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Summer Dressing epiphany: is it just me?

Anonymous

Mme Texstyle posted a really nice olive/white/navy summer capsule today (or yesterday- I'm a little behind from being away this week) and it at first excited me because I like the colours and we share some similar clothing tastes. Then I got a little down remembering my frustrations every summer with trying to find flattering clothes for our hot weather in June - September. I was trying to figure out what it is about summer clothes that I find so difficult - and while I should have been working away diligently at my desk, instead had a bit of an epiphany and thought I would share it in case I'm not the only one who struggles in summer.

I realized that there is no summer counterpart to how I like to dress in Fall, Winter and Spring : long over lean, blurring my bust and midsection with heavy and drapey knits, and generally wearing leggings, ponte pants or skirted leggings when I'm not wearing jeans. I don't tuck or semi tuck because I don't have the body for it, and that's ok in winter, but in summer, I end up wearing fluid fit t-shirts with random shorts on my off-days and feel like a rag bag. For work, I resort to semi loose- fit gear-type dresses or denim dresses, and that's about it.
For those casual days where you aren't dressed up or able to wear that third piece that can sometimes pull it together, what is the solution ? Do any of you also fear summer dressing ? Or am I crazy? I'm trying not to get way ahead of myself, but I don't want to repeat the frustrations I've felt for the past many summers. Interested in your thoughts - even if you don't experience this yourself.

Dressing

88 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

catgirl

Veteran

Me. I fear summer dressing, especially for work. Although I'm fine with feeling like a rag-bag for casual outfits - I'm mostly either hiking or schlubbing around when not at work anyway. And I think you've hit on why. I'm not a huge fan of pretty summery shoes or light colors or floaty dresses.

Anonymous

Hot weather is especially challenging for all the reasons you described and it sounds like we have a similar formula for the rest of the year. Around August, I feel like I get it just right..and then it's over.

Fabric makes a big difference in summer. Too stiff and I feel constrained, too slippery and I feel more naked than I'm comfortable with. Some texture can be nice but too much makes me feel hot, puffy looking and messy. There are so few individual pieces, each one has to be just so.

Last year I wore structured popover type blouses in cotton lawn with capri length cotton twill pants and I had two cotton silk drawstring waist flow-y type dresses that worked especially well too.

shiny

Veteran

I used to fear summer dressing, but then I found a solution that works for me: dresses.

My summer casual uniform therefore is a knit dress with sandals (flat or wedge). White or blue denim jacket as topper for AC/cool evenings. Long necklace or no necklace. Cute handbag. Done. So easy!

Specifically, knit dresses from ON (petites). I look for the scoop neck style in midi or maxi length. Last summer I also added in tee shirt swing style dresses and two shirt dresses. I refresh every year about this time, when the pickings are best (and also so that I'm ready if we happen to hop on a plane and head south). Though if you wait for a sale you can get quite a bargain. No maxi so far this year; I went for midi lengths instead. I love that I'm very consistent SP in ON dresses, and that they offer a wide range of styles and colors in petites. Huge plus in my book!

The ON dresses aren't expensive and I know they will last only about a season, two, tops. Which means I think nothing about slathering on the sunscreen or wearing them as cover-ups to the beach. I did buy a cute (and more pricey) Jcrew striped midi last season, thinking it would be better quality, but ya know, knits are knits. So I won't be doing that again....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have to run, Lisa - busy day - but I wanted to reassure you that others share your concerns for Summer dressing (it comes up EVERY year).

The first set of people who come to mind as stylish inspirations are the forum ladies who live in Australia and NZ. They have very hot weather for half the year and do not freeze in a/c (most of the time anyway). Think of how well Debs from Oz wears drape! She is Queen Knitted Hard Edge Drape and never wears jeans. Then there's Brooklyn, Caro, Anne, Sally, Coco, and I'm blanking at the rest of our Auzzie group - don't mean to leave anyone out! You are all fabulous. Look at their Summer outfits.

There use to be a strong TX forum group too, but they don't post WIWs that often anymore. They dressed for hot weather SO WELL. I was in awe.

