https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 18 May 2026 15:30:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-809146 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:24:34 +0000 anne 809146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes Jules, we hardly do function! It is actaully 25 outside here (our heatwave is over) and we are fine. But when it is really hot, is just a matter of getting through the day. I try to do a little housework at the beginning of the day and then that is about it! I shower in my undies in cold water several times, try not too cook anything - just eat cold food, make icepoles for the kids, don't even boil the kettle if possible. At night we open all the windows, then close them and all the curtains in the morning to try to keep in the cool. At night I find it very hard to sleep when the temp doesn't get below about 20 and toss and turn and doze until the early hours, then nap in the afternoon.</p> <p>There have been many bushfires in Australia in this heatwave, and my thoughts go to all my fellow YLF's and hope you aren't close to any. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808995 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:49:03 +0000 Caro in Oz 808995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyrebirdgully - thank you for you fabulous ideas &amp; detailed response.<br /> I have tried Rodney Clark pants without success so far but I'll give them another go.<br /> Shirin Guild's linen is fab I had a tunic that lasted for years. Love some of the other links &amp; will check them out - thanks again.<br /> Lyn D - everything I've seen has that wide leg too maybe some tapering is in order.<br /> Mo - I've bought bangles &amp; cuffs for the first time in my life since moving here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808917 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:36:08 +0000 Mo 808917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with bangles and cuffs as a great way to add a little something to stripped down summer looks. Also, statement sandals can go a long way. I loved, and wore to death, my python and olive buckled gladiators both this summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808908 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:30:26 +0000 Lyn D. 808908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ta, some great hot weather options here L.B.<br /> I tried some linen crops at Brown Sugar but didn't buy- typical wide leg and un-flattering length! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808546 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:26:33 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 808546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Caro,<br /> I know exactly what you mean about the problem of hot weather clothing – though this year in Sydney we have scarcely put our hot weather gear through its paces; it has been a disquietingly cool summer –everyone here is muttering “global warming”…<br /> I agree 100% with Ironkurtin that linen is the ideal way to go, as it has natural “spring”( as do some quality silks)- which means it tends to stand out and away from the body, creating a gap between fabric and one’s skin which allows air to circulate. Cotton does the opposite; the minute it gets moist (from perspiration) it sags and clings to the skin --unless the cotton is a voile (which has a lot more natural body) and is cut very loose-fitting. Unfortunately voile is see-through, so you need another garment underneath. But cotton that is deliberately wrinkled all over for effect will tend to sit out from the body and allow air to pass along the “corrugations”, so that can be a workable solution. And there are some synthetics with “body” or deliberate wrinkling too.<br /> Re “structured” linen garments: I have a tailored linen shirt which behaves beautifully but is a bit tight-fitting along the arms - which traps the heat in. I also have a linen jacket (unlined) which I wear buttoned over a bra, no cami underneath, which works better in the heat. It is an eighties collarless style in navy (no see-through issues) cut wide under the arms, with a ¾ sleeve. I got it secondhand and took out the shoulder pads. I’ve found that today’s tailored linen garments tend to be full of oppressive (synthetic) linings and double thicknesses of facings. Those extras will make a garment hotter; whereas simpler (unstructured?) stylings have less fabric extras and are therefore more likely to feel cool.<br /> As you prefer pants to dresses, how about loose-ish linen capri pants with a linen shirt over? I got my first pair of linen capris a few months back from <a href="http://www.rodneyclark.com/shorts/cropped-linen-pants/w1/i1037425_1002220/" rel="nofollow">http://www.rodneyclark.com/sho.....5_1002220/</a> (I cut off the little drawstrings from mine.)The capris taper in nicely at the knee (Angie would approve!); the colour is great with white, grey, etc; and the fabric falls away beautifully from the body even after getting wrinkled, just like a nice linen should. Have you ever gone into Rodney Clark? I used to ignore them as being an “old lady”s shop, but they have lots of basic, quality fabric, textured stuff for layering. You could easily find a lightweight overshirt <a href="http://www.rodneyclark.com/www/741/files/5330006A-zm.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.rodneyclark.com/www.....06A-zm.jpg</a> -even a wrinkle-effect linen (look at the amount of “lift” in the fabric this next pic!) <a href="http://www.rodneyclark.com/www/741/files/5148369B-zm.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.rodneyclark.com/www.....69B-zm.jpg</a> Of course you could always shorten the sleeves as desired.<br /> I also like a looser design more like this below - imagining the sleeves and the pants shortened to ¾ or 1/2 length <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHIRIN-GUILD-cross-dyed-crisp-linen-OUTFIT-SET-pants-Jacket-S-artsy-lagenlook-/321048277646?pt=US_CSA_WC_Suits&#038;hash=item4abff7f28e" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHIRIN.....4abff7f28e</a><br /> And knowing that you like to layer, what do you think of this pants/top style from the Canadian store Kaliyana that Suz mentioned a while back? <a href="http://www.shonmodern.com/img/summer-11/TOBP004_02.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.shonmodern.com/img/.....004_02.jpg</a> or this dress, (minus the underskirt of course)? <a href="http://www.shonmodern.com/img/spring-10/BCDD001_01.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.shonmodern.com/img/.....001_01.jpg</a><br /> Or how about a tunic over capris? NB. Love how you can almost feel the “body” in the fabric from this pic…* swoon*. <a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/217791331950501785_fQBGdKll_c.