Staying cool and preserving style in hot, humid weather - YouLookFab Forum

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Staying cool and preserving style in hot, humid weather

hedgiehog

Veteran

Last night my family and I went to visit some friends for a fajita night. It was an outside, next to the pool event. I wore a sleeveless gingham button down, short sleeve cardigan, khaki skirt, brown woven belt and boat shoes.

I know it's only April, but in just half an hour I was hot!
To be fair, though.....I tend to run hot most of the time and have already switched on the air conditioning at home.
I ended up taking off the cardigan and belt and was still hot. Maybe it had something to do with the margaritas I was drinking.

But anyway......
Our summers here are brutal and long. Temperatures tend to be in the upper 90's or higher with Amazon Jungle like humidity.
Those of you who have been to Disney World will know what I mean. I work indoors and have air conditioning, thank goodness, so workwear is not an issue.
My struggle is in putting together casual outfits without looking like I'm going to the beach.

Pre YLF, I would have reached for capris or shorts and a tshirt or tank top. This was sort of a uniform for me.....until I stumbled upon this wonderful site.

My goal, now, is to elevate my style during the hot summer (now through September/October) and keep cool at the same time. Layers are not an option, as I discovered last night.

My ideal summer would be where the temperature doesn't rise above 72. But since that is only a dream......sigh......I must work with what I have.

For those of you who live in similar climates, what suggestions do you have? What are your key pieces for summer? What pieces do you combine for casual looks?

Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks for reading!

Mary

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Mary, you took the words right out of my mouth!

You may be wondering if I've taken leave of my senses. After all, I live in frigid Canada, not broiling Florida. But for two months a year, my climate is essentially like yours, and unlike you, I do not have air conditioning in my home (and I work at home!) So there is no respite from the heat -- except the breeze, if we are lucky enough to have one.

And just now, I was playing in my closet, trying to figure out -- yet again -- what to wear this summer.

There are a number of brilliant summer dressers on this forum. Our Australian members in particular (including Deborah, Lantana, LynD, Anne) have great tips for the heat and humidity. And others, like Mo, have lived in Florida, so know exactly what you are talking about. Dana has lived in the heat of Austin. Manidipam lives in India. Claire lives mostly in dry heat but has a few hotter, more humid weeks as well.

As for me, I know what fabrics to wear: linen, cotton, some sleeveless silk (perhaps). Shapes: it is best for me to surrender the waist or at least to avoid snug belts and anything constricting. A bit of ease or a looser cut on top, bottom, or both, is ideal. Forget layering unless you are talking about very thin linen layers. Sandals are the obvious footwear, though feet swell, and too many strappy sandals can cut into them...so fit becomes crucial.

But where I run into trouble is making this simple recipe look intentional. Making it look like an actual outfit.

Dresses are great, if you can find dresses that hit all the right notes. (Not easy).

My work-at-home casual wear sounds like what you would have worn pre-YLF. I put on bermuda shorts, a cotton top of some kind, and call it a day. I do end up feeling sort of frumpy and would prefer to find current shapes in the tops so that at least I feel up-to-date.

Meanwhile, a person also needs casual "going out" outfits -- the ones you don't mind being seen in. And this is where I struggle.

How to "finish" outfits when you are reducing the number of layers and accessories? It is so much harder than it seems.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Although our heat is dry and not as hot as Arizona, the average temps are in the 90s in July and August and lately we've been having a lot of 90s even in May, June and September. So I too know about dressing in the heat and work at a cafe where most of the seating is outdoors (although in the shade).

- If I wear long pants, wearing loose, all-cotton boyfriend style jeans makes a difference I find.
- I wear a lot of sandals! I already have purchased three new pairs and have another 2 on order. I have a long sandal season, from May until October. Having cool feet makes a difference. I have no shame in my sandal hoarding.
- Bermuda shorts! And again not too tight although I do wear the fitted type as well.
- I have loose tank tops but prefer short or cap sleeve cotton, linen, rayon or modal tops. No poly or silk for me. I also have woven button down shirts that work fine, in 3/4, short and sleeveless styles that I wear for work. I roll up the 3/4 sleeve. Again if they are in cotton and not tight, a woven shirt works fine for me.
- Dresses are a great hot weather solution, although I find myself not wearing them that much.
- No one uses a/c like in FL or AZ here in the CA mountains. I couldn't believe how cold they make it in some places! You really do need to carry a jacket or sweater. Because we have dry heat, swamp coolers are used in many places which makes things a little cooler, not so extreme. I don't need to layer.
- Have a cool hair style (pony tail for me) and drink plenty of cold fluids!

