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Summer Dressing Lessons

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Unlike in other parts of the world, this summer was cool by Southern California standards--the lowest average temperatures of the past ten years. It still got hot, with plenty of days over 90°. Those kinds of highs, at least, seem to have finally come to an end and I've been looking forward to autumn and thinking about what I learned over the summer.

Some lessons to take into next year:

1. I'm not a Vans girl. As happy as I've been embracing breezy West Coast style, it turns out Vans were a step too far. I loved the look of my Vans, but after more than a dozen wears, they never broke in and still give me blisters with every wear. I am back to my beloved Chuck Taylors and---this is exciting--cognac leather is back in the custom lineup! I ordered a new pair last week, differing from my old pair only in that these have gold (!) eyelets.

2. I don't have enough lightweight toppers. For all but the hottest days, a tried and true formula for me is a sleeveless top or dress with an interesting topper. I have many toppers that work for transitional or cooler weather, but really only one that's truly lightweight. I'm on the lookout for more and have already ordered the one below to try.

3. I'm still finding a need for both uniform dressing pieces AND arty/interesting options. Some days I wake up wanting to pattern mix and experiment and other days I'm happy to wear jeans and a black top. My wardrobe needs to be built around having BOTH these options available, and I'm finding if I limit myself to a few formulas, I can fulfill both those needs while still maintaining a closet small enough that it doesn't make me itchy.

What did you learn from this season's dressing?

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26 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Irina

Veteran

Jenn, hope the topper works for you, it looks great and the color is lovely.

Our summer was cooler than usual and my lesson is stop buying summer things like you live in the warmer climate! I love summer dressing and tend to overbuy. I’m enjoying some of my linen pieces now on vacation in Crete

Runcarla

Veteran

Make a seat for me on the Converse bench, Jenn! I picked up a pair of Ecco’s ‘cause they’re such a great bookend for my hair, but I don’t love the ‘feel’ of them as much as my Chucks.

This summer has been a good one for me. I felt like I got the items right (lots of linen and light weight performance fabrics) for hot weather, and outfits were easy to put together and consistently comfortable. A late summer purchase - cotton barkcloth Hawaiian shirt - became a workhorse when used as a topper for outfits.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glad the CA Summer was not unbearably hot, Jenn. Same in Seattle, WA, which is welcome after three VERY hot Summers. The heat went to Europe and the UK instead.

Go Team Chucks! Soooo with you. Goodbye to shoes that give you blisters.

Go Team Summer Topper! I'm with you. You need them at some point - even if it's to combat wretchedly too cold a/c.

Go Team Mood Dresser! It's fab how you've got a solution which adequately panders to your changing outfit moods

As soon as my desk top is back in running order, I'll share what I learned about my travel capsule in Greece - with pics! In short: sleeveless dresses and shorts are problematic during a hot sunny day. Stay tuned.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Great summary and review of your summer experience. The two dressing moods makes a lot of sense.

Kind of in contrast, my major lesson was that I don’t often feel like changing my look. In fact, I’ve worn fewer pieces this summer than the past few when I had less to do socially. For example, I wore only 1/3 of my shorts. The black, dark chambray, faded rust and gray were the ones seeing every day use. Maybe that’s because they matched with my chosen tops. As to tops, several of my sleeveless tees weren’t even worn, but probably because it wasn’t sweltering and short sleeves weren’t too warm. As to the tops I did wear, I stuck to the five-eight favorites most weeks.

I’m trying to figure out why all this is. No way will I purge my sleeveless tops because the last two summers, I couldn’t bear sleeves. My colorful (red, bright navy, yellow, olive) shorts are in great shape, in style, and fit well, so they are all staying. I only wore a couple of my old summer dresses, but maybe because I bought one new which I wore several times. I guess I’ll have to wait and see what next year brings.

Sisi

Veteran

The kimono is lovely and I'm glad that you have been able to find again your beloved shoes. What you say about having two formulas is interesting. I also have days when I want to look more "elegant" and days when I'm happy with a very simple, casual outfit. What I learned during my super hot, sultry Summer is that I need very few Summer pants - they are too hot most of the time. I had better to look seriously for breezy dresses, but due to my picky taste I have difficulties in finding the right Summer dress.

pirouette

I learnt that I need very few summer clothes. We had a very wet summer even by our standards!! I only actually wore summer clothes on about 6 days from May till September. I keep a small capsule as I have family in southern France and often visit but rarely in summer as intense heat is very difficult for me to tolerate.

Ginger

Veteran

These are pretty interesting lessons, Jenn. I'm glad you tried the Converse, and now you know to stick with Chucks! I don't really use toppers in the summer since it's all hot, but I fully understand needing all kinds and weights of toppers in other seasons. I hope the kimono works for you.

