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Summer dressing while being true to your style.

Anonymous

This is all Carla's fault, and now Helena added to the problem I'm thinking ahead to spring and summer dressing . Every year I run into this issue: what to wear casually /at home in the heat (so less of an issue in spring but still...) while honouring my personal style and not losing myself to a look that just isn't mine. Does this make sense?

T-shirts are such a ubiquitous spring and summer staple, yet I don't really look that good in them . Spring t-shirts - like a striped bateau neck - are easier because the cotton is usually a heaver weight, but come summer, lightweight basic t's and tanks are just, well, frumpy and sloppy looking on me. Sure, I could wear tech/quick dry tanks in synthetics from North Face or Columbia, for example, but that overall look isn't really me . Nor is going all full-on boho, either. It's easy to buy what's out there, but you sacrifice style and what you want to look like just to be comfortable. No more! I have a small collection of cheap tshirts from Joe Fresh , ON and Gap and I've decided I don't want to go down that path anymore. I'd rather buy a very few fabulous tops to wear over and over again than continue on with the cheap t-shirt routine.

I don't even know what I want- that's where I'm asking for thoughts. Is it possible to dress well in the summer and still be comfortable ? Linen - meh. Can get wrinkly and baggy , but is ok once in awhile. I'm curious about something banded/welted that would look more polished with shorts, yet not too "missy".

I find it much easier to dress in a way that makes me feel like "me" in fall and winter when I can layer, add third piece, wear jewellery and scarves, whereas in summer.......all that is too much .

What do you all wear in the heat?

General

63 replies

Latest reply was from Jenava

Anonymous

St James has a lightweight version of their classic Bretons in unisex style and also a women’s cut

Tanya

Veteran

I don't think I can help that much here as, during normal years, I spend the majority of my time in AC-ed office where the dress code is pretty formal, so very different requirements. However, during my off hours, I like to wear the following ( I am not a shorts fan for myself):
1) Breezy, swishy midi dresses, natural fabrics
2) T-shirt dresses, also midis
3) Midi skirts with an interesting top, e.g linen tank, graphic tee, some element of current trend (this summer it would be a bit of cutout)
4) Longer vest (my favorite is in white linen) worn over sleeveless tops, summer version of blazer
5) Cropped silk cargos, joggers, cropped linen pants with some interest to them; especially in shades of olive

6) Edgier sandals

rachylou

Veteran

This does make sense and is something I really struggle with. My personal issue is that I like ‘a little bit of angry’ somewhere (thus my love of punk), but find it impossible to get in summer clothing. I truly do not know. Wear more army green? I look forward to the ideas on this thread!

Sisi

Veteran

In the real heat - I mean, when the temperature goes above 30C - I can only wear breezy, fluid dresses in cotton jersey and nice but practical sandals. T-shirts need pants or skirts and when it is too hot I cannot stand the feeling of a waistband. If it is reasonably hot, then a t-shirt with fluid pants (I have no more Summer skirts at the moment). I also have and continue wearing an old white short-sleeve shirt made in the softest, most breathable cotton, a sort of muslin.. Every year I hope to find another shirt like that. It is one of my unicorns.

Sheryl

I really like shirtdresses in the summer. My favorites are from Frank&Eileen and I always wait for a sale. I also have one from Alex Mill. Naadam does what they call summerweight cashmere, which is a blend of silk and cashmere, that breathes really well - I've worn it in 30 degree weather comfortably. We have dry heat in the Okanagan. I also have t-shirt type dresses from American Giant. I think maybe you'd enjoy higher-quality items in summer, perhaps, then what you've worn in the past. They feel better, I find, so you feel better.

JAileen

Veteran

I like wearing sleeveless tops with crops or, more recently, a skort, in the heat. And it gets pretty hot here - two months in the 90s. I’ve found some tops from Macy’s (Karen Scott) that are a nice soft cotton, with a highish neck. I hate low cut tops, and having to worry about leaning over. These from Macy’s are inexpensive, too, so if something happens, I don’t feel too bad. Things happen when you have two dogs, not to mention how much I sweat when I’m walking or bike riding. I just looked online, and I don’t see any. I hope they haven’t discontinued them.