DonnaF

Veteran

Wovens are cooler than knits because they don't cling, and I find that collarless tops are much, much cooler than collared ones. For that reason, I wear scarves and button down shirts a lot because I run cold!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I dread summer. It's usually over 100+F for three months straight.

You know what though? I'm thrilled about the new 'unstructured structure' pieces that are so stylish right now. The looser silhouettes give me some hope that my basic "shorts and a tee" are going to be a lot more 'fab-looking' than previous incarnations.

I'm considering things like the Silk Tee that Angie recently wrote about on the blog:

http://youlookfab.com/2013/04/11/the-silk-tee/

The looser striped tee that was recently put into the "finds" section:

http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....tripe-tee/

The J.Crew shorts:

http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....uda-short/

I'm also hoping that breezy tops with a high-low hem will up the style quotient more than a plain-Jane regular tee. For the 'silk tees' - my first concern was that they might show uh...sweat under the arms, but I have since realized that because they are nice and loose, this will likely not be a concern after all. Further, I will try and buy silk or other natural fabrics instead of polyester. And even if it has a tiny bit of polyester, it will still be ok, owing to the looser, breezy shape and style of this type of top.

For going out - I have a couple of Vince Camuto peasant blouses - purchased last year after seeing how fabulous Kari looked in her green/black/yellow one...here's a link to one on the Nordstrom site (different patter/colour than the ones I have, but wanted to show you the shape/idea):

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....keywordsea

My experience with these blouses last year was that they made fab "out to dinner" tops with skirts. Even though they are made out of polyester, their open, loose shape made all the difference. Not so great for pool-side or BBQ's and such, but nice for a dinner out.

Meanwhile, I am also looking forward to trying Angie's "Combat, White and Red" formula:

http://youlookfab.com/2013/03/.....d-accents/

I'll go with shorts or a skirt in the cargo/combat/olive, and try the J.Crew white shirt for spring, and switch over to a loose/slouchy tee for the hottest days of summer. I believe Nancylee found some fab looser tees via a suggestion from CocoLion. If I recall correctly, they were the Three Dots brand.

All this is to say that perhaps the shape/style of the limited number of pieces we can wear during the hottest months of the year will make all the difference when it comes to feeling stylish. At least, this is my hope!

sarah

Veteran

I posted something very similar last year, and the advice I got was:

1) dresses
2) bermudas and clams with sleeveless or short-sleeved woven tops (white bottoms are super fab)

You might also look back at Mo's posts, as she has lived in Florida on and off for the past several years. Clearly Caire lives in AZ and always looks terrific.

Peri

Veteran

I feel your pain. I like winter dressing so much more...in summer, survival trumps fashion I my book.

JCrew vintage T shirts are very thin and comfy. Not really very fun, but very hot weather friendly.

Awhile back I started an I'd pay anything for....thread, but I'll say it again. I'd pay real money for full length trouser style pants that were as breathable as the softest linen but not as wrinkley.

Thistle

Veteran

I am in frozen Wisconsin rather than Florida, but depending on the year, it can be similar to your weather for 2-3 months. Soooo depends though. Sme summers are highs in the mid 80s others are into the 100s. It just depends on the year!

So, while I have little to offer, I do sympathize and am watching your thread for ideas.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Do you like dresses? If you do they are a great option for the kind of weather you describe. If not then pants in linen or cotton are the most "breathable" fabrics imo.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have lived in these hot and humid temperatures for most of my life. I get this weather. The heat was seldom the issue for me. The issue was that I could never dress for the hot temperatures because of the ARCTIC air-conditioning indoors. It is everywhere - public transport, shops, restaurants, homes, offices. I can't stand it. It's 110 outside and 65 inside. Ridiculous.