What I learned: I get tired of the high heat (highs 95-110) when I don't find joy in the same clothes any more. There are 10-12 simple lightweight dresses in my current rotation, including a few additions in August. There've been over 80 days of high heat, and even allowing for some shorts days, I've worn these dresses 7, 8, 9 times since June. Plus I wore them before it got super hot, in May and earlier June. I'm so tired of them! Even my favorites! I've tried to vary up the formula with new jewelry (but I didn't find anything I really liked) and new hairstyles (not flattering or successful).

I'm not sure how to solve that. Each year I tend to buy a few new dresses, and sometimes they're pretty nice and almost as light as the ones I make. The ones I found this year were very pretty but not as cool. Mostly I'm fed up with the heat continuing into early October. I wish I could find another way to manage these summers.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, the footwear. Those are hard (expensive) lessons to learn. I made a poor choice of sneakers, too, (EOS -- so comfy in the store!!) and got blisters all summer from trying to break them in...with different insoles, socks, bandaids, etc. No luck so far. Might have to donate.

Really glad your preferred Cons are back and you can get them, and hope the lighter topper also works.

(Funny -- two items that work well for you -- Cons and kimonos -- are two I absolutely cannot wear! )

My summer wardrobe worked really well, overall. But there were a few items that did not get as much wear as I had expected -- the BR striped top, and the linen skirt. Each got four or five outings, but neither was a favourite. The top, I think, just didn't work with my denim very well, and I wasn't crazy about the fabric. And the skirt wasn't great on my bike, which I need, so I tended to leave it in favour of those I could wear more easily for such jaunts.

And the blue sleeveless top got so many wears, it developed holes -- I'm not sure how! I'm sad about it because I don't think it s mendable. And it was a true workhorse.

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slim cat

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Nice new topper and fun shoes!
I've added more lightweight summer toppers - very light rayon shirts worn open with rolled sleeves from Marshall's. They are white with a bit ( or more ) black print in some whimsical jungle print - if it could be described that way . I wore it through hot August and September with denim shorts, long skirts or black jeans on cooler days. The second pic is more for fun since I took the other shirt ( less “wild” in print ) for total of 3 .

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Star

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I have found I am also a mood dresser in summer. Some days I feel like a plain black tee and a simple bottom, and another day I feel like a bright. Good plan to accommodate these whims/needs without overloading the closet! I just wish I had joined YLF many years ago and learned these valuable lessons then.

I did not really learn any lessons this summer as having gained weight I was restricted to a smaller number of clothes that still fit and they served me well. Maybe the hidden lesson there is that I really need much less than I have.

Slimcat I love those toppers.

unfrumped

Veteran

I learned I “ need” a couple of low- profile sneakers in addition to my chunkier running shoes. I got some khaki barrel pants & loose- straight chinos , ankle length, & don’t like the bulkier shoes with those silhouettes. I have Softino tweed fabric shoe tgat works & wore those a lot. Most lower- profile sneaks are too flat over the toe, leathers are too tight & not comfortable ( Ecco’s don’t work, for example). Also I don’t like a rigid flat sole— need more pushy- off flex in soles. Last time I wore a rigid Sperry I partially tore my hamstring! Tried some Rag & Bone suede sneaks from NAS -Janet got some—but was between sizes and when tried to reorder a certain color, we’re gone. Also that “ need” is for a kind of beigy- tan color for a capsule of “ warmer” summer color palette.

I, too, need very light toppers in high summer, and now during heat wave of 95 degrees, for grocery store or restaurant or any a/c. I bought THREE unlined linen trucker types , a lavender, a black, and cheetah print, plus already had a white, and have worn all. Just rotate according to main outfit and mood. So hope those work next year also.

cat2

Veteran

What I learned this Summer is that the casual tees I panic bought for pandemic WFH are a mixed bag. I was trying to order from as few vendors as possible. Some have been great additions and others not so much. The donate bag is going to be a bit bigger than usual.

rachylou

Veteran

I hear you about lightweight toppers! But I’m not sure about details, because you’re right - this was an usually cool summer. We had zero hot nights up north here, no 100 degree days, no heat wave weeks. No mornings made dark by wildfire smoke. I didn’t wear any of my high summer clothes. And funny about Vans - I rarely wear mine. They’re so cute, but frankly my Puma sandals have rendered all my other shoes obsolete because they are sooo comfortable. I’ve been debating whether to toss out everything else, lol.

Helena

Veteran

I love the mindfulness that you bring to your wardrobe and style Jenn. these insights are a perfect example of it. Well done!

Dee

Veteran

Yes no need to suffer from blisters when you’ve got some excellent alternatives.
What I learned about my summer dressing habits this year:

I rarely wear dresses, I have plenty already, no need for any more.
I’m a sandals girl, I don’t like my feet enclosed in summer.
I like loose longer shorts/ crops and my tops untucked.
I don’t enjoy wearing high waists in summer, feels too confining.

