https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 23:28:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather/page/2#post-914513 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:37:14 +0000 rachylou 914513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very very fine cotton has been my solution. No clingy synthetic, spaghetti strap tanks that all the teens wear. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather/page/2#post-914008 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 03:12:05 +0000 Debbie 914008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in a climate where it is hot and humid. Dresses are my go to item. Bracelets work well for me too. I always have a jacket at work because like Angie the air conditioning drives me crazy. Also my white clam diggers get a workout. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather/page/2#post-913934 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:05:45 +0000 shoegirl 913934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for the brilliant ideas. When I hear the tank and linen cropped trousers suggestion it brings to mind Alexander Wang, which makes me happy; and now that I have started to look for dresses that feel interesting to me (as opposed to imagining beachy ones that I'd feel silly in) I have started finding some dresses that look cool in both senses. <br /><br />To the person who mentioned the necklace heat problem --&nbsp;I know what you mean about necklaces being too hot -- I've had exactly that experience here. So yes, for me I think the solution is to find or make dresses that are sufficiently interesting in themselves to need no extra adornment. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather/page/2#post-909911 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:03:02 +0000 Anonymous 909911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also live in a place with weeks of 90-100+ heat that comes with plenty of humidity. Sleeveless loose dresses work best. I like them to be of heavy enough fabric that no slip or lining is needed. I find cotton knit hot because it absorbs but doesn't dry quickly. It's very difficult to layer for style when even a necklace feels suffocating. Bangle bracelets that move on the arm aren't bad. Good luck </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather/page/2#post-909901 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:34:34 +0000 Deborah 909901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My advice...&nbsp; move lol, just kidding.&nbsp;Our weather has<b> just</b> cooled down and I am so over summer i cannot begin to explain.&nbsp; Sarah was a great inspiration to my summer dressing last summer however I lost the plot a bit this recent summer.&nbsp; My consclusion is 'dresses'.&nbsp; Interesting but cool dresses, and mostly sleeveless.&nbsp; I am searching for dresses that have interesting design features that mimic layers, or have draping, or assymetrical hem lines.<br />The things I like about dresses, are they are feminine, can be dressed up or down depending on footwear and accessories and they are easy in the heat.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909677 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:56:47 +0000 hedgiehog 909677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, lets be neighbours! 72 works for me....start looking for my future home.<br /> :-)<br /> Ironkurtin, thanks for the suggestion....I'm leaning towards linen<br /> Nancy lee, thanks for the link and suggestions. I think dresses are a great option that I will explore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909667 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:46:04 +0000 nancylee 909667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ay! &nbsp;I so feel your pain. &nbsp;Summer dressing is the bain of my fashion existence. &nbsp;We get the same summer weather as you here in the mid-Atlantic: &nbsp;80s-90s and super humid through much of the summer. &nbsp;Ugh.<br /><br />In order to cope, I've been moving away from shorts (no one likes a sweaty gusset, as Trinny and Susannah used to say!) and toward loose dresses and skirts....even for casual wear. &nbsp;Slowly but surely I've been acquiring loose dresses and tops to wear over skirts, and it helps. &nbsp;The simple black jersey or navy&nbsp;dress accessorized in various ways is a lifesaver. &nbsp;See this great post by Angie last summer:<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/06/12/earthy-casual-dress-hat-and-bag/">https://youlookfab.com/2012/06.....t-and-bag/</a><br /><br />I've posted some simple shift/tank dresses below, and also some of my favorite "heat coping" outfits from last summer. &nbsp;Hope it helps! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909663 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:43:06 +0000 ironkurtin 909663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find the only way to stay stylish in hot humidity is layers.&nbsp; My summer uniform is a very lightweight tank with a sheer linen top over, and linen cropped pants with sandals.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909655 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:37:31 +0000 shoegirl 909655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks soooo much to everyone who has replied. So grateful! If it were just a question of how to deal with the extreme heat and humidity, I would not have a problem: do what the English did when creating the Empire: soak my pith helmet and clothes each night. It works very well. When our air conditioning goes down in temperatures of 110F +humidity, you can be sure that I soak my clothes. It is not that I am unable to survive in high temps, my issue is more about how to remain stylish in high temps combined with&nbsp;humid &nbsp;conditions. As someone with an interest in fashion and style, and a penchant for polished, controlled, prim, edgy style,&nbsp;walking about in wet clothes is a sub-optimal solution. OTOH, I must admit that I do gain some satisfaction from knowing that in not running the A/C in 110F temperatures, and feeling perfectly fine in my soaked clothes, I am saving vast amounts of money on the A/c bill. My husband, however, working in offices at freezer temperatures, has a harder time with my no-AC policy, and he turns it on every time I am out of the house. 