https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:39:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951744 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 13:37:16 +0000 Windchime 1951744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many others here, I experienced a lot of really hot, humid weather, and it could continue well into September. This was the summer I decided to not buy any more polyester summer tops—ever. I found cotton and silk to be much more comfortable in heat and humidity.</p> <p>My biggest winner was my BP white mules, purchased last spring. Not only have I worn them several times a week all summer, but also they have proved to be surprisingly comfortable and supportive for lengthy amounts of city walking. It doesn’t hurt that they receive lots of compliments. :). Another winner has been white wide leg crop pants, made of a very soft denim, which I’ve worn to work a lot. </p> <p>My summer consisted of work, travel, and leisure, and for bottoms I wore shorts (not to work), crop pants, and skirts. I almost always carried a cardi or light jacket for cold air conditioning. </p> <p>I found myself getting frustrated with some of my summer wardrobe in the last couple weeks. I think a big overhaul is in the near future. I’m going to start with sleeveless polyester tops. I’d rather have less things and really love them and wear them a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951726 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:15:41 +0000 lyn67 1951726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yess, I echo <b>You</b> and <b>Jenn</b> about&nbsp; dressing ever so simple possible in the big heat-and like <b>Jenn</b> I tend to forget this when summer starts, too:-((. </p> <p><b>Griffin</b> I would die to see your b<b></b>lack/washed black low contrast outfit for the heat! I love&nbsp; white bottoms and intense color top( with or without a print) AND DRESSES the most.</p> <p>Last summer I did lots of all blacks as mourning my DM... and I LOVE black (and wear it&nbsp; often in other seasons)&nbsp; still I cannot do all blacks for summer with joy other than in a dress (with some or no pattern/textural interest) and I know you don't wear dresses...&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951724 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:01:34 +0000 gryffin 1951724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG - I too prefer lower contrast color combinations in heat.&nbsp; In cold and winter, I find high contrast energizes me.&nbsp; Black and white, pearl gray/black.&nbsp; But in summer, it's so hot, that the high contrast is overwhelming.&nbsp; That's why I prefer black/washed black, pearl/charcoal,&nbsp; cool off white/pewter.&nbsp; To me it's an energy thing.&nbsp; I think white/gray is very elegant.&nbsp; I'm also not a shorts girl and I rarely wear dresses for casual wear.&nbsp; Mostly chinos in the summer black or gray and the JCrew Jackie shell with a nice belt.&nbsp; Pop on a blazer to go out.&nbsp; I'm done.&nbsp; Clean, minimalist, comfortable and totally unfussy - that's what I look for in summer.&nbsp; Your outfits sound great.&nbsp; Plus a great ponytail can't be beat, whether sleek or messy.&nbsp; My hair is too short for one, I just have to deal with the frizz!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951693 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 07:26:49 +0000 Deb 1951693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FYI Sal, it is not correct that it is spring on the first of September. I hear many say this as fact, though scientifically, astronomically and climatically speaking, spring begins at the time of the Vernal or spring equinox. This is a variable each year, between the 19th and 23rd of September. This year spring will officially begin at 11.54am (AUS EST) on September 23rd. The other seasons officially begin around the same day (19th-23rd) with the autumn equinox in March, the winter solstice in June and the summer solstice in December. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951668 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 04:08:10 +0000 Sal 1951668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well we are ending winter officially this week but spring and summer are not always early to arrive around these parts so I won't be transferring any clothes over for another month - I have a lot of transitional clothes anyway in my main wardrobe.</p> <p>I love grey and white actually - and I can see it suiting you well.&nbsp; I also like it with a bit of pink (blush or bright) in the mix or denim.</p> <p>I think in an active child focussed summer you do work upwards from the shoes so if you need to wear flats or sneakers then sometimes options are limited.&nbsp; But I do agree the holding zone is a good idea - keep the pieces and see if next summer changes your needs.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951660 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 03:44:16 +0000 Jenn 1951660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You remind me, Joy, that I need a packable, crushable sunhat. My current hat is lovely, but really impractical. