https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:49:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1494296 Wed, 20 May 2015 23:21:55 +0000 CocoLion 1494296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am smitten with this dress, which another forum member Dixie has. &nbsp;I think it would look great on you!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw--anthro-blue-dress">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....blue-dress</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1494283 Wed, 20 May 2015 22:49:13 +0000 Mander 1494283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Summer has always been my least favorite season from a fashion standpoint. I hate shorts and always have -- somehow they are always uncomfortable and unflattering. With skirts and dresses I had the "chub rub" problem (sweaty thighs rub together and create intensely painful chafing). The various solutions to this problem were not always successful and so I avoided skirts, too. Living in Colorado and then New Mexico this meant I was often wearing jeans even when it was 100+ outside. Ironically it wasn't until I moved to England, where the summers are cool compared to back home, that I discovered linen trousers.</p> <p>You have my sympathy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493751 Tue, 19 May 2015 23:01:33 +0000 Caro in Oz 1493751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you &amp; long for my pants, jackets &amp; booties in summer Since rethinking my summer wardrobe though, I do feel better able to cope with the hot months. </p> <p>For me it was finding some nice summer dresses that have drape or edge - so I still feel like me. I've also expanded my sandal wardrobe so I can change my look with just my footwear. I also bought a pair of culottes which were a real work-horse, they are cool like a skirt yet function as a pant.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493741 Tue, 19 May 2015 22:35:09 +0000 Sal 1493741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to the thread and I share some of your frustrations with finding comfortable, flattering bottom halves. &nbsp;I add that from where I sit your figure always looks a stunning proportioned hourglass shape.</p> <p>My go to pieces this summer were<br />- Black capri (similar to your athleta pair)<br />- Printed ankle pants<br />- Dresses, midi and maxi</p> <p>I struggle with shorts too and have decided I need to go shorter. &nbsp;I think Karymk gives good advice to focus on the tops shoes and bags if you are not feeling the love for what is available. &nbsp; And I would add glasses and hats to this too.</p> <p>I travelled in South America this summer and in looking at the pics of me I decided I need to change my shorts wardrobe. &nbsp;I need to go either shorter or longer (mid thigh or below the knee)...just on or above the knee is frumpsville for me and so unflattering. &nbsp;I almost cried when I saw the pics! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493713 Tue, 19 May 2015 21:24:53 +0000 karymk 1493713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet I think what you must do to make yourself excited for your summer outfits is focus on the waist up. &nbsp;Only wear tops you are excited about. &nbsp;Add jewelry if it is not too hot. &nbsp;Lighten up on the jewelry by skipping anything in metal. &nbsp;Make sure you do your face up pretty every day. &nbsp;And focus on footwear too, even though that's below the waist.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is how I do it. &nbsp;I literally have three pairs of shorts and that's all I need to be satisfied as long as the tops and accents are great.Get yourself a killer straw or canvas bag. &nbsp;You could never be frumpy.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493672 Tue, 19 May 2015 19:07:51 +0000 Author Linda 1493672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Summer used to give me fits, too. I had a complex about my lower half for years--not sure why... okay, it was because my sister looked like a model and I didn't--but I would do anything to cover up, even wear jeans on the hottest of days. I'm pretty sure looking sweaty wasn't better than having less than gorgeous legs, but I did it. Only in the last couple of years have I really embraced summer.&nbsp;</p> <p>You got so many wonderful suggestions. You also have a wonderful personal style and can probably come up with summer clothes that fit your look. For me it was linen pants, especially crops. I never wore either until last year. Now I live in them in hot weather. I perk up the look with distinctive tops and/or shoes. For me the bottoms are like a foundation rather than a focal point.&nbsp;</p> <p>I just know you'll rock some amazing summer looks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493658 Tue, 19 May 2015 18:49:10 +0000 Aziraphale 1493658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You and me both, sister. I struggle in the summer, too. :-)</p> <p>I don't have a lot to suggest other than skirts and/or dresses. They are cool and flattering. Also, when I see you, I see nothing wrong with your bottom half! You always look perfectly proportioned and stylish to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493643 Tue, 19 May 2015 18:14:00 +0000 Gaylene 1493643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, Janet, you've got lots of suggestions here so I don't need to add anymore, but I just wanted to compliment you on your amazing photography talent. I can't think of a single full-length photograph I've ever seen of you on this forum where you didn't look model-like gorgeous--upper and lower halves included. </p> <p>But, since you insist you have "problem" with your lower half, I'll accept your assessment IF you'll agree to take all my photographs from now on. I'll gladly cover all the costs--transportation, photography fees, stipends, or whatever else would be required (even a new TAB trailer )--to have those magic pictures of myself.