"Rules" for summer casual - YouLookFab Forum

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"Rules" for summer casual

JR

Veteran

Or any season, for that matter, but the challenges are especially acute in the summer, when layering is often not a viable option, and clothes have to be able to handle all kinds of activity.

What guides you in creating a successful casual look that also reflects your own individual style?

For myself I am thinking: pieces that are well cut and which suit my body type. And trying to find simple accessories that give a touch of something unique to a very simple formula.

Today I am wearing a very laid-back red tank over black clamdiggers with black sandals. My earrings are rather subdued (dangly little dolphins) because I took a longish, multi-coloured beaded necklace (a chain of flowers) and knotted it right at the bustline for the individual touch. I'm afraid I'm having camera issues so no WIW yet.

I am looking forward to hearing how you deal with this issue, which has caused a few frustrated posts around here, and seeing how you deal with it in your WIWs.

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from JR

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I've decided this year to look for sandals, bracelets, and belts to express my style over an otherwise somewhat basic outfit.
I'd also love to find just the right straw fedora, but no luck so far.

merwoman

Veteran

Interesting question JR - and I hear you about the camera issues. Took me about a year to figure out how to take a full length pic and work the courage up to post it. You'll be posting in no time.

I've made a concerted effort to incorporate more style into my summer casual look - for active days I'm often sporting jean clamdiggers with cotton shirt (stripes are my favourite) sleeves rolled and semi tuck. I'm a minimalist as far as accessories go, so generally i wear an oversized watch, and vary my handbag/footwear depending on what's in store for the day. I've picked up a lot of great flats and sandals over the last year, that are not only super comfortable, but look great (well to my eye).

I haven't really found any shorts that I like, so my other combo are white/cobalt or red jeans with a variety of tops. I'll wear sleeveless top with a belt, or, if the heat lets up, maybe a cami under a shear top.

Astrid

Veteran

I normally wear shorts with a t-shirt/tank/button-down shirt or skirts with the same. My footwear is mostly the same (I have a hard time finding shoes that fit). If the pieces I wear are very basic I add some accessories like bracelets, a ring or a necklace. I also love to wear scarves if it's not too hot. I always wear my watch and specs. Another good way to add some personal style to an outfit are belts, I always wear a belt when I tuck or semi-tuck to fill out the belt loops. I bought the one pictured below a while ago and it adds just enough of 'boho' to every outfit so it feels more 'me'.

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krishnidoux

Veteran

In the summer I like a punch of colour. Cuts are simple, footwear is mostly flat, so heavy jewellery and scarves are out of the question. Bright colour does it.

I also love a cute sun hat. My sunglasses are a must with everything. Being Canadian Summer is a time to showcase fun handbags.

JR

Veteran

Nice suggestions.

Mo, I'm trying to wrap my head around bracelets (yours looks terrific). So many of the bangles won't fit me because my bones are too big. They're not huge, but too big to squeeze in.

I'm a sandals girl too, Merwoman. I much prefer them to shoes, truth be told, and it's quite likely I have more sandals than shoes.

Astrid, belts are another thing I'm trying to work on. I'm both short-waisted and paunchy, so... But I did work up my nerve to wear one with my jeans skirt the other day. A studded one! Not bad for a granny, eh? LOL!

Krishni, I stocked up on colour this year too: peacock blue, rust, red, fuschia, mustard, cinnamon, even white... Gotta grab them when they're around, don't we? I'm actually contemplating a pair of red skinnies now, if you can believe it. I hardly can. Wondering if I'd ever be brave enough to pair them with a punchy colour on top. Not betting on it.

merwoman

Veteran

JR -go for red bottoms of some type - skinnies/jeans or trousers, what ever works best for your body type. You will love them. Black or white topper (or combo) is my preferred colour (or lack of) - I think that would work for you as well.

Kari

Veteran

We have the opposite situation in Seattle. It can sometimes be consistently warm, but often cools down in the evenings, or we have totally mixed warm and cool weather like we do today - so layering is essential!

I like to wear my sleeveless tops and dresses while I can, but make sure they play nice with longer-sleeved layers (jackets, cardigans, etc.) which also helps me use them as layering pieces during the rest of the year, since our summer is so short.

I wear sandals when I can, and like them to have a classic shape and a pretty color or semi-metallic sheen.

Isabel

Veteran

I really like layering. In the summer I "demi" layer. I use the Second Base demi tanks over my bra for deeper cut or sleeveless outfits. I also wear color and dresses and skirts more in the summer. Many of the silhouettes are the same, but I wear color. I wear gold and colorful jewelry in the summer. My shoes are more colorful.

In the WInter, boots are a big part of my look and they keep me warm. I wear more "neutral " colors ( grey, navy, black, port ) and less prints. I incorporate color with my wonderful scarf collection.

This is a great idea for a post..thanks for doing it.

