Every year YLF forum members discuss the challenges associated with looking their best during Summer. From not wanting to wear sleeveless items or blouses that require a camisole, to limp or frizzy hair, arctic air conditioning, unwelcome perspiration stains, and resorting to less flattering, unstructured clothing just to stay cool. For many, the cooler temperatures of Autumn can’t come soon enough. And that’s not just because the heat can be awfully unpleasant, but because wearing Autumn clothing tends to make their style feel more pulled together.

My biggest personal Summer style challenge is about combatting arctic air conditioning, which makes me layer and cover up to feel comfortable indoors. As a result I’m often dressed too warmly for outdoors, which I’ve decided is just the way it is. I would rather be too warm outside than too cold inside. Luckily, I have a high heat threshold, so it’s not too bad. 

Living in Seattle, I usually complain about how few days of Summer there are in a year. But not this year! We continue to enjoy an absolutely beautiful Summer with temperatures between 78 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 32 degrees Celsius) without too much humidity. I am LOVING leaving off my topper and wearing two pieces plus a camisole. I try to stay out of air conditioning so that I don’t need the extra layer. So while most women are waiting to add the third piece — like a blazer — back into their outfits, I’m rejoicing the novelty of two-piece dressing.

My retail challenge in the Summer months is that the merchandise is overly “beach, pool and casual vacation” focused when I’m shopping with clients from June through August. There are far fewer fabulous career wear options for warmer weather at this time of year. My clients do well at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July, but it’s Fall and Winter career wear as opposed to Summer weight business casual/formal separates. So each year I hope to see a wider assortment of appropriate warm weather career wear in stores during the Summer.

Over to you. What are your Summer style challenges and have you overcome them? If not, we’ll find solutions for them together.

I like the mixed media trend because the items are eye-catching in a sense that you do a double take. They add instant interest to your outfit without the need to sport accessories. Here’s a roundup of mixed media tops that you can wear now and into Autumn. 

1. Minkpink Versailles Top: I have my eye on this one because the mixed media integrity makes it feel less like a sweatshirt. Nice back detail too. I loved it! Looks great layered over a strict white button-down shirt. It has just enough pattern for my style preferences at the moment. Drapes well and runs true to size. 
2. Like Mynded High-Low Sleeveless Top: Great under a blazer for work, or on its own untucked over slim bottoms. Semi-tucks exceptionally well. 
3. Everleigh Faux Leather Sleeve Tee: An edgy tee with sporty perforated sleeves. Size up if you want a roomy fit. 
4. Rachel Roy Embellished Sweater: This would be on my wish list if I didn’t look awful in light grey. I love the way the lace inlay wraps around the back and front and over the sleeves. A fabulous pullover to wear with a full skirt.
5. Citron Three Quarter Sleeve Silk Tunic: Not so mixed media but pretty, arty and fluid. Drapes like a dream. Check out the back detail. Fab dressed up with black bottoms. Fab dressed down with faded jeans. Works on broad shoulders and/or a full bust. 

Who’s been embracing the mixed media trend?

We’ve covered casual boyfriend jeans, skirt and dress outfit formulas for Mums and gals on the go. Next up is shorts, which is probably the most popular formula of them all. Shorts are practical, comfortable, easy to launder, and very breezy. So it’s no surprise that this is the most popular casual outfit formula among my clients on hot Summer days. 

Here are four outfit combinations, each with a different length and style of shorts to illustrate the depth of the formula. With the shorts alone, you have many options, so there is a version for everyone.

Here are the components: 

• Shorts: For Team Long Shorts, there are clamdiggers, Bermudas and longer length boyfriend shorts that are on or just over the knee. For Team Shorter Shorts there are mid-thigh boyfriends and cotton twill shorts, as well as short shorts and any form of denim cut-off. Gap’s roll up shorts, and KUT’s boyfriend shorts have been a hit with my clients this Summer. 
• Tops: Wear an untucked drapey tee over long shorts. Wear a roomy striped tee with high-low hemline over short shorts to de-bombshell the effect. Wear a banded blouse over boyfriend shorts, or semi tuck a top with the addition of a belt. Or stick to tailored tops like wraps over clamdiggers. Sport a tunic over clamdiggers. 
• Shoes: Think wedged sandals, espadrilles, ankle strap sandals, Converse sneakers, boat shoes, ballet flats, D’Orsay flats, slipper flats and gladiators. 
• Bag: A semi-structured tote or crossbody gets my top vote. 
• Accessories: Add a belt if you’re tucking and semi-tucking the top. As optional extras, throw in a sunhat, eyewear, watch and jewellery as desired. 

Choose any colour palette. Keep it neutral or wear colours. I’ve stuck to solid bottoms but by all means throw in patterned shorts. I like to wear denim cut-offs with high-tops, a roomy top, and belt. I also wear clamdiggers with untucked blouses and slipper fats. What’s your favourite casual shorts outfit formula?

One of Greg’s good friends recently recommended Kuhl’s Krux shorts because the fabric is fabulous, the cut flattering and the fit comfortable. And, most importantly they don’t have large cargo pockets. Greg really liked the streamlined style of these shorts, so I ordered two pairs and now they are the only shorts he wants to wear. They run true to size, or slightly big. 

Greg is not tall, so you don’t need to be tall to wear shorts at this length. You just have to like the look of longer shorts. I understand that long shorts aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I think that Greg looks absolutely smashing in them! Cute and naughty. He usually wears them with a graphic tee layered under a tailored long sleeved shirt with scrunched sleeves. And always with slip-on Converse and “secret socks”. Our friend wears them with a short sleeved shirt and Doc Martens Sandals. A great casual and comfortable look for a hot Seattle day.