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://media-cache-lt0.pintere.....dKll_c.jpg</a><br /> That pic is from this pinterest board. <a href="http://pinterest.com/heather1953/plus-size-clothing/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/heather19.....-clothing/</a> My faves are the Japanese-influenced silhouettes. PS. You can usually find linen clothing at independent boutique designers in your area, also the local art and craft markets, or Etsy. You could even ask the designer to customise a garment e.g. add sleeves to a dress - many free-lance designers will do this if you ask.<br /> PS, OT: Caro I always like how your photos have the corrugated iron roofing in the background; is that your bedroom? Love! stay cool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808484 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:49:09 +0000 Caro in Oz 808484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>R&amp;J Functioning is probably too strong a word:) Lots of water! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808478 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:23:29 +0000 RoseandJoan 808478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Living in Scotland I physically melt when the temperature reaches 25C I honestly do not know how you are functioning at that heat.</p> <p>I love your outfit Caro, the shoes are gorgeous and I love the drape on the trousers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808475 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:08:07 +0000 Caro in Oz 808475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi doulahil - I see you are in SA - so you understand:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808452 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 07:01:27 +0000 Hil 808452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am new here and it's so great to see that I am not the only southern hemisphere person stuck in the middle of a hot summer! I have been dying to find some knee length cotton dresses that I can just throw on, but so far nothing! </p> <p>You look lovely Caro! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot/page/2#post-808448 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 06:53:31 +0000 Deborah 808448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A swim would be nice a little layer. We just bunkered down in doors and the air con is managing ok. I'm thinking icy poles for dinner! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808447 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 06:51:45 +0000 Caro in Oz 808447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn &amp; Deborah - Got to 44 (that's 111F for most of you) &amp; it's still 43....<br /> I'm in a sleeveless linen dress diagonal stripe in grey/blues.<br /> I put the washing out this morning but haven't been game to go out since.<br /> May go for a swim later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808445 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 06:42:10 +0000 Deborah 808445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh ladies it is a scorcher:). I'm wearing a tshirt fabric sleeveless dress with black and neutral stripes. I don't plan on leaving the house:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808372 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:57:10 +0000 Lyn D. 808372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hot in Melbourne today too!<br /> I am wearing knee length cotton shorts- I don't like the way my thighs stick together in dresses in the heat- and a Rivers high-low button through shirt with a botanical pattern for interest.<br /> If I take the dog for a walk later will add fit-flops, hat and sunnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808354 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:39:28 +0000 Caro in Oz 808354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donnaf - you are right covering up is the way to go. I worry that if I dress as a bedouin I'll end up looking more like their tents:)<br /> anne - I am so not a dress person but I think I may have to try again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808348 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:31:25 +0000 anne 808348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, as you know I wrote about this a few days ago - and as carolbee said, we are enjoying cooler weather now. My solution is dresses, but I am not hugely happy with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808229 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 01:23:28 +0000 DonnaF 808229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't believe in ironing, esp. in hot weather. Misting linen and cotton, then finger stretching works for me. Also, loose but covered up can be cooler than very bare since the fabric can absorb the perspiration. Think of the bedouins. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-808014 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:29:07 +0000 Caro in Oz 808014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone - there are some great ideas here, very helpful:)<br /> Ironkurtin - thanks this is very helpful. I had some 120% lino pieces &amp; a CP shades shirt that I worn to death. I'll also check out the other brands.<br /> rachylou - you are observant - yes I had my ears lowered. Hats are another problem (I have a big head - don't you dare laugh). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807899 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:53:52 +0000 rachylou 807899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you get a haircut, caro? I love you with the hair and blue and grey. When it's too hot for clothes I wear super fine, see-through cotton voile. (I think it's called voile anyways.) I also wear full length sleeves and a big hat. Sunburn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807793 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:01:50 +0000 Gaylene 807793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our summers can get quite hot as well, with temperatures staying above 100F for days at a time. Since I'm not a fan of voluminous layers or dresses, my go-to outfits are usually a pair of easy fitting, but tailored, linen or light cotton trousers and an architectural-style top made of the same fabrics. I'll sometimes substitute a knee-length, straight-cut or slightly flared, cotton skirt for the pants. I make sure all my tops work with both types of bottoms and look for simple cuts without collars that can be easily washed and hung to dry.