How do I "do" Spring and Summer?

Kimberley

So, wise ones...what is the spring and summer equivalent of my fall and winter work formula?

I currently favour a work "uniform" that includes bootleg or flared bottoms, tailored but edgy shirts/tops, leather jackets and pointy toe booties. Outside of work, I love to wear denim, and edgy pieces with a rock & roll meets biker vibe. I also enjoy creating juxtaposition in outfits, such as with lace and leather.

I have no clue how to translate this into the spring and summer season. Help!

9 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from Kimberley

Anonymous

I wear lightweight tops in Summer, but include that all-important 3rd piece for work, where the office is cold and I want to look more professional. That way, I can remove the topper when I go outside into the heat.

I can't wear jeans to work, so I try to wear dress pants.

I wear my boots most of the year, but in Summer I just can't tolerate them. Instead, I wear sandals. So far, the new dress code at work doesn't require closed-toe shoes, but I just ordered a pair of closed-toe sandals that I plan to wear to work this summer. I try to wear sandals that cover most of my foot anyway, as I have bunions.

Okay, what else? Well, I like to wear nice jewelry to amp up my outfits. Earrings are important, as are necklaces, thought I don't always wear a necklace.

Hope this helps.

9 years ago

chirico (Chiara)

(website)

Veteran

The first thing that came to my mind was - change colors!
Let me elaborate: as a start, you could wear the same silhouettes you wore in Winter, but made of lighter fabrics and lighter colors. Leather jacket could become jeans jacket or cotton blazer. Shoes will be sandals or just open toed.
And a beige/tan leather bag.

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Gladiator sandals would give a similar vibe as booties, I think. And swap out the leather jacket for a denim jacket or fabric moto perhaps? If it's not too hot, maybe a leather or denim vest?

How do you feel about jewelry? I think that's probably the best way to add that rock and roll edge without adding additional clothing items that would be too hot. Chunky metal necklace, leather cuff, etc.

9 years ago

Kimberley

Veteran

Thanks, bettycrocker and Chiara, for sharing your ideas. Colours (or maybe shades) I can change up, certainly, and lighter weight fabrics, of course. I feel naked without the proverbial third piece... maybe I should try some vests, as Diana suggested....

And, gladiators, of course! Excellent idea, Diana. Thank you!

What I really want to do is find a uniform formula that I can use to measure potential purchases against...and it's the bottoms that are stumping me the most. I can't wear skirts/dresses since I travel to/from work by motorcycle, but don't need to wear "dress pants" either. I am leery of cropped pants. Long shorts, maybe?

9 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Why are you leery of cropped pants? Just curious as long shorts seem to be in the same basic category as cropped pants (to me I mean). I often cuff up regular pants (not just jeans) just to make them different and to put focus on my shoes. What about a sandal bootie? I never can seem to make a vest feel right for me - it seems like I'm trying too hard or something, but that's my problem, not yours. The *right* vest would probably make all the difference - for me it would have to be minimal in details. Lightweight moto style jackets are available this time of year - in cotton knits and linens, tweed, etc.

9 years ago

Anonymous

I have some gladiator sandals that I love. Also a soft white cotton twill cropped vest that seems to go with just about everything. You need to do a lot of looking to find what will work best for you. Seems like I'm always browsing online, passing over a lot of stuff to get to the gems. Good luck!

9 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

I actually work in a bike shop so I get the styling.

I always wear boots when I ride. I have a few fashion boots that I ride in but mainly it's legit riding boots. I either throw flats in my messenger bag and tote them in with me or I have a spare pair of chucks at work. My best trick in the summer is cuffing my jeans when I get to work. I feel that cuffed, unless I'm wearing real riding boots, don't give me enough coverage for safety. I also have a pair of kevlar leggings designed for the bike which are amazing.

So the TLDR part:
Uniform 1: boyfriend jeans, converse, T-shirt and denim vest/cropped jacket and cool jewelry.

Uniform 2: Kevlar leggings, tunic, booties

9 years ago

Kimberley

Veteran

Sorry to post and run... family situation here.

Thanks to all who commented, and especially for your input Desmo April. It's always a struggle to dress appropriately for the bike, but also for work! I really like your solution to cuff your jeans. I usually wear bootcuts, but think it's time to try boyfriends or straight legs so I can play around with them.

Texstyle, I am leery of crops because I have muscular calves and I have yet to find a pair that fit and flatter. Also, they are just a bit too short for riding and leave bare skin exposed when I am on my bike, which can be a hazard.

9 years ago

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