8-)<br /><br />But what about STYLE? Where is the STYLE in sweaty living? Help! I'm not the beachy type. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909653 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:36:54 +0000 catgirl 909653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have absolutely no suggestions other than to move here, where the summer temperature never rises above 72. :)&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909648 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:35:21 +0000 ironkurtin 909648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Linen knits.&nbsp; Vince, Joie, and Inhabit all make nice linen pieces.&nbsp; I also like Eileen Fisher.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909633 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:27:46 +0000 hedgiehog 909633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I do fine in A/C. Like Susie, I tend to run warm.....actually hot. Lord help me when the hot flashes start! I might actually melt. LOL<br /> shoegirl, I wish I had answers for you.....other than carrying a topper with you it seems there are not many options.<br /> Today, in my postbox, I had a catalogue from JJill featuring mostly linen pieces. The tops looked flown and cool and the bottoms looked loose and casual. None of the pieces appealed to me because I prefer a bit more structure in my clothing but I may break down and order some linen pants just to see how I go.<br /> Don't know how they came to send me a catalogue as I've never ordered from them. Maybe it was fate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909244 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:52:04 +0000 Debora 909244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same dilemma with our hot humid summers here in Virginia. I will be watching this thread closely for suggestions. It's too hot here for jeans and layering in the summer, I live mostly in skirts, Bermuda shorts and sandals. I would love to have more summer dresses, but the problem is finding ones that are long enough. So many summer dresses seem to be several inches above the knee, not an option for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909230 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:37:14 +0000 Rambling Ann 909230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read somewhere that restaurants overcool because it makes you order more food. True? Dunno. But maybe it makes you buy more in the shops too. I always thought it was southern hospitality, "we put the air on for you" but now I'm not so sure.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />I feel your pain.&nbsp;I lived in Houston for 6 long years. My best outfit was a flared white linen safari skirt and jacket suit. And to embrace the wrinkles. If only I still had that suit. I have some gauze pants I bought in FLA years ago that have reached the end of their warranty period, have no idea what I will replace them with. Luckily the summers are short and not so hot where I live now, and it always cools off at night.<br /><br />Maybe someone will make these new&nbsp;track pants in a more gauze-type cotton that drapes. Now that would be comfortable in the summer.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909177 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:37:17 +0000 Suz 909177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoegirl, I have no answers, I fear. Except to carry a largish bag, and bring some sort of cover up (for the air conditioning) in the bag at all times. Not an ideal solution -- it means (pretty much) some sort of cardigan, because anything else would crease too much. It is infuriating. I don't know why no one can understand that it actually makes more sense (and is more energy-friendly) to keep air conditioning just a few degrees cooler than the outside temps. That is enough to cool us and does not lead to the insane shocks.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909169 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:31:49 +0000 Susie 909169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Our summers are very hot and humid. High 90's to over 100 for weeks at a time is typical. <br /><br />The A/C really doesn't bother me as I do run warm. So dressing for work isn't an issue as I go from air conditioned house to car to office. Cars can get brutally warm but fortunately mine is white with tan leather and tinted windows and that helps a lot. <br /><br />Casual dressing is more challenging. Many of our weekends are spent boating so very casual- shorts and tees or cotton dressses- is fine. For other weekends, I enjoy wearing sleeveless maxi dresses. I know many here don't love them, but I find them to be comfortable and stylish enough. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909143 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:49:18 +0000 Anonymous 909143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @shoegirl, I live in a place where bohemian style predominates. Like you, I feel that it's not me so I'm going to try to come up with my own uniform that is more neat and tidy. I hear you and the arctic air. A fur coat would not be enough for me. I need socks, boots, woolies, and a turtleneck to go under it. Nothing I bring as a wrap or a jacket is ever enough if I'm wearing a skirt and sandals.&nbsp;<br /><br />Hedgiehog, I think you do fine in the A/C, though, right? It seems like the default setting for summer clothes around here is a knit top,&nbsp;unflattering crops and flops or comfort sandals. On the teen girls it is a shelf-bra cami or tank&nbsp;and booty shorts with flip flops. There is nothing wrong with shorts or capris, but that's ALL I ever see around here in the summer. I guess I just need to be different, which I'm trying to do by hitting a slightly dressier note if I can be just as comfortable. However, since you work in a bank 9-5, you might want a more relaxed look for your off-hours.