</p> <p>As for those dispiriting events in the dressing room, my own memory serves up a particular BOHO dress that made me look like ex-linebacker taking up a new career as a female impersonator--unsuccessfully. Even the SAs couldn't keep from cracking up when they caught a glimpse of me as I dived for the door...</p> <p>Seriously, you'd look amazing in any of the items that Angie posted, so give yourself a fighting chance the next time you go shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493511 Tue, 19 May 2015 14:24:43 +0000 Lucy 1493511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think you should be too hard on your shape, I think you always look lovely.<br /> I've had to hone my summer dressing here in Australia after moving north to Brisbane this year. The summer here is hotter, more humid and much longer!<br /> I'm a short hourglass, a healthy weight but pretty curvy. Without some structure to my outfits I tend to look stumpy and dumpy :)<br /> Over summer I went for three different ideas<br /> Work is still fairly dressy or at least more dressy than any other university I have worked at. Some loose cotton dresses on women but I don't really do boho much. So I went for shift dresses, if they fit well they have enough structure, and wrap dresses. Both presentable for work and look good with sandals.<br /> For weekend casual I went with structured long shorts and a looser top, as some comments above mentioned these can work in similar ways to jeans. And then for medium days (work at home with lunch out etc) I went for semi loose dresses in soft fabrics, nothing that needed tight underwear!<br /> Hope this is some help ..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493506 Tue, 19 May 2015 14:15:28 +0000 jackiec 1493506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've come to the realization that I don't love summer dressing either. My perfect temperature is 18 degrees celcius in the spring and early fall. Once it gets hot I'm grouchy and not the best dresser. I think there are some good suggestions here, which I'm also checking out, although it doesn't get super super hot here either. But I hear you on the exercise thing. Lack of a regular routine definitely clouds my outlook too. For what it's worth, I think you always look edgy and amazing, regardless of season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493504 Tue, 19 May 2015 14:10:57 +0000 Janet 1493504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm clearly not alone! </p> <p>Thank you for all the thoughts and suggestions! I'm on my phone so it's very hard to reply to individual suggestions, so please forgive me. </p> <p>My default has been those Athleta capris, casual cutoffs ( knee length) and shorts, and a couple of ruched knit midi skirts. And a couple of casual knit dresses from a couple of years ago that are probably headed for beach coverup territory as they're getting a little worn and I don't feel as fab in them as I once did.</p> <p>I guess I was looking for something a little *different* yesterday, and I tried on those split leg culottes unfrumped posted about, as well as a pair of gauzy pants (a bit too thin, a little too short, and a lot of volume on the lower half), a pair of cropped cargos that made me look even more bottom-heavy, and even a jumpsuit (a little too long in the top, and a little too dressy). It was just discouraging. Meanwhile other women in the dressing room were looking adorable in linen pants while I felt thick and frumpy. Perhaps just not a great day to try to be adventurous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493495 Tue, 19 May 2015 13:45:28 +0000 Anonymous 1493495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very much in agreement with you. &nbsp; I never know what to wear in Summer months. &nbsp;Everything seems to fall apart. &nbsp;All my carefully crafted capsules seem wrong. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493494 Tue, 19 May 2015 13:35:54 +0000 Anonymous 1493494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sympathize with trying to find some structure while keeping cool in the heat. My go to item is a stretchy knee length denim pencil skirt. It is heavy enough not to need a slip and slim and neutral enough that it's like styling a pair of skinny jeans. I have a white denim skirt too. The other item that seems to work cool on a hot day is silk track pants. The cuff at the bottom adds some structure. Linen track pants, if they are slim and soft enough, would be another idea. For tops I prefer oversized tees with assymetrical hems to drapey tops as having more structure. The hard part is finding natural fabrics at a price that makes them an everyday wearable. Polyester and cotton are too hot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493478 Tue, 19 May 2015 12:19:41 +0000 Elizabeth P 1493478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about linen pants?&nbsp; I got some from JCrew last year, and some from BR the year before, and they are so easy to wear in the heat.&nbsp; I hate wearing jeans in the summer myself, will only consider oversized white ones.&nbsp; I even set aside denim shorts when the real heat hits.&nbsp; I am always amazed when you women who get hot summer for months even talk about wearing jeans.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also love wearing dresses, and skorts when something more casual is needed.&nbsp; Eddie Bauer makes skorts out of quick dry, stretchy material that are great (I always get the tall, for added length). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493447 Tue, 19 May 2015 11:28:49 +0000 Olivegreen 1493447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My current faves for the bottom half are chino shorts from Eddie Bauer. Kind of Sturdy Girl style :-)<br /> Also, cut off jean shorts.<br /> Both of these rein in the bottom half, and look good with wovens that float a bit, and look great with sensible walking sandals or shoes.