We used to have ladies that posted their outfits from Dubai and Singapore, and good grief - that type of humid heat is HECTIC IN THE EXTREME. We still have Maneera from India though. Look at her outfits too.

We also have are Southern California forum contingent who dress extremely well in their hot Summers.

Then there's Sylvia from 40plusstyle who lives in Singapore and ALWAYS looks fabulous. That's hard to do in that type of relentless heat. My hat off to her.

To answer your question - no - I do not fear Summer dressing one bit. I LOVE IT. I would wear dresses and skirts a lot more if our weather was hotter. I'd also wear sleeveless tops! Southern CA would be my ideal dressing climate. I have great resistance to the heat, but none what so ever to the cold. And yes - as a Canadian you can laugh at me complaining about the cold city I live in. It's all relative!

Anonymous

Shiny - great solution for you! I don't go for knit dresses for casual days - again, they'd require heavy-duty Spanx and that I'm just not going to do . I do wear dresses from Lululemon or other gear-type places (golf and tennis dresses) but I'm really trying to make my shorts/tshirt look better. I'm tired of looking like a boxy blob in summer even just around the house.

Una - I know what you mean. I don't do pretty either - makes me feel like a bull in a china shop.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course you do Pretty, Lisa - your way. You adorn your outfits with jewellery because it's pretty - and that's also why you love make-up. Wave to Peri. (And we posted at the same time. Look at my long comment above yours).

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am a lover of the third completer piece and live in a very hot humid area. Since I am in air conditioning a lot I can wear them a lot. In the past few seasons I've gotten quite a few vests, kimonos, shrugs and lighter weight spring cardigans and even button ups left open over a tank and knotted at the waist. I have already added a few years for the coming season. I am not much for semi tucking, but do love knotting shirts in place of that. Summer is the toughest season but I feel like I am finally getting there!

Anonymous

For me, the problem with summer is that it's too hot to add that fab 3rd piece to an outfit.

catgirl

Veteran

Angie, when I think summer pretty, I think more delicate necklaces and shoes, florals and chiffons, etc. These just don't sit well with me. I love Shiny's idea of a knit dress, which I also do, or a knit skirt and oversized top/tee. I also wore my lightweight patterned joggers quite a bit last summer. Fortunately, our summers are never THAT hot. Like you, I thrive in heat (and humidity) - I am a hothouse flower in a hardy spruce tree environment.

Deborah is a role model for me for summer dressing my way!

Inge

(website)

Definitely not alone, Lisa! I count myself lucky that I live in Belgium where Summers are mild (or sometimes just plain chilly) with few really hot days. I do not do well in hot weather, and admire all the YLF ladies in hot climates who dress so fab every day.

Having said that, I do actually think that dresses could be your friend. I totally get that you don't want anything clingy or even form-fitting , but (woven) sack and cocoon dresses in modern/avant-garde silhouettes could be the breezy and easy-to-wear solution. They will look especially fab with your amazing jewellery, gorgeous hair and make-up and brilliant footwear collection.

COS is one place that always seems to do interesting dresses, definitely worth keeping an eye on. (a few examples below, some are older picks, so no longer available in stores, I included them just to give you an idea.)

Draped layer dress

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Voluminous cocoon dress

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Oversized shirt dress

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Oversized jersey dress

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Shirt dress with slits

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Cocoon style dress

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Denim-look shirt dress

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Standing collar dress

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Drawstring shirt dress

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Textured A-line dress

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Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I year ya Lisa! I do find it easier to dress in the cooler months, especially as I love jacket/blazers and booties. However two years ago I found two forgiving jersey knit dresses (my drape front EF dresses) and before that, the VC tube skirts that changed all of that.

I could pop a jacket over the dresses for AC protection, but comfortably wore them without a jacket when in the heat. The tube skirts could be combined with a more flowing blouse and sandals.

I think Inge is on to something with the COS dresses - something a bit edgy but cool could work very well for you. They aren't what I would call typically pretty. What about tube skirts with an edgy top and peep toe sandal booties?

