https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 10:05:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552583 Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:55:36 +0000 Elly 1552583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy-- good point. I know that by mid November and certainly by December I will want light layers from long sleeve tees and light flannels plus jackets. Because I work in a repository they have very strict climate controls, so the indoor temp should be very similar to other places I've worked-- but I need to anticipate how cold restaurants and shopping centers are going to be in contrast to outside temps-- thank you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552259 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 18:35:07 +0000 rachylou 1552259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was working in Tucson I found a great need for toppers and sleeves. The sun was so intense and the A/C so cold. Then winter is quite cold in that desert climate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552239 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 17:54:15 +0000 Elly 1552239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen-- good point with the umbrella-- I have a great one for my car that was a giveaway on the blog back when Angie was still doing retailer-sponsored giveaways.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unfrumped-- I mostly shop online, which means that my shopping habits don't "have" to change when I move, but Tucson has much better shopping than what I have locally (a Nordies Rack, outlets, shopping malls, and Phoenix nearby). I think everyone is steering me in the right direction, buy a pair of sandals, maybe a pair of shorts and then wait to shop.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vix-- I'm extremely excited about putting my "go-bag" in storage and only using it for TRAVEL instead of having it be my mobile dresser. We hope to travel a bit more and I know I will be coming home to visit family. Plus, I will travel with the job a bit (nothing crazy, but an exciting prospect).&nbsp;</p> <p>I think my gear capsule is going to need some beefing, but I will wait to see what I will use. I get almost as many sunny days a year as Tucson in CO, and we are higher in elevation so I'm versed in the the risks. Luckily, I'm already a hat wearer and will expand my light long-sleeves.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552158 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 15:42:30 +0000 Vix 1552158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Elly --</p> <p>First, a big CONGRATULATIONS on the job, the moving in together (put your go-bag in storage!), etc!</p> <p>I almost moved to Tucson once; it's such a beautiful town with those mountains. However I would be quaking in my flip-flops a bit re the weather; glad there's so much knowledge here and I know you'll adapt fast!</p> <p>You're actually in a good place given your love of casual outfits that flatter and suit your lifestyle -- I think it'll be easier to translate that across temp ranges that you might think.</p> <p>My #1 tip would be to invest in some SPF clothing you can stand to wear for casual as well as active wear -- and to incorporate hats into your daily life. I think Athleta (and its sales, GAP reward credits etc) does a pretty good job of having some of the former.</p> <p>It'll be fun to "follow" you to the desert! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552157 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 15:41:15 +0000 unfrumped 1552157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!<br /> Sounds likd you can take a relaxed approach for now. If you've git s couple weeks of work outfits at the ready, that's mird important for low- stress morning dressing. Then you have mird time to assess thd wirk dress code and culture AND indoor temps in case you would tweak your wardrobe in a bit different direction. For casual you can<br /> repeat and do laundry!<br /> OTOH, since you know climate and that you will use shorts, and your favorite well- fitting shorts are on sale where you are, then you could get that no problem.<br /> It just sounds simpler not to do too much pre- move shopping except if it helps to take advantage of knowing your current retail locations and price points really well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552156 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 15:40:45 +0000 JAileen 1552156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw something above about a raincoat for summer rain? I lived in Houston for 5 years and it rains a lot in summer. I think a very good umbrella would be the thing to have. I wouldn't have dreamed of wearing a raincoat in summer there. Actually I kept umbrellas everywhere - car, briefcase, desk, hall closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552149 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 15:25:59 +0000 Elly 1552149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really appreciate the good, sound advice on taking things slow and the location-specific advice. I have a couple additional end-of-season tops already on order but I'm glad I don't have to worry about rushing out to buy the summer wardrobe I don't have!