<br /> Khrishnidoux's suggestion of preppy-lite or Angies post of this morning might also be good directions?<br /> Skirts, of course, are perfect if you are a skirt person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493442 Tue, 19 May 2015 10:51:30 +0000 krishnidoux 1493442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I am with you. Summer means letting go of our boots, heels and uncovering our lower half, which brings a new silhouette we are not used to see.&nbsp;<br />For the last couple of summers, I have found that wearing preppier styles was more flattering, at least for the lower half. I'd go with an interesting Anthro top, but revert to classic, sturdier cuts for shorts, bermudas, toppers and even dresses. For example a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi34391&amp;N=10189&amp;No=&amp;selectedConcept=&amp;Nrpp=85&amp;ViewAll=True&amp;Nr=AND(OR(product.siteId%3ATalbotsSite)%2COR(product.catalogId%3Acatalog20002))">shirt dress</a>, horizontal stripes, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://se.tommy.com/Shorts/109030,en_SE,sc.html">well cut shorts</a> (yes! It's possible), flat <a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://www.sierratradingpost.com/josef-seibel-caspian-sneakers-leather-for-women~p~5193a/?showlocalization=True">white leather tennis shoes</a>, a 3/4 sleeve white cardi, a striped maxi skirt or sundress. Just a few anchor pieces on which to build a summer wardrobe that is useful in a more relaxed setting, yet lets you be presentable for work too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493294 Tue, 19 May 2015 00:51:04 +0000 Gigi 1493294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you want to try some lightweight rayon pants, with a fitted tank? Or do you think that would not look good for your body type?</p> <p>It's OK to come here and vent! We all need support when things seem to be more frustrating than usual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493265 Mon, 18 May 2015 23:15:01 +0000 Thistle 1493265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love some of the suggestions above! I usually am dealing with arctic AC and really short summers. It was in the 70s over the weekend but back down to the 50s tomorrow. So, not terribly much help. Winter dressing, now ther I am more helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493262 Mon, 18 May 2015 22:58:31 +0000 Janet 1493262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies. I read back and realized I'm whining/venting/feeling sorry for myself. When I know we *all* have challenges. I'm sure that not having gotten any exercise in the last two weeks is not helping my frame of mind. </p> <p>I am in a hurry right now and will explore all your suggestioms and links later. Thank you! I'm sure I will have plenty to wear this summer, even if I'm not terribly excited about it. That's ok. I had a decent run for six weeks or so of spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493260 Mon, 18 May 2015 22:38:45 +0000 Peri 1493260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, me too...I'm never excited about summer fashion. Usually I just call it survival season and go with that. I'd love to go to dresses but I'm still in my gym shoes most of the time. That's why I'm on my big pants ordering project, looking for cool and flowy, not fitted, etc...choices not fashion based at all.&nbsp;And I absolutely plan on continuing to wear the Prima Capris that you found for us, so I hope you will too!</p> <p>I do feel like I'm in the best shape I have been in years, with some good tops I like from last year and recent months. But overall, yeah, summer is not my pretty time.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493244 Mon, 18 May 2015 21:55:45 +0000 Angie 1493244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, have you tried these types of dresses. Also, Zara has some great skirts. Wear them with a flitted tank top.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493241 Mon, 18 May 2015 21:49:34 +0000 catgirl 1493241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me either. My summer woes primarily revolve around finding tops that fit. I hate t-shirts with a vengeance as they never ever work for me - shoulders, neckline, fabric, midsection, something is always off. I can do dresses for work but casual is an actual problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493237 Mon, 18 May 2015 21:40:06 +0000 carter 1493237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always struggle with Summer casual bottoms. Usually it's already high Summer by the time I start looking, which makes it that much harder. I haven't been in Loft in ages, but I needed to kill some time the other day, so I ran in. I walked away with quite the haul!</p> <p>At the time, only a couple things were on sale, so I've been waiting not so patiently for a good sale for a price adjustment or return/re-purchase. Today, everything below is 40% off. </p> <ul> <li>I'm not a big fan of shorts, but I like these. For shorts, I think they're fairly flattering. </li> <li>The cropped chinos are online only in the Julie fit. Light and roomy but still slim. I think they're JFE.</li> <li>The Curvy kick crop jeans have great coverage for white, but they're still lightweight enough to wear this Summer. I sized up one size in the white. Also got my regular size in the dark blue version.</li> <li>Modern Straight Leg jeans. You'll notice this isn't the curvy cut, but they fit my curves great. There was one pair of them in the 'Dense Blue Wash" that had been returned from an online order. For some reason, all of these are online only. Fortunately, the one they had was just my size. They run a bit large, but all the better for keeping cool.&nbsp; The denim is very lightweight. I ordered the white and the light blue today, so we'll have to see if I like those as much.