Sal

Veteran

I can see where you are coming from Lisa - I don't share the same problem because I love summer fabrics and stylings, but I can see how layering, and a third piece, adds so much to your style. And while we have hot weather, I don't think we have weeks of the extreme heat you have.

I could see you in some of Brooklyn's or Deborah's looks, with pendants as an interest pieces.

Here are some musings - welcome to ignore:

I don't have your lovely legs and struggle with shorts- I have found loose harems with a drapey tank a comfortable and somewhat stylish weekend look. I am wearing shorts today and have matched them to my tank top, and when I go out I will add a pendant and some flat sandals.

I love maxi dresses and midi dresses, they do exist that are not too boho.

A jumpsuit - column of colour can be flattering.

Brooklyn wore a side split tunic over a skirt, would that look work for you?

Tanya

Veteran

I think that the majority of us suffers with summer dressing to some degree. I live in very hot and humid climate int he summer, yet my work place dress code is very restrictive ( no skirts, open-toes shoes etc.). So I am always struggling to hit the right balance - outfits that are comfy, adhere to the dress code and feel like me are not that easy to put together.

On the hottest days, my favorite formula is to layer a vest over a sleeveless silk/cotton fluid blouse, worn with either BF jeans or silk track-pants.

Astrid

Veteran

I also have problems with summer dressing. My cold weather looks just don't translate well to hot weather dressing! My big goal for 2016 is a decent spring and summer wardrobe. I'm thinking of looking for dresses. I also just ordered the pair of linen bermuda shorts below. If they fit and look alright they will hopefully help to start a decent capsule.

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Aida

Veteran

If this is the way you enjoy dressing in non-summer:

Long over lean, blurring my bust and midsection with heavy and drapey
knits, and generally wearing leggings, ponte pants or skirted leggings
when I'm not wearing jeans.

.. I think it's absolutely possible to carry most over to summer. However, to keep as crisp/sharp though you'll likely have to replace the drapey knits with drapey WOVENS in natural fibers/blends; the lighter weight knit materials that are prevalent for summer wear just won't give you the substantial coverage you get from heavier knitwear in fall/winter. A long woven tunic tank over cropped leggings and interesting sandals will look a lot sharper than a loose tee over shorts.

You could also swap the heavy knitwear for a few layers of very light jersey (again natural fibers), the semi-sheer stuff that's everywhere, which can look lovely and arty and ethereal when piled on; when it's light enough it'll feel similar to normal jersey. This is something I would like to do more of myself.

And if you're out of the interesting third piece option, then it becomes much more critical to find summer pieces with interesting design details built in. E.g. asymmetry, exposed seams, beading/embroidery, prints or printed sections, mixed media, etc.

Are you outside a lot when it's hot? I think the type of summer clothing necessary for actual outdoor active needs is quite different from office or home wear. And of course finding outfits that will work for both is a challenge as well. This is my main summer challenge! Finding an outfit that will take me, say, from breakfast at a restaurant to dirt bike riding in the mountains to a backyard BBQ with friends.

missvee

Veteran

I find summer dressing hard too - you need more clothes, they need washing more often, and the humidity - well let's just say it's no friend to me. I had a light bulb moment though last year, looking at some of Janet's posts. Even in the Texas heat she looked great, and the key to her outfits seemed to be pairing an interesting top ( drapey, ruched, asymmetrical, printed etc. ) with an equally interesting pair of shoes. This formula seemed to work well regardless of the middle piece - shorts, skirt, cropped pants or jeans - they all looked good.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Right there with you. I dread summer dressing, and I just can't seem to pull off that chic, minimal "who needs a third piece?" look. I'm going to try adding some prints this summer to see if that helps bring in a little more visual interest. Also, since I've had good luck with hats, I plan to try a light one as my third. It won't work indoors, but the sun protection factor makes it practical outside. Who knows if it will work, but it's a plan, at least.

AJ

Veteran

(Links are for the pics, don't worry about the post.)

