https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:04:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243417 Tue, 06 May 2014 13:24:42 +0000 E 1243417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thank you K! I aim for breezy &amp; relaxed so as to try not to feel completely annoyed/frustrated by the heat. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>JulieJohn, the cardi is a really thin cotton, so it doesn't make me hot, no. Or at least, not any hotter than the sun blazing on my bare arms would make me! Inside at home I wore it most of the day; the only time I felt overheated was when I had my laptop on my lap, so I just popped it off then. Looking forward to seeing your more colourful version!</div><div><br /></div><div>Beth Ann, thank you! I don't think anyone's used 'womanly' in relation to me before, but I like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx Suz! I'm still surprised you can wear those fitted bermudas during your hottest days w/o any a/c. I can't wear anything fitted if I want to stay cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aubergine, I suppose since I prefer my skirts at knee length, all of my shorts feel quite short in comparison! I like wearing sleeveless tops w full length trousers (when it's not so hot), but then when I go in the sun I have to cover up my arms anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx Jackie! The heat is so challenging for dressing, isn't it? I've had 3 summers here to figure out what works best, but I still prefer my cooler weather looks. (Also the longer trousers I can wear in the heat definitely have a frumpier fit, because they're a bit looser. Sigh.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you AG! I should start looking at Anthro catalogues again for styling inspiration.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mia, I came across some sewing blogs who were very influenced by Japanese patterns (which often come in books) and posted images which I just found fascinating. They play on the edge of frumpy but somehow keep it looking stylish and intentional too and immediately became an inspiration for me! <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.japanesesewingbooks.com/">This site</a> has book reviews that include pics (both children's and women's styles).</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx Harmonica!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243353 Tue, 06 May 2014 11:44:12 +0000 harmonica 1243353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful look! Love the colors palette! Simple and beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243256 Tue, 06 May 2014 06:01:16 +0000 Mia 1243256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this look! Japanese sewing books!? Tell us more..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243135 Tue, 06 May 2014 03:06:27 +0000 catgirl 1243135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So great to see your outfits again!&nbsp; This is very breezy Anthro summer looking to me.&nbsp; I think the volume makes up for the shortness (and they aren't that short!).&nbsp; Excellent colors too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243133 Tue, 06 May 2014 03:05:02 +0000 jackiec 1243133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great hot weather outfit! I need to keep this kind of thing in mind for the summer. I find it's easy to veer into frumpy territory dressing for the heat, and this is fab! I love the headband. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243112 Tue, 06 May 2014 02:54:49 +0000 Anonymous 1243112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good to see you posting WIWs again! From your description, I was imagining some really super-short shorts, but those just look nice and relaxed. And you have the legs to pull them off!</p> <p>I always prefer wearing outfits with covered arms and barer legs rather than vice versa too. Not really sure why. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243086 Tue, 06 May 2014 02:33:53 +0000 Suz 1243086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look lovely. It's soft, yet sophisticated. Youthful, yet restrained. And the colours are also fab. The length of the shorts is excellent on you. I wouldn't worry about that a bit! In your climate, it's important to stay cool and you are doing it in true style.&nbsp;</p> <p>Nice to see you back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1243031 Tue, 06 May 2014 01:55:49 +0000 Beth Ann 1243031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So good to see you again!&nbsp; </p> <p>Love the sophisticated teal --- a perfect choice for shorts, and the grown-up pattern in the eyelet.&nbsp; The look is feminine, but womanly and casual.</p> <p>I love a baggier short, too, although I'm wearing longer ones these days!&nbsp; This length is terrific on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242946 Tue, 06 May 2014 00:20:01 +0000 JulieJohn 1242946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E, this look is lovely on you! Doesn't the cardi make you hot though?