Fluid Ounce

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Top Pick

9

Amazon

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Face and Body Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, Oil-Free

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4

Amazon

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 | Body Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Skin | 5 oz, 1 Pack

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3

For our bodies, we are using the CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 50, and the La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Gentle Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 50. They aren’t tinted, so they do make a big white mess as you rub them in. But they do absorb eventually, and the white residue goes away.

It feels good to finally have a fab assortment of effective mineral sunscreens that are subtle and gentle. Over to you. What’s your favourite mineral sunscreen?

Ray Darten is a Nigerian fashion brand that is ethically made in a production facility in Nigeria. It’s the creation of former doctor turned designer Yetunde Olukoya, who took her hobby of designing and dress making and built it into a commercial brand. The name of the company is a combination of the Yoruba names of Olukoya’s children. The sensibility of the collections are deeply rooted in traditional and modern African design.

Olukuyo says, “our mission is to build a creative brand that also has a purpose for good. We use our styles to tell stories of Nigerian culture and heritage.” Ray Darten is driven to create socio-economic change. All fabrics are sourced in Africa. Production employs and empowers about a hundred Nigerian women who learn a skill to improve their quality of life in Nigeria. Some of the clothing is handmade. Production runs are small, and items are exclusive.

The focus of the collection is ladies wear, but the brand does men’s and children’s wear too. You can also pull together a “Mommy & Me” combination. Designs are typically African, which means large geometric patterns, bold colours, waist definition, volume and flounce, solid black accents, and cotton-rich fabrics. Clothing is typically dressy, flamboyant, and versatile. For example, many of the longer jackets will double up as a dress, and can be remixed with jeans, pants, moto jackets, denim jackets, tees, and trendy footwear. Size ranges run from an S to 4XL. Prices are more reasonable than I expected, especially on sale. You can purchase the brand through the Ray Darten website, and they will ship to the US. I’m unsure if Ray Darten will ship elsewhere.

I have travelled through parts of Africa, and lived in South Africa for 17 years. I find the Ray Darten designs striking and vibrant. I never tire of it. The silhouettes work on a range of body types, and have a timeless and trendless air about them. They never look dated, or overly casual. That makes the look and brand even more sustainable, and very much the flavour of today and the future.