Hedgie, you might find this post helpful:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/05/.....-the-heat/

annaj

Veteran

I was the cardigan queen when I lived "up north" (which in Australia means over 100 and humid for our summers - now, living further south, we get the 100s, but less humidity). Air conditioned offices are extreme when coming in from that kind of heat! I'd keep small, light weight cardigans in my car, my office, and my handbag to avoid the chill factor when I headed indoors.

Definitely avoid layers. I wear loose fitting tees and straight cut denim/utility skirts. I have a few dresses that just "hang" to avoid the sticky, humid, cling. I also wear tank tops and cotton pants.

In place of layers, I tend to wear a lot of pendant style necklaces. I might just be wearing a plain tank with cropped denim pants, but a necklace helps to bring it up a notch. Even that can feel like "too much" though on really hot days, so see how you go!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Can't believe I didn't mention Caro, when I was actually thinking of her as i wrote...but I know she says she struggles with her hot weather wardrobe, too, even though from what I can see, she looks amazing.

Mia

Veteran

I summer in a place where it gets very hot (up to 100 degrees F) in the daytime and dresses and skirts are the solution for me. I choose fabrics that won't show marks in case I do start sweating a lot and only wear 100%natural fibres or blends like silk/cotton or rayon/cotton. Most of my summer things come from J. Crew. now that I think about it.

Sometimes I carry a spritz bottle of Evian water to revive myself and I now have a car with an air conditioned seat

hedgiehog

Veteran

Thanks everyone, for all your insight and wisdom. It's so interesting to hear from others who live in other parts of the world and have the same issue.

Suz, I never would have imagined you suffer with the heat! I would give anything to have Canadian weather here. I think my dilemma is much like yours....I want to look like there's some thought to my outfit, not just something I threw on. Tank you so much for the suggestions. I will check out the other YLFers! I'm confident we will make t through the summer in stylish comfort.

CocoLion, thank you for the suggestions! Shorts and sandals will factor heavily into my summer wardrobe. I've just recently wrapped my mind around dresses for casual wear so I will have to try that too.

velvetychocolate, thanks so much for the links! I just bought a silky tee and I think it should work. You're right about the unstrcturedness (is that even a word?) that is a plus n the heat.

Sarah, thanks for the advice. I will check out your and Claire's previous posts. Her style is very similar to mine.

Peri, if you find those.....let me know. I'd pay too!

Thistle, we can house swap for a few weeks and enjoy an alternate existence.
Caro, thanks for the suggestion. I have a friend who lives in white linen trousers and she loves them. I may have to try them. By the way, I LOVE your hair! When I grow up I want mine to look like yours.

Agie, thanks for chiming in. I will definitely read that post. I wish I ran cold, as you do.....I always think when I'm cold, I can put more layers on but when I'm hot there's only so much I can take off!

annaj, i have a cardigan fetish. sadly, I only get to wear them for a few months. I like your idea of necklaces, they are certainly a fun way to dress up an outfit.

Mia, you have AN AIRCONDITIONED SEAT???!!! Wow, now that is cool!

Anonymous

Hi there! It is getting warm where I live already too. I find skirts are a good bit cooler than clams, and easier for me to fit than dresses. This summer I'm going to try more sleeveless tops that are woven and billow-y. I think they look better than a T-shirt (on me anyway) and are cooler as well. Breathable fabrics are an absolute necessity. I wear completely open, flat, T-strap sandals. My feet swell in the heat, and this style of sandal seems to allow them plenty of room, and they're a little nicer looking than a flip-flop.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I'm afraid I can't offer much advice on tropical dressing I understand that there is a drawback to this enviable climate after all, too. You are welcome to swap house with me, too, if you like! My idea of summer attire includes a lot of dresses and skirts, and I second Claire's tip on t-strap sandals. I prefer natural materials like cotton, silk, linen - rayon is also an alternative. The newer relaxed silhouettes are a relief, and a small accessory, an interesting neckline etc go a long way in making it interesting.

hedgiehog

Veteran

Hi Claire, I'm going to keep an eye on your posts.....I love your style and the ideas you suggested would fit with my life.