During my long, hot summers, statement earrings, hats, and fun sandals make tees and shorts more interesting:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....is-spot-on

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....w-wildcard

Cotton shift dresses are great:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-favorites

I also try to find colorful shorts and/or interesting tops:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-the-it

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....be-summary

Author Linda

Veteran

Summer has always been a challenge for me. I'm fluffier than I would like to be and like you I prefer looser, flowy clothing. For many years I simply wore jeans in summer and toughed it out. :-/ Last year I took some hints from YLF and experimented a bit.

What worked for me were white crops (denim and linen), other crops, and a few interesting tops. One has an interesting back. I'm looking forward to wearing it again! I found favorite summer stripes and colors. I like sporty looks, so tees fit my style. So did a couple of summery dresses (one knee length and one midi) I could just wear around the house or dress up just enough for a fun evening with the spouse or friends.

The most exciting thing for me was investing in shoes. Metallic sandals. Slip on sneakers in fun colors as well as black and white. Interesting footwear really brightened up my outfits, which as you can see above aren't necessarily special in themselves. The shoes usually make my summer outfits.

You're getting some great advice and I hope you have fun finding your happy zone for summer.

Style Fan

Veteran

You can count me in on the summer dread group. I have one pair of summer shorts. One. I thought looking for jeans was hard. I forgot about the nightmare of shorts.
The best shorts for my legs and I have no idea why are loose linen ones that are half way up my thighs. Longer and my legs look awful. Not tight ones. Not too short. They have to be just right.
I wish I still sewed. I would just make a pattern and sew some more.

JAileen

Veteran

I grew up in a foggy part of the San Francisco Bay Area. So my problem with summer is I just don't like the heat. I really love the fog. Well, I don't live there anymore, and I don't work, so most of the time it doesn't matter what I wear. In fact, most of the time it's better that I don't wear nice things because I'm dog walking, gardening, or whatever, and I'm sweating because it's really hot. I am trying to get some nice new sandals, and a few new sleeveless tops. (I think my arms look fine, even in my 50s). I have a few Eileen Fisher tops that are a step above my usual tee, and a few pairs of cropped pants. (I hope they still fit!!!) So if I need a third piece, I might wear bold earrings.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Una, I believe that Pretty can mean ALL sorts of things - and not just what you are describing. You actually like pretty bright colours - and wear them. That's pretty your way.

I'm nodding along with Inge, Aida, Tanya and Sally.

Aquamarine

Veteran

No real suggestions, other than to commiserate. I heartily dislike summer dressing the older I get. Getting it right is just so much WORK. .

rachylou

Veteran

That is a really good way to put it... My style doesn't quite exist in summer wear. I'm dark and spooky (in what I like to think is a cheerful and light way) but summer is strong, sporty, bright, and open. What I want to wear for the heat in summer are cotton sundresses and I end up looking like I'm going for a picnic in 1950. I'm dark and spooky, not rockabilly!

Last summer tho I think I got the basis of a happy-making summer wardrobe. D&G had a Spanish moment which inspired me and I was pretty happy for once! Lots of black, red and white; a little lace; some of those Spanish tiers; touches of heavier ornamentation to counteract my addiction to gingham; a little more bombshell overall in thought (something I'm a bit averse to). Well, I mean, the Inquisition was dark and spooky, right? ('No one expects the Inquisition!')

Beth Ann

Veteran

Another shout out for woven fabrics for summer heat! I also love a two pieced dressed, or one with waist seaming or a drawstring. These details give a little bit of shape and cover to my waistline.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

lisap - I think your style is dressier and probably edgier than mine but I have found some things to work for me in the real heat of summer. For me, I am used to the heat so I still wear my light weight jeans when it's in the 80's. But once it starts reaching 90's and over, not so much.

I like sleeveless drapey tanks like the soft leopard print one I got from Current Elliott worn semi tucked into tan shorts with tan sandals and I might carry a white slub cotton topper for A/C. I also have a Boho style burgundy tank that gets a lot of wear and can be left untucked for sort of a tunic look over slim cut offs. A line tanks and tees are also an option but harder to find (for me at least).