</p> <p>I'm extremely excited and trying to hold myself back in regards to find a place, the logistics of a move, shopping, etc. I've been waiting for a job like this for several years and hope I will be very happy there-- plus, it comes with the bonus of being able to finally combine households with the SO after 4 years.&nbsp;</p> <p>The SO is originally from southern Arizona and I think he is the one who has me freaked out about casual wear. He wears a uniform to work and runs hot and is the guy that wears shorts and sandals year-around down there. I, on the other hand, wear the same pair of shorts every weekend once it hits the 80+ mark and wear the leather thongs on my weekends most of the summer but otherwise am content to wear my jeans and switch from layers to short sleeves. He has been teasing me about what I'm going to do in the heat.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I will be fine for work. I might replace my navy cardi, since I know it will be chilly in the office itself. Possibly a pair of cropped pants.&nbsp;</p> <p>Casually, a sporty skirt or a dress and a pair of supportive sandals might be worth purchasing.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie-- you've put my mind at ease!&nbsp;</p> <p>Anna-- good point, I miss Claire.</p> <p>SWAnn-- thanks for the advice. Luckily I'm coming from a really casual area of the country and it sounds like my new workplace will be the same-- my "new boss" laughed when I asked if there was a dress code! Still, I know there is a different style down there-- good advice.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bonnie-- good advice.</p> <p>Marianna-- thanks for stopping by, I remember you living in AZ for awhile-- good advice as well, although the SO insists that Tucson and the area he wants to move to just outside the city is considerably cooler than Phoenix- thank god!</p> <p>Rambling Ann-- cowgirl, eh? Luckily I won't have to pretend-- I grew up on a cattle ranch. I'm so glad to hear that there are Aspens in the Catalinas-- it is one of the things I will miss the most about home.&nbsp;</p> <p>Aliona-- thank you for the sincere compliments, they mean a lot. It has taken me some time, but I feel like I'm finally growing into my skin, style-wise. YLF is wonderful for that.</p> <p>Suz-- thank you! I agree, I might want real sandals, esp. since I CAN wear them to work. I love Denise's looks, but I think she and I have opposite foot types.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maneera-- really good suggestions. I may end up buying a skirt or dress for casual wear, and I think sandals are in order. Luckily, I have two pairs of old lightweight cotton cargo shorts in a now unfashionably long length that I can wear around the house and on trips to the home depot and grocery store and such as we try to get a place set up.&nbsp;</p> <p>E-- thanks for stopping by. You made a most excellent point! I love my madewell shirt for just the things you describe and I will have to remember that, esp. for next summer.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lucy-- really glad you added your experience. I don't think that this is going to be a problem, having visited the place I will be working and having worked with some of the employees before but it is a really really good thing to remember because I would be SO irritated with myself. I think it is probably smart to wait, although my inclination is to shop while the end of season sales are on. I'm so used to living somewhere where you can't buy flip flops (not even for the gym shower) in the winter. And good point about washability--- I am a bit worried about that factor since I'm a sweaty betty and often have to wash clothes after one wear in the summer. Luckily, I only own one DCO item--- wool pants that probably won't get much wear in Tucson.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1552024 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 07:47:29 +0000 Lucy 1552024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very exciting!&nbsp;<br />I moved from a temperate/warm climate to a hot/humid climate in January, to take up a new job too :)&nbsp;<br />I agree with others that just buying a few things, and mainly waiting till you land, is the best plan. I tried to plan ahead - knowing I'd be very busy once I landed! Fortunately I didn't buy too much, but the things I did buy were "not quite right" once I got here. The dress code was a bit more formal than I had expected in academia, so my summery cotton purchases were not quite polished enough. I ended up doing quite a bit of shopping at the end of summer once the sales were on - I knew by then very clearly what I needed! I bought five dressy dresses for work all in one day, lol, as well as other stuff.&nbsp;<br />I also agree with E that I need to now think about fabric a lot more. And, funnily enough, I have to wash everything more, so it is definitely worth only considering things that can be washed at home. Dry cleaning after each wear is not very practical!&nbsp;<br />Have fun planning :)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551960 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 02:37:27 +0000 E 1551960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on your new job!