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings/page/2#post-1951659 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 03:41:32 +0000 Anonymous 1951659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It has been fun reading this thread. I learned that I like casual summer dresses and skirts, I do not want any summer polyester clothing. I like grey in summer with white, especially linen. Earrings are my favorite accessory because they do not feel hot. I need to think about collecting a wardrobe of sun hats. It is hard because my head is smaller than average. One size fits all will not work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951644 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 02:29:29 +0000 ChrisM 1951644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s interesting to read the musings of a summer that is winding down. I’m not a fan of the heat and midwestern humidity. I don’t like to bare much skin - forearms, lower legs, neck (but no décolletage) so I struggle in high summer.</p> <p> This summer I decided that I was so over knit cotton tees. Lightweight woven cotton boxy button fronts, especially with a collar, are more flattering to my thickening middle-aged middle. I gave up shorts for skorts last summer. Easy choice!</p> <p>I also decided that, to heck with it, I’m wearing open toe sandals to work. My go-to work wardrobe is heavier in navy + neutral pieces - no black this year at all! A couple of dresses have been a God-send in the heat and humidity, and I feel like my road-test of knee length dresses has been successful. </p> <p>So, a few changes here. Thanks for starting the thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951635 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 01:30:02 +0000 SarahD8 1951635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread. I've been thinking summer wrap-up thoughts too. Though, my conclusions are very different from yours I think torontogirl!</p> <p>My workhorses this summer were sundresses, 3/4 sleeve cropped cardis, flat Euro sandals, and canvas skimmers/plimsolls. </p> <p>I didn't wear my wedge or clog sandals much this year. I still like them, but if I add summer footwear next year I'll focus on flat, walkable sandals.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wore summer scarves a TON last year but hardly at all this year. I think this is partly due to the hot summer and partly due to the fact that I get on jags/into ruts with my clothing: either I wear something (could be an item, could be a type of item/look) a ton, or it never gets into the rotation at all.</p> <p>I had thought 3/4 sleeve cardis were kind of silly (if I'm chilly why not just put on a long-sleeve cardi?) but again, a warmer than normal summer made them useful. Since the next 5 summers are supposed to be abnormally warm too, I won't hold back from growing this collection modestly.</p> <p>LOVE wearing lots of color in the summer and am going to let go of worrying about defining a narrow palette.</p> <p>That said, I could really use a handful of solid, neutral or near-neutral tops wahhhhh whyyyyy are tops so harrrrrrddd?&nbsp;</p> <p>Color pairing equivalent of slant rhyme: icy lavender cardi with my blue/red paisley sundress, and also with my black/white/cobalt floral print t-shirt.</p> <p>I like repeating the same outfit from one year to the next (blue/red paisley sundress with tomato red cardi and red clog sandals, have worn this at least 3 years in a row and putting it on felt like an old friend). BUT I prefer more variety within a season -- if I wear the same item too frequently I get bored with it and it starts to feel shabby to me. MORE SUNDRESSES.</p> <p>I am very much a numbers/analysis person, and I think this often makes me feel like I "should" try to reduce my wardrobe. But the above means that I will be happiest maintaining a somewhat larger wardrobe but keeping items for longer. I really need to accept this and stop feeling like there is some version of a minimalist wardrobe that will be ideal for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951625 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:59:37 +0000 cindysmith 1951625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My summer style went off in a drastically new direction. Color. Lots of it. Soft pinks, pastel blue, ice cream colors.... I chose a lot of minimalist shapes with no fussy details,which was another change for me. I have long tended to chose things with unusual details and/or asymmetry.</p> <p>I'm thinking ahead to fall &amp; winter, when I usually gravitate towards shredded sweaters and boots. I'm thinking these new softer colors could make for some interesting hard &amp; soft looks, and this is Texas so it is often mild enough to mix in some of my warmer weather pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951623 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:50:38 +0000 Roberta 1951623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. I hadn't worn shorts for several years (unless I was painting, gardening, or otherwise getting hot and dirty), but this year I found a cut of shorts that really worked for me. A much shorter inseam, but a wide, almost flappy leg, and no cuffs. The proportional length is just right, and the open leg makes my thighs feel slimmer. I walk to work these days, so maybe they are.