</li> </ul> ETA: Should have mentioned that most of these come in Tall as well. <ul> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493232 Mon, 18 May 2015 21:23:06 +0000 Anonymous 1493232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - I have the same fear/hate for summer dressing - just a different area of my body. What about going the casual dress route?? And I don't mean casual cotton "summer dresses" - I mean the cute, athletic styles that Athleta and Lululemon offer - even Gap has them sometimes. Your comment about your cropped Athleta pants made me think of this solution. &nbsp;I have two dresses, both in black, both tank style but with different draping, racer back cut, asymmetric hem etc details that can go both dressy and ultra casual. I wear the heck out of both of them all summer long when it's too hot for pants. I can really see you in something like this. &nbsp;I've put a couple of photos below just to illustrate what I'm talking about. &nbsp;Also: tennis or running skirts (they have shorts or panties attached - yay) - I wear those all summer too for casual wear. &nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493230 Mon, 18 May 2015 21:16:48 +0000 crutcher 1493230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are such a chic and stylish woman...I am just sure you had a bad shopping day...Thought popped in my head, maxi dresses...with sandals...Would that provide a hot weather alternative?...<br />I am sure you can find what you are looking for that will give you the look you always have...chic and stylish..<br />Best..smile... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493229 Mon, 18 May 2015 21:16:32 +0000 unfrumped 1493229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Struggling myself. Actually casual is okay and much easier than work, because shorts can be slim or BF type fit, I have BF jeans, regular jeans and linen pants, tops can be slouchy and longer or hi-low, shoes can be clunkier (meaning slip-on tennies). I only need a few such outfits, and I tried things on and realized, I like my casual T's and sweaters, I've got some good colors and some neutrals,&nbsp;I have more combinations than weekends, so I'm good. Plus I can&nbsp;combine casual tops with some work bottoms.&nbsp;</p> <p>But--it still hard to find polished pieces that look summery and not resort or too casual&nbsp;for work.&nbsp; And I am struggling with pant lengths, not doing much with ankle pants (though Angie is trying to help me!) and really want lightweight, straight trousers that look summery but are not clingy or so light in color that they&nbsp;show every imperfection.<br />Or something a little bit different. Some of the linen knits seem like the right direction, but are so thin and sometimes droopy, not drapey. I got a more substantial linen knit sweater --for indoors, A/C- from 360, was a splurge&nbsp;for workwear, &nbsp;and then was terrified because I already pulled a thread in it just with normal handling. Managed to pull it back through, but will have to be very careful. Sheesh.</p> <p>Re: different, I can tell that some of the local boutiques that have curated an array of items from a variety of&nbsp;&nbsp;makers have great potential for finding that item with some "wow" factor, but still it seems like a needle in a haystack for work items. Everything is just a little <u>weird</u>, IYKWIM--great fun for going out, but perplexing for the office. Like a great top and then you see it's split in back, or things are sheer, or there is weird trim or materials.&nbsp; So maybe need brands that are just a bit <u>less</u> interesting!</p> <p>I find one of my best items is a form of substantial cotton knit. Not open-weave, so no cami needed and no threads to pull, &nbsp; These can be hard to find--can't just be sweatshirt material. One type is what is often called Ottoman knit with horizontal ribbing. Found one at Gap, short/elbow sleeved last year, and one that is long-sleeved so maybe not for high summer, at BR. Stands up to AC but isn't as sticky for commuting so is somehow forgiving of temp variations. I have determined to keep an eye out for these as they may&nbsp;appear in other seasons since they are not typical lightweight summery fabrics.</p> <p>I'm grumpy enough I know I should just bide my time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493224 Mon, 18 May 2015 20:57:30 +0000 gardenchick 1493224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about your woes...maybe Athleta sells the pants in a different color this year?</p> <p>We lived on the East Coast, and while the weather was sweltering sometimes, we had summer! Now we're in Northern California and it's below 60 here today..and will be many days of "summer". I was just thinking about how sick I am of dressing more or less the same year-round! The grass is always greener, I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/once-again-not-excited-for-summer-dressing#post-1493223 Mon, 18 May 2015 20:52:30 +0000 Janet 1493223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just spent a little time in Anthro, thinking I might find a pants or skirt refresher for summer wear since we're already hitting 85 and humid here. Heavy sigh. Have I mentioned how much I hate dressing my lower half? I feel like everything makes me look heavy and dumpy. I may be doomed to wear the same old cropped Athleta black pants I wore to death last year. It gets too hot here to wear jeans all summer long. I suppose I'll grit my teeth and wear my same old shorts again. And I do have a couple of skirts that are OK. Once it gets hot, I start not caring quite so much about showing my legs, so shorts become my default. </p> <p>It sucks to have the kind of body that seems to look best dressed in outfits with a lot of structure. Hot and humid summer + casual lifestyle just don't jibe well with structure. </p> <p>I know that many of you share my frustration with summer dressing. Any good finds? Good ideas? </p>