Ingunn, I had summer envy when you posted about duplicating your breton and mentioned that you could wear a light sweater in summer.....sigh.....I think I would thrive in Norwegian climate.

shoegirl

I have moved from a cool-mild climate to a horrendously hot and humid one and I too hate the antarctic ubiquitous air conditioning. Whilst I do love the feeling of walking in a warm bath (well you have to look on the bright side!) when I escape the dreaded air conditioning, this move is an unmitigated disaster for my style. It doesn't help that what feels 'me' is extremely different from the ultra-beachy style of most people around here, such that I look even more out of place than I feel, unless I adopt ultra-beachy-casual style, which makes me cringe with please-let-me-sink-through-a-hole-in-the-floor-now embarrassment inside because it doesn't feel me, and it feels anything but stylish. H-E-L-P!

How on earth do you manage to dress stylishly in super-hot super-humid weather combined with antarctic air conditioning? I feel as though I have to start creating a new 'my style' from the ground up, and I have no idea where to begin. I like precise, controlled, put-together, rather formal, architectural or edgy attire, and absolutely hate casual sloppy beachy and California style. To my surprise I do also quite like the hard-edged loose, non-fitting style that seems current ATM too, so perhaps that provides a clue to help me move forward. Just not sure how to do it stylishly without layering, and layering is OUT. What I am looking for is a way to dress that I find INTERESTING. Minimalist can be interesting to me if it is austerely minimalist, but, for example, just wearing a standard summer dress would feel unstylish/uninteresting/un-me to me. Any thoughts or advice?

And how on earth do others manage the dramatic shifts in temperature when going in or out of the antarctic air conditioning? Am I to lug about a fur coat while wearing next to nothing between stores/buildings/other antarctic temperature places?

Can anyone tell me where to find pure white cotton tops and dresses that are opaque in extremely bright sunlight? As I said, layering a camisole/slip underneath is simply not an option in this climate.

Do you think I will ever adapt?! I can't see how beachy style will ever feel me, and how in the world do older women manage in these climates if they (I mean I!) dislike showing lots of skin? I feel as though I need to wear extremely dark glasses to hide the fact that I am dying of embarrassment. I like prim, covered-up edginess, not revealing, let-it-all-hang-out sexy-in-the-young-but-cringeworthy-at-my-age style. That is, for ME to do myself it feels cringeworthy. I love seeing other older women revealing their own skin and 'rules' be damned. I am all for it! More power to them! Go, rule-breakers! I admire your pluck. Don't let anyone dampen your spirit! I am just rather buttoned-up myself, in terms of my own style.

Any/all advice/ideas much appreciated!

Anonymous

@shoegirl, I live in a place where bohemian style predominates. Like you, I feel that it's not me so I'm going to try to come up with my own uniform that is more neat and tidy. I hear you and the arctic air. A fur coat would not be enough for me. I need socks, boots, woolies, and a turtleneck to go under it. Nothing I bring as a wrap or a jacket is ever enough if I'm wearing a skirt and sandals.

Hedgiehog, I think you do fine in the A/C, though, right? It seems like the default setting for summer clothes around here is a knit top, unflattering crops and flops or comfort sandals. On the teen girls it is a shelf-bra cami or tank and booty shorts with flip flops. There is nothing wrong with shorts or capris, but that's ALL I ever see around here in the summer. I guess I just need to be different, which I'm trying to do by hitting a slightly dressier note if I can be just as comfortable. However, since you work in a bank 9-5, you might want a more relaxed look for your off-hours.

Susie

Veteran

Our summers are very hot and humid. High 90's to over 100 for weeks at a time is typical.

The A/C really doesn't bother me as I do run warm. So dressing for work isn't an issue as I go from air conditioned house to car to office. Cars can get brutally warm but fortunately mine is white with tan leather and tinted windows and that helps a lot.

Casual dressing is more challenging. Many of our weekends are spent boating so very casual- shorts and tees or cotton dressses- is fine. For other weekends, I enjoy wearing sleeveless maxi dresses. I know many here don't love them, but I find them to be comfortable and stylish enough.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shoegirl, I have no answers, I fear. Except to carry a largish bag, and bring some sort of cover up (for the air conditioning) in the bag at all times. Not an ideal solution -- it means (pretty much) some sort of cardigan, because anything else would crease too much. It is infuriating. I don't know why no one can understand that it actually makes more sense (and is more energy-friendly) to keep air conditioning just a few degrees cooler than the outside temps. That is enough to cool us and does not lead to the insane shocks.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I read somewhere that restaurants overcool because it makes you order more food. True? Dunno. But maybe it makes you buy more in the shops too. I always thought it was southern hospitality, "we put the air on for you" but now I'm not so sure.