</p> <p>I applaud your loose shorts and boxy top, sometimes that is all the body can stand on a hot day. I just pulled out my loose shorts and would love to copy cat your look. Mine are neon pink though, so it will be a different sort of homage. Love the headband! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242915 Mon, 05 May 2014 23:49:57 +0000 K. Period. 1242915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OH! This looks great. &nbsp;Breezy and relaxed and cool. &nbsp;I think you nailed the proportions perfectly. &nbsp;That's the only thing about this outfit that isn't easy and relaxed! Very pretty!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242895 Mon, 05 May 2014 23:33:41 +0000 E 1242895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thnx Alasse! You're the queen of updos, so I'm just following in your footsteps. hehe</div><div><br /></div><div>Greyscale, don't get me started on how impossible it is to find lightweight long sleeve blouses. They're almost all bracelet length, at least the ones in the style I like (aka not traditional button ups). I think I'm going to knit some fingerless gloves in a linen blend yarn to bridge that gap while I keep fruitlessly searching for full sleeves. I'm so glad it still looks like my style to you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Rabbit, thank you! I only started buttoning the top button last summer (inspired by Japanese sewing books), but now I really enjoy doing it. Of course, it only works on the crewnecks!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx RachyLou! You're so honest, I feel extra special when I have your approval. heehee</div><div><br /></div><div>Aida, I didn't think about the tomboy aspect of baggy shorts, but you're definitely right! I'm the opposite: I tan very quickly and then stay tan for ages, so it'd be pretty obvious. I keep the shoes I've just worn next to my entryway, instead of in my room where I take pics, which is why sometimes I forget the to add in my footwear!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Alexandra! I think you've all seen all of my brooches over and over, but for some reason I don't mind repeating my jewelry frequently. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Diana, yes to the ideal shorts! I felt lucky stumbling across these thrifting; I think they might've been my first shorts. Couldn't resist the colour!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Ladywone.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242747 Mon, 05 May 2014 20:34:46 +0000 Ledonna N. 1242747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely, perfect uniform for summer </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242677 Mon, 05 May 2014 19:39:08 +0000 Diana 1242677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay!&nbsp; Someone else who likes their shorts the way I do!&nbsp; (Short and wide/loose.)&nbsp; I am happy to find someone else who shares my poison eye for bermuda shorts.&nbsp; =)</p> <p>This is a perfect outfit for oppressive heat.&nbsp; I love that dusty teal color; wish it was more common in stores right now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242676 Mon, 05 May 2014 19:38:09 +0000 Alexandra 1242676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great look - very you and very well suited to hot weather. The cat is indeed perfect for this outfit, but really, you have the best brooch collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242665 Mon, 05 May 2014 19:33:42 +0000 Aida 1242665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is how I like to wear my short shorts too, on the bagger side and especially with boxy/fluid tops and always with flats. It adds to the tomboy feel of the baggier shorts. I also have the tan differential, but as&nbsp;I don't like having fabric touching my arms I <i>do </i>have tanner arms than legs; though apparently am fair enough that no one sees it except for me heh. People don't even really see my MAX TAN versus no tan at all *sigh*. Anyhoo! I like how you've incorporated details that are true to your style in a hot weather look! Love the little headband and the idea to play with your hair as an element of interest for hot weather. Picturing how it looks with gray oxfords, and that's a great completer for the look </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242608 Mon, 05 May 2014 18:48:30 +0000 rachylou 1242608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very in keeping with your style via headband and eyelet + grey with teal. I like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242592 Mon, 05 May 2014 18:26:48 +0000 rabbit 1242592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shorts/cardigan solution is a great one, and I like the shape created by just buttoning the top button. &nbsp;The shorts look great on you and I love the textural details of the blouse, cardi button placket and pin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242554 Mon, 05 May 2014 17:31:33 +0000 Greyscale 1242554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You really managed to transfer your signature style to a hot-weather look. It's so you. The little details like the headband and the eyelet blouse are what do it, for me (and re-reading, I see that you mentioned those yourself).