&nbsp; :-)<br />2. I gave up on any sandals with a heel or platform. I'm just too klutzy, and I don't like carrying shoes just to wear at the office.<br />3. I also gave up on masculine cut t-shirts. I think I was hiding a bit in those (big chested), and I found a feminine cut tee with cap sleeves and a more fitted waist is a much better look. I'm not buying more, though - I think a few colorful Title Nine tees are plenty.<br />4. I might be over my knee-length full cotton skirts, too. I caught an unexpected glimpse in a mirror, and the proportion looked quite boxy. And yikes, I have a LOT of those.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since this seemed like a lot of change in my taste for one season, I'm not going to buy any fall or winter clothes this year. I'm going to shop my closet and make sure I still like everything that I ASSUME I like, if you get my drift.</p> <p>Maybe I'll just buy sparkly things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951619 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:14:23 +0000 LaPed 1951619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting musings! I'm generally dissatisfied with shorts when I go out and buy them. I have two types of shorts in my closet now: cut-off jeans (for garden, chores, ultra-casual) and gear shorts (for running, hiking, canoeing). Otherwise, I'm much happier with dresses or skirts, or rolled-up linen pants. Have not worn jeans since school let out, but I do bring my chinos out (slightly looser and lighter weight) when it's a bit chilly. </p> <p>I think the trick with dresses is to have enough really casual ones so that you don't feel overdressed. Jersey tee and tank dresses are great because they pack really easily and are basically just t-shirts, so very comfy.</p> <p>Oddly, my workhorse shoes this summer have been pretty colorful: mint green Adidas and blush suede oxfords. The black and navy sandals I bought last year have seen fewer outings, but it could just be that the styles weren't as practical this year -- fewer parties, more camping. I'm pretty sure Chacos are my version of your Birks: if I had to live with one pair of shoes that would it. Comfy, styrdy enough to hike in, last forever, and can handle rain and damp grass (we have dew on our lawn til lunchtime most days). </p> <p>We'll probably have several more weeks of hot days, but there have been enough cool days that it's pushed me to pull out a little capsule if things I haven't worn much (or at all) this summer and squeeze some wears in. It tends to be the items I'm a bit precious with: silk items that need handwashing, a linen dress that really benefits from ironing or steaming, etc. The last thing I want in the summer is to be stuck inside doing laundry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951611 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:44:08 +0000 MsMaven 1951611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate--spring shopping brings many temptations. I also got carried away with summer dresses. Apart from vacation I've worn them less than I expected, but even though it's been cooler the last couple of weeks, summer isn't over yet. Last year in early Sept it got to 110° where I live.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951607 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:19:29 +0000 The Cat 1951607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>... Oh, and my big loose white button front shirts got a lot of wear and proved to be really versatile. I used them as toppers over sleeveless tops and dresses. Very comfortable, and casually elegant. Want a couple more for next summer. Will consider other colours too, but white goes with everything and always looks crisp and summery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951606 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:17:18 +0000 Jenn 1951606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will try to remember come April! No guarantees! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951605 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:06:45 +0000 Anonymous 1951605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice musings!<br /> Birkenstocks to you are like my black flip flops to me (And actually silver worked really well for me this summer.)<br /> An essential and worth keeping nice and new.</p> <p>I like your ideas about grey and white—I too like this combo. I wonder if it’s because you like columns of colour?</p> <p>Definitely get yourself a navy lepliage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951601 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 22:23:17 +0000 Greyscale 1951601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's been a very chilly summer here (normal for San Francisco I suppose) and I've hardly worn my sandals and cropped jeans. September and October are usually warmer so I'm really hoping I get a chance to wear this stuff!