DonnaF

Veteran

I learned that I only need true hot weather clothing if/when I go out of town, and even then my need is tempered if I will be in A/C. I stopped buying sleeveless items, and now I need to stop buying short sleeve ones unless they are easily layered over. I think I run colder every year. Plus, this year we had only a couple days in the 80s and none in the 90s.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Slimcat, those are GREAT toppers!!

Sal

Veteran

Sometimes with footwear that is how it goes. And at least you can get the converse that you want now:) But it is frustrating.

I too rotate very basic FFBO with more interesting ones. The outfits are different and for me this is mostly in winter - jeans, puffer vest, boots and some sort of merino has been a common outfit.

My lessons so far in 2023 re clothing are:

1) Don't make a decision based on one season alone. I have gone on and off pieces within a year. A cool summer has different needs than a hot one. So for me - just because I rarely wore my summer dresses in 22/23 does not mean that will be the case in 23/24. I am making more use of my holding zone.

2) I seem to be off scarves as an accessory. I haven't worn them much this year at all - and often only as a pure warmth piece. I am putting them pretty much all away in storage for summer (I am not a summer scarf person) and will see how I go next year.

3) Likewise my simple booties got a lot less wear. I wore either my practical lace ups, my knee high boots or sneakers. The three pairs of simple ankle boots were neglected. One pair has finally after 11 years given up the ghost and the other two are put in storage now until next year.

Hope that lovely draped topper works Jenn - and - Slimcat - what fantastic shirts those are on you!!

Star

Veteran

Rachylou I have Puma gum soles and they are my most comfortable shoes. Cannot where anything else currently when going for a city walk.

rachylou

Veteran

Yes, Star! Right?!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am several steps behind you and still haven't managed to find a sneaker I prefer to leather shoes. I have some that work for certain occasions, including Converse. Vans have never worked on me at all either.
Anyway, love the new potential topper for you. Around here it is still definitely summer - highs are just in the upper 80s instead of low 90s. My summer is lesson is to continue to focus on thin cotton long sleeve! tops in the heat. And trying to find higher necklines too. Sun beating on my skin is just not where I want to be.

ChristelJ

Veteran

Valuable insights all around. Love the new flowing topper, Jenn. I hope it works for you.

Looking back, I realized my few maxi skirts were cool and airy in the high heat and the coverage and slightly dressy feeling were pleasing. More long skirts or dresses would be welcome as a change from denim shorts.
Another realization was that my summer toppers must be linen. Anything else is too warm.

Cute rayon shirts, Slimcat.

Jonesy

Veteran

Very good lessons! I too cannot wear Vans, though I am always tempted because I love the style. Those cognac leather Cons are wonderful.

My lesson was one I seem to need to learn each year: I work from home all summer and am outside whenever I can, doing heavy-duty yard work and gardening, so I really don't need any "nice" clothes at all!

Jules

Veteran

My summer lesson is always the same - that there are no lessons Our summer is so short (about 3 months max) with such long stretches in between that very rarely does a workhorse from one season get the same wear the next. It’s very easy to overbuy when summer clothes seem to be in store longer than the actual season (this year I bought my first item at Zara in March albeit in Paris and could still see similar items in store in Toronto in August!).

This year I was back to the office so purchased accordingly (linen suiting separates). But, at the office 2-3 days a week, minus 3 weeks vacation/casual cottage time does not necessitate a full office wardrobe, more of a small capsule. I loved the graphic patterns trend and got two pieces at Zara that served me well, but have no illusions I will feel the same about them next summer. So I’m glad I resisted the more expensive version of the trend I saw first.

I guess there are a couple of small lessons in there after all

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Joy

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Summer lessons..I find dresses the best for hot weather but find it hard to find new ones. Most that are long enough are too bare on top with spaghetti stapes and/or plunging necklines. I may end up removing sleeves of dresses. Two piece dresses were impossible to find. The best is plain watermelon and a linen/cotton mix of fabric. It does not have a lightweight topper that matches, so I use my trusty white linen unlined trucker jacket.
Summer footwear. I really wear out espadrilles or other fabric shoes. I learned that backless shoes do not stay on my feet. Everyone has lots of sandals which I am not allowed to wear. Buy during off season.

Bijou

Veteran

I learned that I like wearing soft or unstructured jackets. I like warm without heaviness and have favoured wearing my pink jacket this winter.
I am really fussy when it comes to cardigans, the only cardigan that I wear is my soft and warm black cardigan.

My most worn item this winter has been my denim dress that I have worn with various tops and blouses layered underneath. It feels casual enough to wear for a day at home, but also dressy enough to feel great when out and about.

A dress that I bought but have yet to wear is the striped, red dress. I need to be very careful when buying stripes as whilst I love them on others, I find stripes are the pattern I am least likely to wear. I will have to make a concerted effort to get that dress in rotation.

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