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most difficult to dress for?

always trying

Veteran

What seasons or occasions do you find the most difficult to dress for? Something unexpected, unexpected weather change to make your planned outfit a problem, just some seasons, hot spells or ?

I always find hot a problem, and there has been a lot of discussion on hear about this, In general summer is more difficult than other seasons for me. Special occasions like dress up are easy as I have quite a few items to play around with. Having the right LBD that can be dressed up or down is a good workable idea. I am also finding that just learning how to work with basics like good fitting staples lblack pants, a good white silk or some such top (which I do not have) may be an answer.

Your thoughts?

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Lynn

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I find it hardest to dress for temperatures that stay below freezing (0 Celsius and below). I can't stand the cold, I don't like snow, and thawing slush is awful. This is the only reason why we don't live in Boston!

Next, is feeling fab in gear. I don't - no matter how you slice and dice it. Can't stand the way the fabrics feel against my skin, and I'm not a leggings and shorts person. I loathe spending money on gear too.

I am fine with everything else. Extreme heat, humidity, pouring rain, ice, sun, wind - no problem, and I walk outside a lot in these temps. Urban life! My wardrobe is prepared for every setting accept a fancy ball.

LaPed

Veteran

Dressy events in the winter. I run cold and am about ready to commit to menswear inspired suiting/tuxes for any dress-up event between November and March. Heels and little dresses are the last thing I want to be wearing when there's a foot of snow on the ground or sleet and freezing rain coming down...

Bijou

Veteran

Travelling, I always get it wrong and over packing does not seem to help. I get frustrated because I know what I want to wear once I get to a place but usually it is not with me, I left what I needed at home! At least it gives me an excuse for a little holiday shopping!;-)

Sisi

Veteran

I have the most difficult time with the dressy occasion. I have a mostly casual lifestyle and therefore I have not an elegant capsule - the right LBD that you mention and the right shoes. Every time I have a dressy occasion I get mad at myself for not having filled this wardrobe hole yet, and I promise myself to provide but then ... I forget about it.

Summer is becoming difficult, I'm afraid. I bear the heat well but lately our Summers have become defintely tropical! With 38° C and high humidity I can stand only a bikini on my skin! The breathable Summer dress is another wardrobe hole.

Regarding temperature fluctuations I think I have become a pro. Spring and Autumn are wildly fluctuating in my area and I have developed a system that works rather well. This means taking along a backpack. Not a very stylish, I know, but it's nice to have and extra pullover at hand or being able to change into sandals when needed!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Like others, I have a really hard time with formal occasions, especially work-related ones where have to be work appropriate (booooring). These occasions are infrequent so I’ve never really honed my outfits. And like LaPed I’m always too cold! Why are formal events always in winter???

Other than that :rain. I always look like a slob in rain. My hair gets curly, my pants get muddy, etc etc.

Diana

Veteran

hot and humid summer, no question. everything feels gross and gets disgusting and sweaty the minute you go outside. Feet swell and shoes chafe. You have to wash everything you're wearing every time you wear it. You can always put on more clothes if it's cold but you can't take off the last layer if it's hot.

And then you go inside and freeze your butt off in the AC...

Sara L.

Veteran

Fluctuating weather like in the spring and fall are the bane of my wardrobe existence. When it's cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon and I need to wear layers. I can never get it quite right. I'm much better off when it's either hot or cold, not both in one day.

nemosmom

Veteran

I also struggle with dressy or formal winter occasions. I am Team No Bag (The only handbag I own is a laptop bag) and I find it awkward to stuff my things in coat pockets.

My biggest challenge is summer. I rely a lot on layers and jeans to create my outfits, so I struggle to create a great summer look with minimal pieces. I don’t like to wear shorts or short skirts, so I end up super hot and sweaty.