</p> <p>Your point about Birks reminds me that I bought designer-y Birkenstock alternatives (Y's by Yohji Yamamoto, found at the Rack) and they are nowhere near as comfortable. I should have known. The real deal is worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951599 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 22:03:46 +0000 Carla 1951599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've started checking the seat of my 2 pair shorts for wear - but so far so good! They were my most worn items along with 2 pair white cropped jeans. I'm with you on loving grey and white together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951594 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:43:53 +0000 Helena 1951594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Cat, high five on the Birks ... I was thinking rose gold for next year, if it's still stylish, although I might just use some of Angie's tricks from the blog today to spruce up my white ones for another summer of wear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951593 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:43:38 +0000 Like the Season 1951593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing your lessons! Here's what I learned/remembered:</p> <p>1. I comfortably wear sandals, rolled-up jeans (even when it's hot) and lightweight woven shirts, mostly popover style, all summer. I only need shorts for hiking or walking the dog.</p> <p>2. A neutral palette works best for me year-round. </p> <p>3. My tops become rather boring because there are fewer ways to change them up in hot weather. This happens despite having quite a few. For me, scarves make all the difference and I miss them in the summer.</p> <p>4. I wore my two pairs of sandals (brown leather SAS, from last year, and black leather SAS, new this year) a ton and didn't feel the need for more variety. The brown pair may need to be replaced next summer, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951591 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:42:38 +0000 Helena 1951591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for chiming in; love your insights! Stylefan, a chambray shirt is on my list; I missed having one to pair with white bottoms this summer, as my last one was worn out and I didn't replace it.</p> <p>Angie, YES. I love the <i>idea</i> of color. I love the <i>occasional </i>pop of color. But irl, on most days of the year, I love and feel <i>most</i> <i>comfortable and confident</i> in my neutral and nearly-neutral (blush, burgundy, etc.) palette. I am going to pop my colorful pieces into my holding zone, so they are there to be 'shopped' when the color bug bites - rather than purging them out and going through the cycle again.</p> <p>My dresses are not going anywhere either - I like them and added a super-comfy and pretty soft rose colored one from Aritzia this summer and I love it. Even a warm fall might see them worn more. It was just my observation that they didn't get worn much during this very hot and very active summer! So I don't anticipate adding more at the start of next season necessarily.</p> <p>As to gear, definitely, I'm not moving towards wearing more gear - really just wanted a few spruced up pieces for those days when gear fits the bill best but I want to look more polished! xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951590 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:37:38 +0000 The Cat 1951590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun and interesting reading.</p> <p>A few tings I have learned:<br /> ● My tank tops (earlier reserved for wearing as underwear or casualwear) can actually be worn at work--styled with toppers like open button front shirts, summer cardigans, or summer blazers.<br /> ● Nice Birkenstocks (earlier reserved for homewear and very casual occasions) can actually be worn at work and at several other places and occasions. I have two pairs, silver plus rose beige patent, and have worn them a lot.<br /> ● Icy pink and other icy pastels look and feel wonderful in summer temperatures and with a light tan.</p> <p>I, too, like to wear grey in summer. Among my summer favorites are a light grey tea-length cotton jersey skirt, a silver grey midi wraparound skirt, grey jeans, a light grey cardigan, a grey &amp; white striped tank top, and a light grey short linen blazer. They all look and feel "cool and calm" and are very easy to mix with items in white and practically any other colour.</p> <p>I have enjoyed being able to wear my long (tea-length) summer dresses and all my white items plenty of times this summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951588 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:28:04 +0000 Style Fan 1951588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I kept it simple this summer.&nbsp; I could repeat what you and Jenn said.&nbsp; I wore a few simple outfits over and over.&nbsp; I realized that I do not get bored with outfits if I buy things I love.