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-909068 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:41:59 +0000 shoegirl 909068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have moved from a cool-mild climate to a horrendously hot and humid one and I too&nbsp;hate the antarctic ubiquitous air conditioning. Whilst&nbsp;I do love the feeling of walking in a warm bath (well you have to look on the bright side!) when I escape the dreaded air conditioning, this move is an unmitigated disaster for my style. It doesn't help that what feels 'me' is extremely different from the ultra-beachy style of most people around here, such that I look even more out of place than I feel, unless I adopt ultra-beachy-casual style, which makes me cringe with please-let-me-sink-through-a-hole-in-the-floor-now&nbsp;embarrassment&nbsp;inside because it doesn't feel me, and it feels anything but stylish. H-E-L-P!<br /><br />How on earth do you manage to dress stylishly in super-hot super-humid weather combined with antarctic air conditioning? I feel as though I have to start creating a new 'my style' from the ground up, and I have no idea where to begin. I like precise, controlled, put-together,&nbsp;rather formal, architectural or edgy attire, and absolutely hate casual sloppy beachy and California style. To my surprise&nbsp;I do also quite like the hard-edged loose, non-fitting style that seems current ATM too, so perhaps that provides a clue to help me move forward. Just not sure how to do it stylishly without layering, and&nbsp;layering is OUT. What I am looking for is a way to dress that I find INTERESTING. Minimalist can be interesting to me&nbsp;if it is austerely minimalist, but, for example, just wearing a standard summer dress would feel unstylish/uninteresting/un-me to me. &nbsp;Any thoughts or advice?<br /><br />And how on earth do others manage the dramatic shifts in temperature when going in or out of the antarctic air conditioning?&nbsp;Am I to&nbsp;lug about a&nbsp;fur coat while wearing next to nothing between stores/buildings/other antarctic temperature places?<br /><br />Can anyone tell me where to find pure white cotton tops and dresses that are opaque in extremely bright sunlight? As I said, layering a camisole/slip underneath is simply not an option in this climate.<br /><br />Do you think I will ever adapt?! I can't see how beachy style will ever feel me, and how in the world do older women manage in these climates if they (I mean I!) dislike showing lots of skin? I feel as though I need to wear extremely dark glasses to hide the fact that I am dying of&nbsp;embarrassment. I like prim, covered-up edginess, not revealing, let-it-all-hang-out sexy-in-the-young-but-cringeworthy-at-my-age style. That is, for ME to do myself&nbsp;it feels cringeworthy. I love seeing other older women revealing their own skin and 'rules' be damned. I am all for it! More power to them! Go, rule-breakers! I admire your pluck.&nbsp;Don't let anyone dampen your spirit!&nbsp;I am just rather buttoned-up myself, in terms of my own style.<br /><br />Any/all advice/ideas much appreciated! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908292 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:57:49 +0000 hedgiehog 908292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Claire, I'm going to keep an eye on your posts.....I love your style and the ideas you suggested would fit with my life.<br /><br />Ingunn, I had summer envy when you posted about duplicating your breton and mentioned that you could wear a light sweater in summer.....sigh.....I think I would thrive in Norwegian climate. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908121 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:58:46 +0000 Ingunn 908121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm afraid I can't offer much advice on tropical dressing I understand that there is a drawback to this enviable climate after all, too. You are welcome to swap house with me, too, if you like! My idea of summer attire includes a lot of dresses and skirts, and I second Claire's tip on t-strap sandals. I prefer natural materials like cotton, silk, linen - rayon is also an alternative. The newer relaxed silhouettes are a relief, and a small accessory, an interesting neckline etc go a long way in making it interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908118 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:18:17 +0000 Anonymous 908118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi there! It is getting warm where I live already too. I find skirts are a good bit cooler than clams, and easier for me to fit than dresses. This summer I'm going to try more sleeveless tops that are woven and billow-y. I think they look better than a T-shirt (on me anyway)&nbsp;and are cooler as well. Breathable fabrics are an absolute necessity.&nbsp;I wear completely open, flat, T-strap sandals. My feet swell in the heat, and this style of sandal seems to allow them plenty of room, and they're a little nicer looking than a flip-flop.&nbsp;&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908059 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:25:52 +0000 hedgiehog 908059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone, for all your insight and wisdom. It's so interesting to hear from others who live in other parts of the world and have the same issue. </p> <p>Suz, I never would have imagined you suffer with the heat! I would give anything to have Canadian weather here. I think my dilemma is much like yours....I want to look like there's some thought to my outfit, not just something I threw on. Tank you so much for the suggestions. I will check out the other YLFers! I'm confident we will make t through the summer in stylish comfort. :)</p> <p>CocoLion, thank you for the suggestions! Shorts and sandals will factor heavily into my summer wardrobe. I've just recently wrapped my mind around dresses for casual wear so I will have to try that too. </p> <p>velvetychocolate, thanks so much for the links! I just bought a silky tee and I think it should work. You're right about the unstrcturedness (is that even a word?) that is a plus n the heat. </p> <p>Sarah, thanks for the advice. I will check out your and Claire's previous posts. Her style is very similar to mine. </p> <p>Peri, if you find those.....let me know. I'd pay too! :)</p> <p>Thistle, we can house swap for a few weeks and enjoy an alternate existence. :)<br /> Caro, thanks for the suggestion. I have a friend who lives in white linen trousers and she loves them. I may have to try them. By the way, I LOVE your hair! When I grow up I want mine to look like yours. :-)</p> <p>Agie, thanks for chiming in. I will definitely read that post. I wish I ran cold, as you do.....I always think when I'm cold, I can put more layers on but when I'm hot there's only so much I can take off!