I also wear a couple of linen button downs untucked over shorts (jcrews linen button downs are leaner and look "neater" to me than some others I've tried) I like to leave the last button undone to create an upside down V at the bottom. I find that navy linen in particular is great (to me) because the wrinkling is less noticeable).

I do resort to denim cut offs (slim fit, not tight, but not BFs either) because I'm such a jeans gal and I love blue - this year I may focus on outfits with less color (on purpose) like dark denim shorts with a navy tee and navy sandals.

I don't wear a lot of heavy jewelry but I do often wear multiple bracelets (only stretch or linked, no hard cuffs or things that done move and give). I typically wear only a small pendant necklace - most people would call them "dainty" I suppose but not "girly".

Current/Elliott 'The Muscle Tee' Print Tank

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Embroidered Tank

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Long cotton-linen boy shirt

Sale

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AviaMariah

Veteran

I always look forward to summer dressing because it gives me a chance to dress a little different that how I do in colder weather. I look forward to pretty skirts, dresses etc. The problem arises every year when I realize that I can't wear my summer wardrobe without ruining it with a topper because 5/7 days a week I freeze in a/c. I really despise a/c most of the time!! I get so frustrated when it's 90+ outside and I'm wearing my fleece jacket and have my under-the-desk heater running.

shiny

Veteran

To each her own, Lisa!

I am not a fan of shorts for me, and waistbands drive me nuts, especially in the summer. I do not wear Spanx, EVER, and not because I don't need to. I also do not ever wear synthetic undies in the summer -- too hot! Instead I wear cotton (key!) boy shorts that are on the higher waisted side (key!), so they don't leave any bulges around the waist. Finding just the right undies unleashed the world of summer dresses for me. The undies do no sucking in at all, but there's something about a long column of dress that somehow works on me... even though I've got serious apple midsection. I don't think I look like a boxy blob either.

Here's my summer casual capsule, which I've just refreshed in the last couple of weeks. Half are items that can make it through one more season, half are new additions to replace items that have seen better days (some of which are now resigned to beach cover-ups only). Beach capsule/gear is another story, as is work clothes.

The midis are not skin tight -- they show a figure but grace forgivingly over the blob bier bits. The swing dresses and shirt dresses work, I think, because they are on the shorter side, above the knee.

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Anonymous

Wow - so much to read after getting back to the office! Thanks all for chiming in here - really wonderful comments to go through.

Una - that's how I see "pretty" too - and my goal is always to look sophisticated and fashion-forward, not pretty in those terms. Even in casual clothes, I want to look I at least read a magazine now and then

Inge - thank you SO much for all the COS ideas. That's a little more up my alley and what I would wear on a work day in the summer. My issues are more for truly casual wear - as Stylefan put it - the nightmare of shorts.

Shannon - those are great work ideas, and I can usually manage a decent look for those days - it's off-days that stump me.

Isabel and Aida - you've got something there with a woven top instead of a knit for summer. That's something I never really considered - wovens not being particularly movement-friendly, but with the right piece......and now I want a crisp cotton popover top (a la JCrew from last summer , right?)

Sally - you know, I've never owned a pair of harem pants. I've always been scared of them, despite really liking them on other people. There is a blogger - Kelly Framel from The Glamourai- who wears the sexiest drop-crotch pants and shorts and looks SO good, but she's a tiny skinny woman and so pretty and definitely feminine looking . I have never even seen harem pants in any store I shop in - I should give this idea a second look , or at least try a pair on.

Astrid - yes to the idea of linen shorts! You'll look fantastic in them. I look like a bagged out blob in linen bottoms:)

Aida - yes to your last paragraph. On casual days, dresses can sometimes be too precious in terms of needing to make sure my legs are together and I'm not sprawled out on a lawn chair I also like the idea of "piling on " sheer jersey knits. Need to find these pieces. Any thoughts on brands you've seen ? That, and tunics over cropped leggings are maybe my solution. I love being outside when it's warm and take every chance I can to do so - getting some colour on my legs, puttering in the garden, reading in the sunroom , etc . I guess at this age, cut-offs should be relegated to the lawn-mowing capsule. Lol.

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