Anonymous

Cold winter for sure-especially bitter cold/windy/snowy weather. I dont go out by choice when its cold, but still need to work. I wish there were fleece lined dressy on the outside but cozy on the inside clothes in existence!
I volunteer to do all the formal and hot weather dressing for anyone that doesn't like it though

RobinF

Veteran

In between seasons for me! Ours are very short seasons so I am never well prepared and by the time I adjust the season is over.

rachylou

Veteran

I find Spring difficult. When it’s cold but sunny. You don’t want your clothes to look ‘heavy’, yet they have to be...

njw

Summer...I don't like my arms so have to figure out how to cover them up in the hot weather...kimonos have been a good option. Plus I just like sweaters, tights, boots, etc better than summer clothes

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

After our stint in Florida, I have to say endless summer. I used to love summer and slipping on a celebratory dress, but the way the high temps drag on and on there have pretty much killed that for me. We'll see if German winter can help revive it.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Dressy events.It appears that I am not alone in this.

Anonymous

I have never done well in heat and humidity. I just don't.

Dressy events, but weddings in particular, are my Achilles heel. I thought I had that dilemma solved with my "wedding guest capsule," but that capsule was purged this year and I have not even thought about rebuilding it.

Roberta

Veteran

I'm with Bijou, I find travelling hard. I'm so used to assessing the day every morning by the exact temperature, the colors I "feel" like that morning whatever event is in front of me, and then choosing from my whole closet. Some destinations are harder than others too; I mean, you aspire to look decent in Paris but I can generally relax in Seattle (Goretex and sensible shoes, baby). I've gotten better at packing by meticulously planning my trip as much as possible, and studying PInterest capsules, but I often still arrive somewhere and desperately I wish I had that one sweater I left at home.

Sal

Veteran

Probably changeable weather (ironic given my climate).

I struggle with layering up and down as a day goes on. Getting all pieces to work together - so the top is fine without the jacket or with the jacket. I have been actively working on this.

Aside from this, I feel pretty well set up for all weather and occasions barring the most formal work and true black tie/ball attire.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

SAL, good point about layering and getting the outfit to work with AND without various layers- super challenging—-

Gigi

Veteran

Fluctuating weather is really tough for me. I don't have a lot of good toppers, so it's hard to layer. And since those transitional periods don't generally last for too long, I don't have much incentive to get my wardrobe to a point where layering properly is easy.

I also struggle with dressy events in the winter. It's hard to get dressed up for an extremely formal occasion when it's in the negative digits F. I remember one year I ended up wearing a silk maxi skirt from Anthro with heavy leggings under it, my Aquatalia boots, and a wool cardigan from BR. I was presentable but way underdressed compared with others at the event.

I also struggle with the rain if it's summertime (fall isn't so tricky). Wearing boots makes my feet sweat, and a coat does the same. I really need to find a lightweight raincoat.

Anonymous

Dressy occasions . I have yet to get it right , and looking at photos of me at some important occasion , I am ready to die . I wish I knew what the problem was . It’s at the point now where I decline holiday party invitations where dressing up is required - like I did this past week . Ugh.

celia

Veteran

I am on Angie's team on this one. Either consistent cold weather or gear.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hot and humid weather. Especially if I plan to spend time outdoors. I have to cover up for the sun but I want to be less covered because of the heat. I don’t like shorts (although they are very practical in the heat). And I don’t care for unstructured looks (although they are also very practical in the heat). And I don’t like “summer” colours. Big sigh!

Joy

Veteran

I am with Brooklyn on hot and humid but I also have a problem dressing for beach or ski area vacations as I never seem to have the right items in my wardrobe..

cindysmith

Veteran

What passes for winter around here is hardest for me. It's even worse now that we've finished our house. It's so well insulated and air-tight that it stays warm inside with nothing more than the heat from the refrigerator motor (true story). It creates an awful disconnect between what I need to wear for the weather and what's comfortable inside the house.

Molly Mac

Veteran

I fall into the dressy when cold occasions. Last year I bought two pair of velvet tuxedo pants (one black, one oxblood) and they have definitely made getting dressed up in frigid temps easier.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow. I’m surprised at how many of you are challenged by dressy and formal wear. We need to thrash this out.

Celia, HIGH FIVE.

celia

Veteran

High five, Angie

Adela

Dressy and formal. Somehow, it never feels right. Don't know why.

Lynn

Veteran

I am with many of you re dressy events and hot weather.
Dressy events are rare for me and challenging because I never have what I need. I end up late minute shopping which is results in a compromise so I don't feel good in what I end of wearing.

Spring is also problematic. I try to make transitional fall clothes work but they end up not feeling right.

For high summer I finally figured out that dresses are my solution for those really hot days.