Marley

Veteran

I become a minimalist in the summer - because I know that at certain times of the day (morning and evening) I'm going to have to have a 2nd layer on to keep me warm. The average temp in the summer where I live is 76 degrees! I wear lots more skirts and dresses in the summer, light colored shoes - not necessarily sandals - I'll even wear light colored boots in the summer, as well as my sandals. I have much more of a a bohemian style in the summer - looser and fuller clothing - but not much jewelry. Very casual - easy to go from the beach to a nice restaurant! I take advantage of capri length leggings or clamdiggers underneath my dresses and skirts. Tend to wear flat shoes, rather than healed. Pretty much always take a scarf with me where ever I go - just incase I get cold. Wear more color and less expensive clothing in the summer than I do in the fall and winter! Wear a lot of "homemade" looking elements in the summer. Love wearing boots with my shorts - one of my favorite looks!

rae

(website)

Veteran

My uniform for the summer is very simple, too: either a tank and shorts or a breezy dress. I try to add interest with belts, shoes/sandals, and bags.... one does what one can when one stich more feels sticky and unbearable.

AJ

Veteran

During my hot, sticky summers, I rely on hats, statement earrings, fun shoes/sandals, and my bags to add some zing to basic tanks/shirts and shorts. (I prefer not to wear necklaces and belts once the temps get over 90 F.) Last year, I bought a fuschia flat sandal and really liked the pop of color on my feet. This year I added an orange wedge pump as well as flat leopard (with black sequin) loafers to my spring/summer mix.

I also keep an eye out for cute printed a-line skirts as well as tissue thin draped cardigans that can also be tied at the waist over tanks/camisoles.

1) Fun hat, skirt, and nude gladiators.
2) This tissue thin draped cardi is my summer workhorse.
3) I think the colored sandals make a world of difference.

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krishnidoux

Veteran

JR I encourage you to try a pair of bright skinnies. They are fun and stylish, easily worn with flats.

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Allison

I find myself reverting to soft vintage looking v-neck t-shirts and distressed denim shorts/ bermuda shorts. To spice it up a little I wear a long pendant necklace or some large hoop earrings and a straw panama hat. I just got a tribal inspired tote from old navy to add a little pattern and interest. But that has pretty much been my casual after work and weekend summer formula!

Kim

Veteran

Hot sticky summer makes me wear my dresses (I never wear them in the winter) and my statement tops. I like tops with interesting details that can stand alone in the summer. I don't even like to layer with a cami! (I at the age where I'm supplying my own heat too because of menopause so I don't need no extra help! LOL)

I find I don't do necklaces in the summer as I like mine shorter and they simply wind up sticking to my skin. Not the look I'm going for! I do lots of bracelets in the summer however, since my arms are usually bare from wearing sleeveless tops. (My fave for summer). A simple pair of earrings and I'm set.

I love summer and look at it as a time to simplify my personal style and enjoy the short lived heat. Fall and winter come too soon and then we can all layer for 9 months! LOL

Queen Mum

Veteran

Like Marley, I become very much a minimalist during the summer. Fit is really important, and I notice that I tend to choose things with interesting print, texture and more color to make up for the lack of layers. I do have a few vests that are easy to throw on as an added layer without being too warm.
I realized the other day that I tend to reach for bracelets when I'm dressing up a bit. Summer is sleeveless for me 95% of the time, so bracelets add an element of style against a simple sheath dress and sandals.
Oh, and shoes... there is no room for boring shoes in my summer shoe collection. Fun shoes go a long way in adding style to what could otherwise be a boring outfit.

JR

Veteran

These replies are so great!

Mer and Krishni, thanks for the encouragement. I think I'll buy the red skinnies a size down as a reward for reaching goal weight. They're on clearance for only $10! So if they don't look good on me, it won't break the bank and somebody will be happy at the thrift store.

Kari, I kind of envy you the wider possibilities, but I think I like my summer sun too much to head for Canada's West Coast. (The possibility has been discussed here, actually, but I've always discouraged hubby from applying for those jobs. I was raised on the prairies, and long stretches of grey weather really depress me.)

Isabel, I've been contemplating those demi camis too. I try to avoid my camis in the summer, but sometimes modesty obliges.

Marley, I'm with you on the scarf for sure. I keep one in a cloth bag in my purse. (I used to use plastic, till I had to take my scarf out in the middle of a sermon and realized just how much noise it made.)

Rae, I'm trying to get more conscious about my accessories too. It's a little tricky seeing as I don't work, and I don't want to look TOO overdressed for home. But I refuse to dress as if I don't care. Not good for the morale.

AJ, you are too cute! I think I'll gradually start adding coloured sandals too, which is a new thought for me.

Allison, much as I hate to say it, I think I'm getting too old for large hoops. Draws too much attention to my not-so-youthful neck, IMO. Danglies don't seem to be as bad for some reason. But I definitely need to find me a long pendant necklace. If only I weren't so cheap!