</p> <p>When I lived in south Texas, lightweight woven cottons &amp; cotton/silk blends, sewn into structured but loose tops (trapeze or a-line shapes, so with intentional waist surrendering) or fit &amp; flare type dresses were my best friend in the heat (which was more humid than AZ heat, but I went to Tuscon in July once &amp; even without humidity it was very hot). Much cooler than knits in the equivalent fabric, because for the most part they stayed away from my body. We have&nbsp; different shapes, so I don't know if that would work for you, but I can't emphasise enough how much I preferred wovens to knits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551953 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 02:25:22 +0000 Maneera 1551953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so excited for you Elly! New job, new place, new home with the SO....yay for you!!!! </p> <p>I think You may want to shop for basics now. I know others are suggesting you wait until you get there, but I would still buy: </p> <p>1) One pair of cotton shorts. On hot days when you're pottering about setting up your new home, denim can feel too warm. </p> <p>2) Couple of printed tees with drape. Or sleeveless tops. These will pair better with your skirts and shorts. Your blouses look great, but nothing breathes as beautifully as tshirts. But look for pattern so it becomes appropriate for work too, and your staple for weekends. </p> <p>3) 1 simple summery dress. With those temperatures, a dress feels like a MUST. Pick a straight silhouette with drawstring at the waist so it tightens and shortens to double up as a tunic to be worn with tights post October. I remember seeing LisaP wear one and also Smittie has one in pink. </p> <p>4) 1 pair of real sandals. Coz happy feet will mean Happy You! </p> <p>Happy Planning! And congrats again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551910 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:43:20 +0000 Suz 1551910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so exciting!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with others who say that it's best to wait for most major purchases until after you arrive, assuming you have a few work-worthy outfits. The only exception might be sandals, and you'll be able to get those at a great discount now. I think CocoLion might be a really good source of excellent ideas. She needs a lot of sandals for her casual California life and has ordered quite a few on discount in the last months.&nbsp;</p> <p>Check 6 pm for some options.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551909 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:41:52 +0000 Anonymous 1551909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I know nothing about Arizona, but I just wanted to say how much I love your well put together warm/transitional wardrobe. So versatile, current, and well chosen with beautiful simplicity and standout accents. </p> <p>And congrats again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551895 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:20:05 +0000 Rambling Ann 1551895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!!!<br />October=aspencade in the Catalina mountains, one of the most beautiful times of the year. On a super hot day, just go up to the mountains for the afternoon! That's what we do here in the Utah high plateau, living with no air conditioning.&nbsp;</p> <p>When it cools off at night in the fall (like that chart shows), the whole day is easier to take in terms of heat, but you'll want to layer up to get through the day. There's something about the desert, once the sun goes down, it cools off fast. And I've never been colder than in a Phoenix restaurant in the summer. And Phoenix isn't that far away if you aren't happy with the selection in Tucson.&nbsp;</p> <p>Your fashion persona descriptors (love Intrepid Adventurer, might steal it) is going to fit right in. And rodeo is a big deal in February, so channel your inner cowgirl too. </p> <p>ETA: the thing I think would be hardest to figure out is a summer raincoat. You'll be there after the monsoons, so you'll have 10 months to sort that out, but 95 and driving rain that lasts 10 minutes? I have no clue what I'd be willing to wear and carry in that circumstance. Hopefully your coworkers will have the local solution.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551892 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:08:07 +0000 Anonymous 1551892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats Elly! How exciting!<br /> Arizona is so far from my realm of experience, I have no clue what to suggest, but wanted to wish you the best in your new adventure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551891 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:07:00 +0000 marianna 1551891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lived near Phoenix for 1 year. People dress very casually and most of the year is very hot! Your wardrobe will be primarily summer clothes. The winter months can be chilly, but a light jacket is more than enough to keep you warm. I think what you have now will be fine for the fall/winter. You'll eventually want to stock up on summer and warm weather clothes! Lots of sleeveless tops, shorts, breezy dresses, a few swim suits.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551873 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 23:16:37 +0000 Bonnie 1551873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live there and think your present wardrobe will be perfect. &nbsp;Winter is mild but you will need your toppers for winter and for summer air conditioning - everything is well air conditioned. &nbsp;We have some nice stores that you can shop at and the really hot weather will be over in late Oct. so if I were you I'd wait and shop when you get settled. &nbsp;Welcome!