</p> <p>I agree on wearing long-sleeve tops and shorts. I need more lightweight blouses to keep my arms from burning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242534 Mon, 05 May 2014 16:55:51 +0000 Alassë 1242534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know I love your updos. And no one minds reading your rambles! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242519 Mon, 05 May 2014 16:37:07 +0000 E 1242519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Thank you Neel! I'm glad you enjoy my long-windedness. hehe</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx TG!</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane, luckily today has stayed cooler longer, so I'm enjoying the respite. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Shevia, I love the phrase leg/arm tan differential! &amp; that you understand the weather &amp; tanning situation. Thnx for the reassurance re: short length.</div><div><br /></div><div>MG, lmao! I suppose I consider anything above mid-thigh 'short shorts' and cheek baring ones (which no, are not for me, lol) would be 'bootie' shorts. I'm glad this still reads as true to my style: I find hot weather dressing so much more problematic than cold weather. Aurora Shoes use vibram soles, so they have nice sturdy treads: I just measured for you &amp; they're about 3/4" thick in the back &amp; 1/2" thick in the front. I'm not sure how to tell flexible vs rigid the sole is. They're not like my Danskos or Birkenstocks (although I find them more comfortable than most of those), which don't bend at all, but in order to make them bend I have to put quite a bit of&nbsp;effort into it (my little biceps appear, lol). They're far more rigid &amp; sturdy&nbsp;than some of the thin 'barefoot' shoes I've tried on, that feel like ballet slippers.&nbsp;But this <a rel="nofollow" href="http://aurorashoeco.blogspot.com/2012/03/foot-health-and-orthotics.html">post</a> explains why they structure shoes the way they do, so that might help you decide. If I were you I'd e-mail them: they're v friendly and helpful. Also, for your first order, they recommend sending in a tracing of your foot so they can send you the perfect size! Which I think is awesome. The shoes are definitely a bit clunky/hobbit-y: they're not going to slim your foot down. But I think they're cute in an old-world or granola way. If you have any other questions (or 'tests' to see how rigid they are I can do for you), feel free to ask!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Windchime! I think the kitty has a bit of an attitude. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx NDMom! I think this was one of my very first brooches.</p> <p>Thank you Gigi! I really appreciate the feedback, since I was a bit nervous posting these pics, as it's a different look from my cooler weather style. :)</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242515 Mon, 05 May 2014 16:32:42 +0000 Gigi 1242515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful! I love the layers, and the shorts don't look too short. I think this is a great outfit. And I love the headband too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242419 Mon, 05 May 2014 14:52:02 +0000 NDMom 1242419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very cute uniform! &nbsp;And love the kitty pin.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242417 Mon, 05 May 2014 14:48:57 +0000 Windchime 1242417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to see you posting again and to read your well-written explanations. Your shorts are a beautiful color and look great on you. You look cool and<br /> lovely, even in the heat. Your kitty pin is adorable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242408 Mon, 05 May 2014 14:39:34 +0000 MuseumGal 1242408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is most modest short shorts outfit I've ever seen.&nbsp; (I'm not even sure you can call it short shorts if your but cheeks aren't peeking out, which I simply can't imagine coming from you.)&nbsp; It looks very cool and breezy and true to your style.</p> <p>I saw your rec about those Aurora shoes the other day, and I'm intrigued.&nbsp; How flexible/rigid are the soles (I need a pretty rigid sole) and it looks like there's about a half or three quarters inch heel?