Kim, I'm starting to experiment with wrapping necklaces around my wrist. Most bangles are too tight for me, and while I think cuff bracelets are really gorgeous, I don't feel like me in them. Maybe I'll get there eventually.

QM, here's to fun shoes! I'll have to gradually beef up my wardrobe there. And keep my eyes open for summery sheaths. Dresses have been problematic for me because of a size discrepancy between top and bottom, but maybe that's smoothing out now. I haven't checked in a while.

Kim

Veteran

JR, they have lot of "stretchy" bracelets out now. I find them inexpensively (read cheap too) at Suzy Shier, Smartset and other stores like that. I too don't go to an office job (I run a home childcare) so I don't want to look over dressed for my life, but I also refuse to dress like I don't care either! LOL

You might expand your accessory wardrobe a little more at these stores. If it doesn't work out it won't cost you more than the red skinnies! LOL

Lots of great ideas here, I'm going to start looking for some colored sandals too!

Anonymous

JR, I live in the hot dessert and I had to make a point this spring/summer to seek out "stand alone" tops that would look okay without a topper. They needed to fit under cardis or denim jackets, too (for the A/C) but I was tired of being stuck with tops that could only be worn as an underlayer. And yeah, camis are totally out for me too, once we hit April/May. Concentrating on filling that void has really helped my style this summer.

Gaylene

Veteran

Good ideas here. I'm totally a minimalist in the summer like Marley and QM. Accessories, other than my watch, seem like too much clutter in hot weather.

What works for me are interesting tops in bright colors and cute sandals. Since it's too hot to wear pants where I live, l live in shorts (in a variety of lengths), summer skirts, and dresses. The skirts have really worked out well for me; I wear them like I wear shorts-- with T-shirts and summer tops. I find that mixing up colors and patterns keep things looking interesting without having to layer or pile on the accessories.

JR

Veteran

Kim, I've been eyeing some of those stretchy bracelets. Think I'll step outside my comfort zone and try one.

Claire, I think I'll work on that a bit more next summer. I went for coloured T-shirts this year, reasoning that T-shirts are more forgiving when you change sizes, but am kind of wishing I had some print blouses or something. I'll try to up my game there as time goes by.

Gaylene, I just got my first-ever jeans skirt (!) and am enjoying it for the summer, for sure, although it's a bit warm on the really hot days. Next up, a swishy floral print, for a long-neglected dose of romanticism. But that will likely be a next-year purchase too, although I am eyeing the end of season specials now and considering risking buying, even if I can't guarantee what size I will be.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think to answer your question I have to know your summer weather. My weather is most like Claire's -- hot, arid, and western. If your weather is like that, the outfit you posted about sounds perfect.

I live in the Sierra foothills at 2700 ft, a few thousand feet up it would be much cooler. The average July-Aug temps are around 93-95 F. Right now it's pressing 100 F, even the nights don't feel cool. Sept. and June are also quite hot. So -- I stick to loose clothing. Even if wearing denim long pants (like boyfriend jeans), I can feel ok because the looseness lets air circulate. I wear both loose knit tees and woven tops. Sandals are required footwear. I have 2 pairs of nude cage-type wedges (both with modest 1.5" heels), they are my go-to summer shoes. I also have some 4" wedges that I pull out a couple of times a week for dinner out, etc. Compared to Arizona, we don't over-AC buildings here in CA so I usually don't need a sweater either. (We use a lot of swamp coolers in this part of CA, and they don't really get as cold as A/C.)

I was layering in June with camis and thin tops but now layering is out. I have been challenged to find tops that don't need a cami, but have managed to find them. Also it's a challenge to find bra-friendly tops this year with the deep cut armhole trend, but I've looked and found. Angie doesn't like cap-sleeve tops but I find for me they are a good compromise -- I don't have to go all the way sleeveless (I'm 54) but I have the cooling benefit.

So, to end my long-winded post -- my approach is loose and fairly covered for the summer heat.

JR

Veteran

You're so right, CocoLion, climate does play a lot in this.

Here we can be all over the map, but in general, it's muggy, so by the time you're into the 80s (high 20s for us), it can be very uncomfortable. The more skin you can expose to the breeze, the better. Which doesn't correspond to my desire to cover up, for both modesty and aesthetics. ;o) Long pants get pushed to the back of the closet, and I will only bring out the light-weight ones on particularly cool days, or if I know I am going to spend the day in A/C, which is close to never. So my personal challenge is to wear as little as possible, while covering up as much as possible, and still maintain a sense of style. Breathable fabrics are definitely preferable, and though I have some very cute polyester tops, they don't make the rotation as often.

I did grow up on the prairies, which meant similar conditions to yours: very dry air, cool nights, and baking-hot days. The challenges are a bit different, but the central one is the same: how to wear very simple, laid-back clothes with a sense of style. I have really loved hearing how different people do it, and it's giving me a lot to think about for future purchases.