Please don’t think that I want you to cover your arms. In fact, it’s on the contrary. I believe that everyone can wear the right sleeveless tops and dresses and look perfectly appropriate and fab. The point here is that some of us just aren’t comfortable exposing our arms, and I wholeheartedly respect that decision too. I have a handful of clients who feel this way and we are constantly on the look out for attractive ways to stay covered while combating the heat.

Peasant blouses and pointelle knitwear are great ways to cover your arms in breezy ways. And so is a gauzy cardigan that’s made of mesh, crocheted yarn or something of the like. These loosely stitched cover ups are see-through, full of ventilating holes, drapey and extremely lightweight. They provide zero insulation, yet do the covering trick. 

Look for versions that blend both natural fibres like cotton, silk or linen with manmade fibres. Although natural fibres are fabulously breathable in hot weather, they can be unstable and loose their shape and lustre after one laundry cycle. Fabric blends are often the best way to go because they are more durable. 

This type of cover up comes in all shapes, from cropped boleros and shrugs, to tunic styles and classic V-neck silhouettes, as seen in the examples shown here. Wear them over sleeveless tops and dresses and you are set. Cool, calm, collected – and covered.

You are on Team High Vamp if you prefer to wear shoes with high vamps like oxfords, clogs, high vamp loafers, high vamp sandals, mules, high vamp wedges, booties, peep-toe booties, shooties and sneakers. You are on Team Low Vamp if you prefer to wear shoes with low vamps like ballet flats, low vamp slipper flats, pumps, peep-toe pumps, low vamp wedges and low vamp sandals. Note: Apart from short booties, taller boots are not included in this poll. 

I have more high vamped shoes than low vamped shoes, but I enjoy wearing both vamp styles equally. Sometimes, high vamped shoes look more hip, modern and edgy with my outfit. And other times low vamped shoes are the more elongating,  elegant and lady-like option. I cannot choose one over the other, so I am sitting this one out on the bench with a cup of tea and slice of dense chocolate cake. 

Over to you. Are you Team High Vamp or Team Low Vamp Shoes? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams.

This type of shoe is a hybrid between sandals, peep-toe pumps and booties. Although they are referred to as “sandals”, some silhouettes look like peep-toe booties or shooties to my eye. Some styles are more cut away than others. 

I really like this open, yet covered style of shoe. Generally, I do not wear sandals because I find them uncomfortable, and too cold for a Seattle climate. But I would wear this type of sandal. I love the covered heels, sides and high vamps, which I find instantly more comfortable and cozy than less covered sandals.

The taupe Boutique 9 Baliar Open-Toe Oxford Pumps that I bought last year are my version of covered sandals, although they aren’t open on the sides. I have found them very versatile and wear them with tapered jeans, trousers, clamdiggers, skirts and dresses. (See this outfit, this outfit and this one). 

Keeping these sandals a low contrasting colour against your skin tone on bare legs minimizes the horizontal lines created by the high vamps. Keeping them a low contrasting colour against long tapered trousers elongates the line of the leg.

I highly recommend the styles below because they are quite well made and comfortable. Be sure to look at all the colour options. The Pentola Sandal by Everybody in grey is my top pick of the lot because my fussy feet were extra happy in those despite the higher heel. 

Would you wear a covered sandal style similar to ones shown here? Or are less covered, strappy sandals your preference?

Right now Style United is featuring my top picks for rain boots. Although we’re in for a sunny Easter weekend here in Seattle, it’s going to rain again next week. Unfortunately, I have to keep weatherproof shoes on hand throughout the year in our neck of the woods.

If rain boots don’t match your outfit, never fear. Wear them to commute through bad weather and swap out to regular footwear when you’ve arrived at your destination. Do you wear rain boots in bad weather? If so, care to share your favourite brand and style?