&nbsp; Tell us more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242395 Mon, 05 May 2014 14:14:09 +0000 Jaime 1242395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E I share with you the weather and the leg/arm tan differential (and preference not to tan). I think your outfit looks fantastic and the shorts are loose enough to look great at that length. Love the pin too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242392 Mon, 05 May 2014 14:10:57 +0000 Anonymous 1242392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very flattering and breezy. Gorgeous colours too! Stay cool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242385 Mon, 05 May 2014 14:01:59 +0000 Helena 1242385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful and lovely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242366 Mon, 05 May 2014 13:41:08 +0000 Neel 1242366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I was thinking about you a few minutes back! And there you are :). Glad you sorted the technical issues. Your WIWs and write ups are such a treat :). I love the color palette as always and those short shorts look very flattering on you. Lovely warm weather dressing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-casual-summer-uniform#post-1242359 Mon, 05 May 2014 13:27:36 +0000 E 1242359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I've conquered the technical difficulties that had stopped me taking outfit photos, so I'm back in the game!</p> <p>We've entered the 90/33+ days down here (the high for today is 98/37), and it's a humid kind of heat,&nbsp;although luckily the mornings are still cool for now! Anyway, as an environmentalist I try to not use a/c more than necessary, which means I've been reaching for my go-to&nbsp;very hot weather formula: loose (short) shorts, loose lightweight woven blouse (sleeveless or short sleeved), a light long sleeved cardigan over top, and a brooch for interest (perfect for this weather as it doesn't touch me). Luckily my everyday life allows me to dress at whatever casual/formal level I want, so if it helps me feel more comfortable (I run hot &amp; am not a fan of hot weather), I wear it with abandon. ;)</p> <p>This summer, as my hair's a bit longer, I've decided to see if adding a few different updos to my formula helps keep me more interested during the long months ahead; if I get tired of messing with it I'll just get it cut back into a jawlength bob.</p> <p>I opt for long sleeves and shorts, because I prefer not to tan, and I've noticed my arms tan much more quickly than my legs: the shorts give me enough ventilation to not feel terrible with a cardigan for sun protection! Indoors, if the a/c is blasting, the cardi helps keep me warmer, while if there's not much a/c I can just take it off. Yay for layers! I keep my blouse boxy so as to promote air circulation, hehe.&nbsp;Humid heat means&nbsp;me trying to catch every breeze &amp; allow for as much evaporative cooling as possible.</p> <p>I wear my shorts quite short, obviously: I think my longest pair hits mid-thigh. The shorter hemlines look better in outfit proportions to my eye, plus it's tricky to find anything between short shorts and bermuda shorts (which I have a poison eye for).&nbsp;In my mind, the looseness of the cuts, being very covered up on top, and wearing only flat shoes, takes away any potential sexiness from showing so much of my legs, plus skinny jeans give just as much information about said legs, but objectively this is a less modest formula. Oh well: it's too hot and humid&nbsp;to care &amp; lots of women of various ages &amp; body types&nbsp;wear mid-thigh or shorter shorts here so I'm not breaking a cultural norm. Before I moved here 3 1/2 years ago, I didn't own any shorts, but my first summer here changed all that!</p> <p>I try to stay true to my style&nbsp;by adding textural details&nbsp;(in this case, the embroidered lace on the blouse and&nbsp;little pintucks on the cardigan), a brooch (the cat seemed just right for this outfit),&nbsp;and wearing my favourite colours. Blue-green is definitely one of my favourites, so I kept my top half neutral to highlight the shorts.&nbsp;I couldn't resist echoing the colour with one of the velvet ribbons I got back in the winter: I love playing with colour and think this is another way for me to vary things up, but I understand it won't be to everyone's taste. My walk was earlier in the morning, so I wore my grey oxfords to bookend the cardi but forgot to take a pic.</p> <p>Now I've rambled on for far too long, as usual, but I see so many posts on the challenges of hot weather dressing, I thought I'd share my 'solution' in detail in case it helps anyone. With any luck, I'll be moving up north soon enough to avoid the next six months of summer, but while I wait for everything to fall into place, at least I've got a uniform in place to help me deal with the heat. Oh and I added 2 side shots so that you can see just how boxy the tops I wear are: helps the airflow!</p> <p>Feedback welcome as always! I know this isn't a figure flattering look, but I like to think it still looks intentional. The shorts have cuffs that are sewn at the side seams: I could let them down and get about an inch more length if you think that would look better. And looking at the pics, they could probably do with an iron. </p>