https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:55:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1475648 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 22:41:00 +0000 Dee 1475648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops, it's been a busy couple of days and I didn't notice the new responses.</p> <p>Marina, I hope you check back on this thread! I was wondering how you keep a "similar pattern about shape, structure, proportions" given the difference in seasonal fabrics?</p> <p>Joy, I know similar topics have come up before. But looking at my closet, I was struck by the fact that not only am I unhappy my summer wardrobe, but it could have come from someone else's closet. So finding ways to merge summer and winter styles is great. I love the idea of asymmetry as a detail. I have some winter items that have asymmetric cuts but no summer ones. </p> <p>Aubergine, your style is pretty cohesive across seasons to me, so I'm interested to hear you struggle with this too!</p> <p>AM, you also look very cohesive in terms of shape/color palette, so I'm looking forward to seeing your summer looks.</p> <p>Thanks everyone for all the sympathy, insight and suggestions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474553 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:49:14 +0000 AM 1474553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to rely on interesting lines and strong shoes. This does get more difficult in S/S. I stick to neutrals all year long but S/S means introducing more white. And I agree that statement jewelry can add additional interest. Great post. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474550 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:41:02 +0000 Anonymous 1474550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely sympathize, although I have a harder time with spring than summer. Probably because I completely fail at wearing anything light/bright/crisp, so my outfits all kind of feel like fall/winter retreads until it gets warm enough to wear obvious summer things like lightweight dresses and sandals.</p> <p>I like a lot of the suggestions people have mentioned, especially the ones about looking for interesting stand-alone pieces and playing around more with color/pattern. This is probably ultra-obvious, but one thing I did last summer that helped me feel like I wasn't just wearing the same exact things over and over was to get a few easy knit skirts in my favorite dark neutrals so I could do more mix-and-match than I'd been doing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474537 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 00:57:15 +0000 Anonymous 1474537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have touched on something many of us struggle with. Because layers are almost impossible, pieces with built in details are great. My favorite is assymetry of some sort.<br /> I avoid cotton and polyester and try for linen, rayon, nylon mesh and silk. Footwear is important. I also use bracelets in summer which are a problem with coat sleeves in cool weather, and small bandana-sized scarves. Another favorite is to wear a vest, especially a jean jacket without sleeves, with a sleeveless top. I may wear a tank top around the house and pop on a vest worn open over it to go out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474342 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:57:12 +0000 Marina 1474342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting question. I love thinking about weather and seasons since I'm a meteorologist :D</p> <p>Back to the fashion style issue, I think my style has a main foundation that remains the same through the year, with small changes due practical needs and seasonal mood changes.</p> <p>My clothes follow similar pattern about shape, structure, proportions and color palette despite what seasons they are used for. I have a set of accessories non-weather related that are used equally in all seasons (jewelry, belts and bags) that can be easily paired with some weather-related accessories (shoes, sunglasses, hats, scarves, gloves).</p> <p>Besides, I feel happier/in a light mood in sunny/warm days and moody in cloudy/cold days so despite using a similar color palette all through the year, I have a few more colorful and/or patterned pieces in my summer wardrobe than in my winter one, and a few pieces in warmer tones too - my skin undertone is always cold but with strong spf my skin tone can go from cold to neutral during summer, so I can get along with a few warmer colors than usual (or I can go carmine red without appropriate spf, but that's not advised). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474261 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:53:22 +0000 Dee 1474261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, dresses are a great option for summer. I never thought of myself as a dress person either but they've grown on me the last few years. But I do wear them in winter too, with leggings and layers for extra warmth though!</p> <p>Sterling, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way, thanks!</p> <p>Donna, I can't do polyester in the summer either because it doesn't breathe, so that limits things even more! Your kind of prints sound great and I am seeing more dots/stripes in stores than previous years. </p> <p>KL, ha! I moved to the east coast US so I'm back to dealing with hot/humid summers. And I found dressing for The cooler Calgary summers difficult at times! Pinterest is a great suggestion for inspriration. I have an account I just have gotten out of the jhabit of checking it, so thanks!</p> <p>Keturah, your looks always have a glamorous element to them that works so well! You gave a ton of great suggestions for varying silhouette in the summer so thanks! I do have more color in my summer wardrobe than my winter, but I've been aiming for more cohesion across seasons and maybe I've gone too far? Hmm, something to ponder.