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551865 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 22:45:19 +0000 SW Ann 1551865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are moving here in October, you will be just on the cusp of cooler weather....I usually can start wearing more fall-like clothing after Halloween.&nbsp; I live in dresses all summer here--I've found it to be the most comfortable, but I understand many jobs may not be conducive to a casual dress.&nbsp; In the AC you will be fine with the type of clothing you showed in your finds....I do recommend waiting until you get here to buy, although shopping is not the greatest here, there are stores available, and you many want to get the "feel" for the area and what others wear to work.&nbsp; <br />I had a really hard time adjusting when I first moved here (1999, May).&nbsp; I was used to working and having my own business, both of which I gave up when I moved with my DH.&nbsp; The weather, esp in high summer, can be challenging...but you will be missing the bulk of the heat, and arriving at a really good time of the year.<br />Good luck!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551864 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 22:37:05 +0000 annagybe 1551864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might want to dig up former forum member&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/clearlyclaire/">clearlyclaire</a>&nbsp;outfits. She did very good in hot conditions on a limited budget, I think she was in Phoenix. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551857 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 22:26:16 +0000 JAileen 1551857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry I didn't look at your weather link first. I know a family that just moved to Tucson. They're really looking forward to the winters, which are very nice. As for summer clothes, I would start looking at summer end sales now if possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551851 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 22:19:00 +0000 Elly 1551851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be working at 2,500ft and living probably around 3,500 ft, JAileen.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551848 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 22:16:14 +0000 JAileen 1551848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What part of Arizona - north or south? I think it varies a lot especially depending on elevation.</p> <p>Oh sorry, I just realized you said southern. What is the elevation?</p> <p>Oh wow - super hot. Won't local stores have clothes for the weather? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551827 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:50:24 +0000 Elly 1551827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie-- I got the job! The SO is coming with me--- he has already been scouting for positions in the area and it looks very favorable. We are going to have a place together for the first time.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm really glad I don't have to worry too much. In a lot of ways dressing for work is easier since it will be AC. I'm more worried about casualwear in the heat since the Oct. temps are our August temps. After all, I don't have real sandals, just leather flip flops! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551820 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:36:54 +0000 Liz 1551820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm make sure I had enough outfits to get me started, and then hold off shopping until I had a much better feel for the temperatures and locale.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551811 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:26:25 +0000 Angie 1551811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats! So you got the job? Is SO coming with you?&nbsp;</p> <p>There is lightweight transitional stuff available right through Fall &amp; Winter Elly, so don't worry. You have time to settle in and purchase after you've got to know the climate a bit. Ignore the thick knitwear, heavy coats, thick jackets, thermals and furry boots that will surface over the next 5 months.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/blowing-up-the-forum-desert-heat#post-1551801 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:07:29 +0000 Elly 1551801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm moving to southern Arizona in October. My current summer wardrobe is pretty minimal (I only own one pair of sandals, for example) and my plan for Fall shopping just got thrown out the window. Work will be well-air conditioned, but obviously I will need to change plans. The monthly highs and lows for the area are <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USAZ0247">HERE</a>. I've never lived in a climate like this (although I've spent a little time there). Work is very casual-- jeans and secure sandals are A-OK-- probably no shorts, but otherwise put-together.</p> <p>What do I need and WHEN do I need to shop for it? Should I be shopping summer clearance now? Wait to get to AZ? Shop early Fall to save for November?&nbsp;</p> <p>My current warm and transitional wardrobe will be in finds, below.&nbsp;</p>