</p> <p>I also used color-blocking this past summer; for example, I'd pair a simple orange top with my cobalt-blue/white ikat cotton skirt or a turquoise/acid green print top with my navy linen trousers. This color-blocking meant that I didn't have to add jewelry or scarves to make the two pieces look like an outfit. My watch and my sandals were my only accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807755 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:12:53 +0000 Anonymous 807755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, linen is essential I think also! I really love those shoes and the drapiness of the top and trousers makes you look cool, even if it is hot. I, like you and Suz feel a bit lost in the summer without my jackets and layers....looking forward this summer to figuring something out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807676 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:30:29 +0000 ironkurtin 807676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, I like</p> <p>- James Perse<br /> - Eileen Fisher<br /> - J Crew<br /> - 120% Lino<br /> - CP Shades<br /> - Inhabit</p> <p>Their summer collections typically include linen in more structured shapes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807664 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:10:19 +0000 Transcona Shannon 807664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I think you look fantastic, especially given the temperature! Love those breezy trousers on you and the sandal/shoes are just gorgeous. </p> <p>Dressing for the heat is something we've all complained about from time to time on this forum so do know you are not alone in your misery! I totally relate to missing your jackets in the heat. </p> <p>I love linen for the heat as it breathes so beautifully and I do think there are more structured linen pieces available now. Definitely worth checking into - I think Eileen Fisher does some beautiful linen pieces for summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807650 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:56:59 +0000 Anonymous 807650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well this is a lovely polished outfit. You look nice and cool in those greys. </p> <p>It gets super hot where I live (over 40C for months at a time) but I still haven't figured out a good formula. I do switch to skirts from any kind of short or clam because they are so much cooler. I can never find dresses that I like, the really cool ones are bare and strappy and meant for much younger women, a lot of them are polyester (I die! And not in a good way) or lined with polyester, or they are cotton, but necessitate wearing a slip (I only have a nylon one--gross). Also breezy dresses don't provide a lot of structure and I end up feeling very "loosey goosey" and exposed in them. All in all I feel your sartorial pain! </p> <p>Like you, I'm in a swim suit and sarong or gauze cover-up around the house, since I'm in and out of the pool much of the day. But next summer I want to do better! I think I'm willing to spend on a couple of really good, practical dresses if I can find something I like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807564 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:59:00 +0000 missvee 807564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look really good considering the blistering heat. I don't think there's any easy answer for hot weather dressing, but linen and cotton are certainly the best fibres. My downfall is not having enough clothes for the heat, since I often change twice a day. My favourite outfits are usually built around a simple skirt with a lightweight cotton or voile shirt. Something that looks slightly wrinkled already so that I'm not standing over the ironing board :). Dresses are great too if you can find them. For some reason the stores here stock a lot of polyester knits - I can't imagine wearing those in the heat, unless you spend your day in an air conditioned office. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807491 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:28:52 +0000 Deborah 807491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro what a brilliant idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807490 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:26:33 +0000 carolbee 807490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, you look lovely,although how you can bear to even wear shoes is beyond me. You guys are now copping the heat we had in Perth over Xmas and New Year. We are back to mid 20s now.</p> <p>I hear you and others re dresses. I'm mostly a pants girl myself. After my closet review all 3 skirts I owned went into the holding area as all my tops seemed too long. I have bought one dress this summer, after a lot of looking. I also want sleeves, mine only has cap sleeves but I figured that was better than sleeveless. It just skims my body and is much more comfortable than a skirt and top. Its not dressy and yet I still haven't worn it much, must remind myself that I will not be overdressed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807445 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:12:56 +0000 Caro in Oz 807445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks elle - I can't wear synthetic or silk in this heat unfortunately:( I do love some of those dresses though.<br /> tracina - yes I agree linen or cotton are about the only fabrics that work when it gets this hot.<br /> ironkurtin - I'd love some advice for more structured linen pieces, they sound like exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807434 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:03:52 +0000 ElleH 807434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro one of the dresses I borrowed was this label, purchased in Melbourne at Husk. I see some items with sleeves. <a href="http://www.clovercanyon.com/summerpre-fall-2013-3/" rel="nofollow">http://www.clovercanyon.com/summerpre-fall-2013-3/</a> </p> <p>I've been wearing the maxi dress in this collection <a href="http://clovercanyon.com/holiday-2012/" rel="nofollow">http://clovercanyon.com/holiday-2012/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807429 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:58:14 +0000 Anonymous 807429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hot or not you look amazing. Like IK said, Linen- it's the best for hot humid days. I like loose linen pants, and skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-too-darn-hot#post-807420 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:52:14 +0000 ironkurtin 807420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, I look for structured linen blouses, or knit linen in more fitted cuts (nothing boxy). I know American brands to recommend if you like. Linen does wrinkle sometimes, but it works!</p> <p>Also, I had all my necklaces restrung on leather cords. I find this reduces the chain rub. </p>