Pants for warmer weather? - YouLookFab Forum

Hi all! It’s been 3 years since I posted (now with a different username). Angie and some of the regs from 3 years ago: hope you are all doing well!

I know that warmer weather is ways away, but I’m in the process of building my spring/summer wardrobe. Generally, I almost exclusively wear dresses and skirts for the warmer months but because of my knee injury, I’ve had to wear a k-tape around my knee on a daily basis. I tried to make it look fashionable but sadly, I’m just not loving the look (hey, at least I tried, right?).

Since I wear mostly pants and leggings in the cooler months, I’m open to trying out wide leg pants, flares and joggers/harem pants in warmer weather. Unfortunately, I could not seem to get the proportions right as I avoid tucking shirts and tight-fitting tops as much as possible (Large and short waist - I surrender my waist 99% of the time). While layering a blazer/cardigan works beautifully for cooler weather, it’s just way too hot during the warmer months.

I’ve never mastered warm weather dressing (I often dread warm weather dressing) so I’m eager to learn new perspectives! I would love to see what worked for you, or if you have any other outfit ideas to share.

6 years ago

always trying

Veteran

I too have a problem with warmer weather dressing. I find fabric content is more important than anything else in the heat. Absolutely no polyester, spandex or other material that makes things stretch, or fit better. I know some think well it is only 2% but that 2% is like a coating of glue, and it does make a difference. Finding 100% cotton, linen, or silk, etc. is not easy. Things will be called cotton or blends etc. but if you read the labels carefully they have that bit of spandex in them. I have also found tinsel and loycel items breathable too. For me the summer items other than cheap t shirts are getting harder and harder to find.

MsLuna

I’m totally with you there. I personally do well with bamboo rayon or modal fabric, but there are times when it’s too hot, it can soak sweat and stick to the body! Some polyesters are fine, if they are made of breathable polyesters (usually from workout gear). But many polyester fabrics actually make me itch and break out. I’m considering that maybe if some are looser fitting clothes I wouldn’t have the itching problem?

I’m willing to try looser fitting clothes, but waist definition seems to be in vogue now, which is pretty much tricky for my body type (I usually resolve this with layering, which will be tricky in the warmer months). I guess we’ll see what others have to say!

Joy

I have found that baring the ankle with crops can feel so much cooler than full length. Sleeveless can feel so much more breezy than any sleeve. Silk and linen are my favorite summer fabrics. Wide linen pants in a light neutral are an essential in my closet. If you usually wear skirts, how about long skirts to cover your legs? Wide crops and culottes are breezy like skirts..

Hi Joy!

I’m surprised at how flattering cropped wide legs are. I tried some on this afternoon (pics below). The pics don’t look as good as in person. Pic #1 worn with a moto jacket and Pic #2 with my short loose sweater semi-tucked. I brought my peep toe booties (2” Heel) and they look surprisingly balanced. I also like how i don’t have to commit to a heel length with crops.

I’m considering midi skirts or midi dresses as well, but it’s a bit challenging to find a print I like (being top heavy, I like to wear my prints on the lower body). Maxi dresses/skirts aren’t as appealing to me for practical reasons.

Regarding linen: do they need a lot of maintenance? From what I recall, Linens wrinkle easily, correct? Also, are lighter linens see-through? I’m considering looking for white linen culottes.

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Cee

In Australia, we call them shorts.

...Apparently there is no other option.

jussie

Hi there,
I have a pretty big selection of summer pants- so much more comfy than wearing a dress or shorts to be honest. In the pics below:
1) 100% linen- super comfy and cool, a bit wrinkly but not so much that it’s a problem. I got these cheaply from Target.
2) very thin silky palazzo pants(polyester) with 100% linen shirt- both super comfy
3) a poly cotton blend pant from Zara- extremely itchy and had to be thrown out. Linen tee, very comfy and cool.
4) tencel chinos from Zara- incredibly cool and comfy.
5) lightweight fancy joggers, jersey. Very cool and super comfy- feel like butter.

Luna : I absolutely love those crops!!

Best of luck in your search for covered up, comfy summer pants. Linen is fantastic.....

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Gigi

I generally dislike polyester, and I agree that tight-fitting garments with spandex can be unbelievably hot! But I do find that loose-fitting poly is OK; it seems to be more breezy. I have had poly maxi skirts in the past that have been wonderful summer staples--cooler than shorts. Linen is good too, but as you pointed out, it can get wrinkly. Sometimes you can find tees in a linen-cotton blend that don't wrinkle so badly--not sure if they make bottoms in this fabrication or not.

I love the crops you posted! Anthropologie has a lot of interesting wide-leg and cropped pants that have patterns on them, if you're interested. They do run quite expensive, though.

aloha emily

Active Member

These wide linen pants are hands down the most comfortable bottoms for south Florida’s scorching, humid summer. I have them in multiple colors- they keep the sun off my legs, keep my thighs from rubbing and sweating- they are wonderful! BUT they are also ugly, in my opinion. I do not know how to style them to give them any flair at all. The elastic waist is not my style. The wide bottoms need a closer-fitting top but I’m self conscious about my midsection. The length is wacky on me. I wear them anyway, because they are so functional, but wish I could find a way to make them really work.

The patterned pair are much better than the solid, but still not fabulous.

Also I usually wear sandals with more coverage than these, to keep my feet protected from the sun.

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@jussie: Thank you so much for posting the pics. It really helps a lot! The fancy jogger is my fave of your outfits! I can imagine this being a piece you can dress up and down easily! I can also see that you are wearing most of these outfits in flats, which will help me a lot for weekend styling ideas (I keep heels strictly for work, professional functions and special occasions).

@Gigi: the crops I posted are from Anthropologie! And you’re right - their crops and joggers are so fun and interesting. These pants are polyester, but I am hoping this won’t be an issue as they float away from my body. I’m waiting for a sale before I get them.

@emily: I’m with you on the midesection issue! This is a problem area for me too. I’ve actually been looking for Flat front/elastic back styles because they smooth out the squish in front. Those pants do fit well on you though.

As for making it work: have you tried looser fitting tops that end on the hip bone? I’m finding that length to be the most flattering on these pants. Then there’s always the semi tuck at the front but I’ve always found that tricky (a lot of YLF-ers are amazing at this styling trick though). Layering with a blazer or cardigan is my “go-to” midsection camouflage as well, but it gets too hot to do this sometimes.

Thanks again for the suggestions and examples, ladies!

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