</p> <p>Krishnidoux, you are right about sometimes making the best choice out of several poor options. I think I do that that a lot in the summer too. If I can't find the kind of pieces I love, at least let the fabric/color/etc work. Need to think about this too.</p> <p>Dimity, I love that you can sew your own options. It sounds like your wardrobe is working pretty well and you know how to address what isn't. I hope to get there this summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474153 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:39:51 +0000 Dimity 1474153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely had a big style disconnect, but I think I might have moved a bit towards addressing it this past (Australian) summer. I love winter dressing and the variety layers give an outfit, but I can't do that in our hot weather. Like Caro, I wear dresses (only cotton) and often I have to make them, in the shift style that I like, so that they're simple. I also wear fine cotton tunics over above the knee straight skirts and knee length cotton shorts. In an effort to look less dressed up and less housewifey, I'm starting to look at Japanese clothes in rumpled fabrics, like these:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://envelope.co.jp/index_en_jpy_3-24.html">https://envelope.co.jp/index_en_jpy_3-24.html</a><br />They are loose and certainly not to everyone's taste, but they suit me and my casual lifestyle to perfection.<br />I hope you can find some solutions because I know how frustrating this can be! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474150 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:25:49 +0000 krishnidoux 1474150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might be also due to what is available to buy for the summer, vs winter? Even if we have a broad choice, we are still bound by series of decisions leading to less choice, and maybe it is in your case that when it came to make the purchases, you ended up in the same place due to those same decisions (least worse option vs ideal). I say this b/c it certainly explains my own summer disconnect. For instance, as a teacher I want some cleavage coverage and as a 46 yr old teacher, flat-wear. These two constraints often lead me to preppier choices, for the summer especially, if I want the items in brighter colors for example. Now I am not "Preppy" in my style; but the (more affordable) alternatives are often too racy or making me identifiable with a given social group. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1474047 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 02:51:10 +0000 Keturah 1474047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh... now you have gone and asked a very good question!</p> <div><br />I definitely have some differences between my fall/winter and spring/summer styles. For me it's silhouette and colors that change. </p> <p>Winter is darker, richer colors, burgundy, plum, moss/forest green, reds, browns, blacks, dark greys. Mostly leggings and jeans, then pile 'em high with sweater and sweater dresses; and also, winter dresses and skirts paired with tights and boots. I'll also do some slacks and blouses.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the summer, I go for brighter colors. Lots of hot spearmint green, cool mid to deep blues, neons, light heather grey, white, hot coral red, orange (lots of orange ), etc. I switch to sun dresses; skirts, wide leg pants, joggers, and harem pants. paired with tees and sandals; leggings and tunics with sandals; and joggers paired with quite blousy, loose blouses. I go all out with peep toe and open toe heels, wedges, and sandals. I'll throw on a french terry jacket, or knot a chambray shirt at my waist. I feel I have more fun in the summer with my clothes, or at least in a different way than I do in winter.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love plenty of drape. While linen is cool, it's stiffness drives me bonkers. I wear a lot of polyester, cotton, and some rayon in the summer. Same for winter, with the addition of wool.</p> <p>I always try for there to be a touch of glamour and effortlessness in whatever I wear.&nbsp;</p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473911 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 23:04:00 +0000 Kristin L 1473911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like my style stays fairly similar, but my colors change. I wear more neutrals when the weather is cold and reach for colors once the temperature warms up. I hope that you'll forgive me for making assumptions, but doesn't it stay a bit cooler in your neck of the woods? I feel like it was easier to figure out my warm weather style because I live in (and for) warm, sunny days. When I was trying to figure out my cold weather style, I went through a lot of pictures trying to figure out what I liked. Would pinterest or a little internet window shopping help you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473910 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 23:03:47 +0000 DonnaF 1473910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I find it hard to find a S/S dress because all I see are shift dresses which look terrible on me, or dresses that are polyester (hot!!!) or DCO and/or lace.&nbsp; I finally found a chambray dress (with pockets!!!) which is lightweight and fairly cool despite its sleeves.</p> <p>A couple years ago I bought a machine washable unlined linen jacket in a natural color with small black dots so it adds almost no warmth and the print makes it a little more interesting.&nbsp; In the same vein, I like to have prints in jackets, skirts, and/or pants since printed tops with solids elsewhere is more expected.&nbsp; *My* prints are stripes, dots, and possibly abstract florals.&nbsp; </p> <p>Disclosure:&nbsp; I run cold and live in a temperate climate where it makes the news if we have more than a couple days in a row where it hits the 80s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473903 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 22:47:58 +0000 Anonymous 1473903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have severe style disconnect between winter and summer for all the reasons you mentioned. &nbsp;I don't have an answer as I am currently struggling with this issue. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473898 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 22:32:02 +0000 Caro in Oz 1473898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so not a dress person but since embracing them (for my HOT summers) I feel as though my summer wardrobe functions really well. I don't wear dresses in winter &amp; I really don't need them. Agreeing with Sara too - shoes &amp; accessories are really important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473838 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 20:21:20 +0000 Dee 1473838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sherry, it sounds like you have a great plan for summer. I've been on a neutrals kick lately, but some of the details (color, pattern, design) can really change an outfit. Your point about AC is a good one too!</p> <p>Una, my colors are also pretty similar over the seasons. But I like the idea of adding some prints or patterns - if I can find one that fits with my colors and isn't too feminine (not my style, and very hard to avoid in summer detailing). I'll be following your WIWs this season!</p> <p>Sara, you're so right that the little details make a difference! For years I'd been into statement necklaces but forgot all about bracelets. And thanks for the commiseration about the seasonal change. </p> <p>Astrid, that's what I'd been doing until this weekend when the weather truly changed. Boredom starting already isn't a great sign, you know? Here's hoping we don't get too bored this summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473807 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 19:02:42 +0000 Astrid 1473807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, me too. I'm still wearing my fall/winter looks with&nbsp; different outerwear and shoes right now, so I feel good about my outfits. It will be a totally different thing once it gets truly warm. There's always been a disconnect in the past, my warm weather style always felt rather boring to me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473806 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 19:01:52 +0000 Sara L. 1473806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since my outfits are simpler I rely on accessories to add oomph to my outfits. &nbsp;I wear bracelets which I don't wear in the winter at all. &nbsp;I'm always on the lookout for wrap or similar type that don't make noise and are comfortable to wear all day. &nbsp;I have small wrists so that's somewhat of a challenge. &nbsp;I also try to wear interesting shoes with my outfits and I paint my nails interesting colors. &nbsp;Some of this doesn't really show up in outfit pictures since they're details that are really only noticeable at close range. &nbsp;It's always a challenge to get used to the simpler outfits when the weather first warms up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473796 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:48:45 +0000 catgirl 1473796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes!&nbsp; Especially since some of my summer is more like "non-winter".&nbsp;&nbsp; I am trying to simplify my summer wardrobe tremendously but I'd like to add some print and pattern.&nbsp; My colors tend to stay the same... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473791 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:44:09 +0000 Sherry 1473791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee,<br />&nbsp; In the Winter I rely heavily on toppers and scarves, as I am always cold.&nbsp; However, come Summer, I don't want to burdened with a scarf or even a necklace&nbsp; on a hot day, so I let my clothes do the talking instead.&nbsp; Instead of a solid neutral or colored tee, I make sure that all my short sleeved tees or knits have some construction detail or texture, or print or pattern. &nbsp;&nbsp; I also use solid or patterned shirts as toppers because air conditioning can get chilly.&nbsp; Those garments also must have some detail unless the top underneath is patterned or heavily detailed.&nbsp; My summer colors are also much more plentiful and varied than Winter, as that is how I get my joy in the wearing, in the variety of color each day.&nbsp; My bottoms remain in neutrals, however.&nbsp; My Winter colors are different than my summer ones and are also darker and heavier weight.&nbsp; I look forward to the change with the seasons --it feels like a whole new wardrobe without making any new purchases except for replacement of color or style here and there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-style-disconnect#post-1473755 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:39:00 +0000 Dee 1473755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spring has officially arrived for me. I can wear dresses without leggings, tops without toppers, and broke out my Birkenstocks for the first time. And all of my heavy and/or long-sleeve sweaters have been folded away for the season.</p> <p>Like some other posters, I often struggle with my summer style. My winter style is pretty cohesive at this point. I layer frequently and live in knits 90% of the time. That's... less of an option in summer. My summer wardrobe has equal parts wovens, which often feel too crisp/preppy for my style, and solid tanks/tees that are cool (temperature wise) but otherwise kind of bland. Looking at my summer vs. winter wardrobes, I feel like the style descriptors for each are completely different. This leads to more uncertainty in what should I wear each day and also feeling less fab in what I do wear.</p> <p>Does anyone else feel like they have a split style personality depending on the season? If so, how have you reconciled that disconnent? Or, for anyone who has solved this problem, do you have any suggestions for someone seeking a minimal, edgy/arty style that can work without too much layering in the summer? :)</p> <p>Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice. </p>