I feel your pain. I lived in Houston for 6 long years. My best outfit was a flared white linen safari skirt and jacket suit. And to embrace the wrinkles. If only I still had that suit. I have some gauze pants I bought in FLA years ago that have reached the end of their warranty period, have no idea what I will replace them with. Luckily the summers are short and not so hot where I live now, and it always cools off at night.

Maybe someone will make these new track pants in a more gauze-type cotton that drapes. Now that would be comfortable in the summer.

Debora

Veteran

I have the same dilemma with our hot humid summers here in Virginia. I will be watching this thread closely for suggestions. It's too hot here for jeans and layering in the summer, I live mostly in skirts, Bermuda shorts and sandals. I would love to have more summer dresses, but the problem is finding ones that are long enough. So many summer dresses seem to be several inches above the knee, not an option for me.

hedgiehog

Veteran

Claire, I do fine in A/C. Like Susie, I tend to run warm.....actually hot. Lord help me when the hot flashes start! I might actually melt. LOL
shoegirl, I wish I had answers for you.....other than carrying a topper with you it seems there are not many options.
Today, in my postbox, I had a catalogue from JJill featuring mostly linen pieces. The tops looked flown and cool and the bottoms looked loose and casual. None of the pieces appealed to me because I prefer a bit more structure in my clothing but I may break down and order some linen pants just to see how I go.
Don't know how they came to send me a catalogue as I've never ordered from them. Maybe it was fate.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Linen knits. Vince, Joie, and Inhabit all make nice linen pieces. I also like Eileen Fisher.

catgirl

Veteran

I have absolutely no suggestions other than to move here, where the summer temperature never rises above 72.

shoegirl

Thanks soooo much to everyone who has replied. So grateful! If it were just a question of how to deal with the extreme heat and humidity, I would not have a problem: do what the English did when creating the Empire: soak my pith helmet and clothes each night. It works very well. When our air conditioning goes down in temperatures of 110F +humidity, you can be sure that I soak my clothes. It is not that I am unable to survive in high temps, my issue is more about how to remain stylish in high temps combined with humid conditions. As someone with an interest in fashion and style, and a penchant for polished, controlled, prim, edgy style, walking about in wet clothes is a sub-optimal solution. OTOH, I must admit that I do gain some satisfaction from knowing that in not running the A/C in 110F temperatures, and feeling perfectly fine in my soaked clothes, I am saving vast amounts of money on the A/c bill. My husband, however, working in offices at freezer temperatures, has a harder time with my no-AC policy, and he turns it on every time I am out of the house.

But what about STYLE? Where is the STYLE in sweaty living? Help! I'm not the beachy type.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I find the only way to stay stylish in hot humidity is layers. My summer uniform is a very lightweight tank with a sheer linen top over, and linen cropped pants with sandals.

nancylee

Veteran

Ay! I so feel your pain. Summer dressing is the bain of my fashion existence. We get the same summer weather as you here in the mid-Atlantic: 80s-90s and super humid through much of the summer. Ugh.

In order to cope, I've been moving away from shorts (no one likes a sweaty gusset, as Trinny and Susannah used to say!) and toward loose dresses and skirts....even for casual wear. Slowly but surely I've been acquiring loose dresses and tops to wear over skirts, and it helps. The simple black jersey or navy dress accessorized in various ways is a lifesaver. See this great post by Angie last summer:

https://youlookfab.com/2012/06.....t-and-bag/

I've posted some simple shift/tank dresses below, and also some of my favorite "heat coping" outfits from last summer. Hope it helps!

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hedgiehog

Veteran

Una, lets be neighbours! 72 works for me....start looking for my future home.

Ironkurtin, thanks for the suggestion....I'm leaning towards linen
Nancy lee, thanks for the link and suggestions. I think dresses are a great option that I will explore.

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