&nbsp; This is what I wore most of the summer:</p> <p>1/&nbsp; Mid-thigh shorts (natural colour) with a chambray button up shirt<br />2/&nbsp; Cream T-Shirt and green utility pants (plain green or camo)</p> <p>My footwear was flip flops, Birks or Finn Comfort Sandals.&nbsp; I have 5 cream T-shirts, 2 green utility cropped pants (both Sanctuary) and 2 natural coloured shorts.&nbsp; Seems to work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951587 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:22:36 +0000 Cardiff girl 1951587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alot of what you said echos with me.Hair,when it's too hot to hairdryer I tie it back or use a salt spray and like you I spend most of my days in chuck it on casuals due to activities that I m doing that usually means crops and a tee.l think that your analysis of your own summer wardrobe and what you might learn from it in terms of future purchases will be very useful to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951584 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:18:07 +0000 Barbara Diane 1951584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are still having hot weather why don’t you check out a ponytail lesson on YouTube. Now or once school starts.</p> <p>I fell in love with maxi skirts this summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951580 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:06:40 +0000 Vildy 1951580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I haven't worn my dresses, either!&nbsp; And I wasn't wearing summer skirts.</div><div>Seems I was opting for chino type pants with cuffs rolled a time or two.</div><div>I've been liking lighter blue denim, which I never liked before, and wearing it mostly with rust or mustard.&nbsp; I've been consciously trying to wear more color lately. Today I wore a pair of bright navy slacks, citron top and cherry red crinkled very thin cardigan.&nbsp; Usually blase employees at the supermarket were actually smiling and greeting me (they don't know me).&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Though I'm fascinated with your idea of white and grey for summer. I own very little white - maybe one crisp shirt - and no summer weight grey. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951573 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 20:49:55 +0000 Angie 1951573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Suz </b>said. </p> <p>I have never felt more fabulous than I did this Summer in my midi dresses and skirts. I don't wear shorts at all. I also threw in some white wild card sandals that were absolute winners. My Summer has been hot - 30 to 38 degrees. Very humid <i>and </i>very dry. Italy, Seattle heatwave, and a third of the month in our loft in Salt Lake City. I do NOT feel cheated of a Summer at all this year. I LOVE SUMMER :)</p> <p><b>Helena</b>, lovely to see you again. Glad you had the right items for your needs despite the orphaned dresses, colourful tops, and Chucks. Stick to your neutrals. I'm keeping my eye on you! You like the idea of colour - but you don't want to wear it. Excellent insight.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wonder whether you will have this type of active and casual Summer next year though? Your children are still quite small, if I remember correctly. Things will change, and they grow up fast!</p> <p>I am very active, and I hate wearing gear. (I use the word hate very sparingly, so there you go. I feel very strongly about it). I feel my absolute worst wearing gear (and I have cute gear). I only wear gear for hot yoga class because you can't wear anything else and get a good practice. For the rest I wear what I wear with practical shoes that go the distance.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951563 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 20:26:23 +0000 Anonymous 1951563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned i really need mid tone warm neutrals! I intentionally bought a small capsule of light to me colors, tan and dark blush, but i dont like wearing high contrast looks, as my own coloring is medium dark. I have cognac footwear but no mid tone brown in clothes, which would work well with my lights and my darks. Lesson learned! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951555 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 20:08:02 +0000 Helena 1951555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, quite right - gray is a fab color; on me, it CAN look a little dull relative to other colors, which is why I commented that I was moving away from it ... But the white crisps it up very nicely for my combo of coloring and taste! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wardrobe-musings#post-1951542 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:09:40 +0000 rachylou 1951542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a wretchedly tepid summer. Not cold, but not hot. The vegetable garden is limping. Haven’t fetched the evaporative cooling fan from the shed. No need for any of my summer dresses. A person cannot make any wardrobe decisions this way! </p>