</p> <p>annaj, i have a cardigan fetish. sadly, I only get to wear them for a few months. I like your idea of necklaces, they are certainly a fun way to dress up an outfit. </p> <p>Mia, you have AN AIRCONDITIONED SEAT???!!! Wow, now that is cool! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908035 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:02:35 +0000 Mia 908035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I summer in a place where it gets very hot (up to 100 degrees F) in the daytime and dresses and skirts are the solution for me. &nbsp;I choose fabrics that won't show marks in case I do start sweating a lot and only wear 100%natural fibres or blends like silk/cotton or rayon/cotton. &nbsp;Most of my summer things come from J. Crew. now that I think about it.<br /><br />Sometimes I carry a spritz bottle of Evian water to revive myself and I&nbsp;now have a car with an air conditioned seat :)&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908028 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:55:05 +0000 Suz 908028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Can't believe I didn't mention Caro, when I was actually thinking of her as i wrote...but I know she says she struggles with her hot weather wardrobe, too, even though from what I can see, she looks amazing.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-908020 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:47:08 +0000 annaj 908020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was the cardigan queen when I lived "up north" (which in Australia means over 100 and humid for our summers - now, living further south, we get the 100s, but less humidity). Air conditioned offices are extreme when coming in from that kind of heat! I'd keep small, light weight cardigans in my car, my office, and my handbag to avoid the chill factor when I headed indoors.&nbsp;<br /><br />Definitely avoid layers. I wear loose fitting tees and straight cut denim/utility skirts. I have a few dresses that just "hang" to avoid the sticky, humid, cling. I also wear tank tops and cotton pants.<br /><br />In place of layers, I tend to wear a lot of pendant style necklaces. I might just be wearing a plain tank with cropped denim pants, but a necklace helps to bring it up a notch. Even that can feel like "too much" though on really hot days, so see how you go! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-907997 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:19:56 +0000 Angie 907997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have lived in these hot and humid&nbsp;temperatures for most of my life. I get this weather. The heat was&nbsp;seldom the issue for me. The issue was that I could never dress for the hot temperatures because of the ARCTIC air-conditioning indoors. It is everywhere - public transport, shops, restaurants, homes, offices. I can't stand it.&nbsp;It's 110 outside and 65 inside. <b><i>Ridiculous.&nbsp;<br /><br /></i></b>Hedgie,<b><i>&nbsp;</i></b><i></i>you might find this post helpful:&nbsp;<b><i><br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/05/15/sweltering-style-dressing-for-the-heat/">http://youlookfab.com/2009/05/.....-the-heat/</a><br /><br /><br /></i></b> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-907991 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:12:19 +0000 Caro in Oz 907991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you like dresses? If you do they are a great option for the kind of weather you describe. If not then pants in&nbsp;linen or cotton are the most "breathable" fabrics imo. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-907918 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:00:16 +0000 Thistle 907918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in frozen Wisconsin rather than Florida, but depending on the year, it can be similar to your weather for 2-3 months. Soooo depends though. Sme summers are highs in the mid 80s others are into the 100s. It just depends on the year! </p> <p>So, while I have little to offer, I do sympathize and am watching your thread for ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-907798 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:23:41 +0000 Peri 907798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain. I like winter dressing so much more...in summer, survival trumps fashion I my book.</p> <p>JCrew vintage T shirts are very thin and comfy. Not really very fun, but very hot weather friendly.</p> <p>Awhile back I started an I'd pay anything for....thread, but I'll say it again. I'd pay real money for full length trouser style pants that were as breathable as the softest linen but not as wrinkley. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/staying-cool-and-preserving-style-in-hot-humid-weather#post-907666 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:58:05 +0000 sarah 907666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I posted something very similar last year, and the advice I got was:<br /><br />1) dresses<br />2) bermudas and clams with sleeveless or short-sleeved woven tops (white bottoms are super fab)<br /><br />You might also look back at Mo's posts, as she has lived in Florida on and off for the past several years. Clearly Caire lives in AZ and always looks terrific.