Irina

Veteran

I have an answer but you might not like it - Eileen Fisher’s cotton or silk tops
I ordered two silk shirts from Everlane but the style is probably too oversized for you. And I have one white cotton top from EF that I wear on repeat.

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Runcarla

Veteran

Sorry ‘bout that! Two lessons learned last summer have informed my summer strategy regarding tops. #1 crew necks don’t suit my broad shoulders and modest bust, and #2 when it’s really hot woven cotton (button downs) are most comfortable. So, regardless of what’s fashionable or trending, I’m looking to add a couple of sleeveless button downs. I’m looking at solid white, and dressy patterns (vs ditsy prints or plaids). I think the ‘look’ is a tad dressier due to tailoring and crispness, even when paired with shorts for around the house, and the V neckline breaks up my broad shoulder line. Examples below.

The button downs have the added benefit of a collar that can be ‘popped’ which creates a nice vertical line, and is extra protection from the sun. You can find ‘no iron’ versions as well.

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SarahD8

Veteran

Lisa, what about playing up your golf heritage? I feel like those tech tanks might work if they were juxtaposed with more polished items rather than just a full-on hiking outfit. Like maybe the kind of skort or tailored short that you might see on the links? Or when it's too hot for such bottoms, maybe a drapey, breezy pair of linen-blend shorts? (this is taking us away from the golf idea but still preserves the non-hiking-gear juxtaposition)

JAileen

Veteran

This is what I’m talking about, just a different brand.

https://www.macys.com/shop/pro.....992&C

ETA: Ugh - I just realized this isn’t cotton. Who thought this was a good design?

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slim cat

Veteran

Midi skirt with old linen graphic tee ( JCrew ), sleeveless white button down worn open over dark tank top with shorts, big oversized collared shirt in rayon ( supposed to be beach cover up - almost see-through ) worn with rolled sleeves over sleeveless tee-shirt dress. Metallic sandals, earrings, straw hat, bracelets.
Still looking for lightweight white jacket with cropped shape and structure. Too many oversized sloppy shapes that do nothing for me pop up all the time .

Helena

Veteran

Happy to be of service *bows dramatically*

No great brand recos, but Pink Martini did cross my mind for having potentially some pieces that span cool, comfortable, polished and a little more sophisticated in styling relative to the usual t-shirts?

This may not address it at all, but I also think a potential challenge for you is that your most comfortable style zone (as I understand it at least) is sort of in opposition to what's on offer for summer ... you look and seem to feel great in moody dark neutrals and earth tones, minimalistic base layers, and edgy details - vs. summers brights, punchy tones and patterns.

Your last WIW was so good and I can see a summer version of that being a great summer uniform, even if it's not stereotypically summery ... super-light-weight joggers in a dark neutral tone, sandals, lightweight black drapey tee/tank, lightweight layering piece if weather permits, or jewellery if not. Awesome nails and makeup as per usual.

Of course, in the depth of summer, like winter, all bets are off and it's style out the window and every man for himself!!

LaPed

Veteran

It took me a long time to wrap my head around having an actual summer wardrobe with defined style goals, rather than just a handful of tees and some cut-off jeans. What I had to come to terms with was that my persona was going to be different in the summer: less woodsy, more beachy, but not full-on preppy/nautical. Casual, because I’ve spent most of my working life on a classroom schedule so I have a lot of flexibility and freedom in the summer and I want the way I dress to reflect/celebrate that.

I like Helena’s point about colour. I wear pretty much the same palette (olive, navy, rust, black, not-too-crisp white, some greys and browns) year-round with very small tweaks: more red/plum/burgundy in the winter, more pale blues and greens in the summer. What does change for me is silhouette and fabrication.

Without layers to add interest, I turn a lot more to proportions (voluminous skirts, tucked/knotted tops), fabrics with movement (silk) or texture (linen), and contrast (seeking out pops of white/bright/pastel via footwear and accessories). I probably have more patterned pieces for the summer because they’re less complicated to style when you don’t have to worry about layers and accessories. And a striped/gingham/whatever dress feels more complete as a one-and-done outfit than a solid colour would.

Figuring out how much/which bare skin you feel happy with, and then sticking to that regardless of what shop windows look like in July, is important too.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Woven tops? They're cooler than knits, anyway. You could go for a preppy vibe, or more of a boho one. Not sure how to make the athleisure angle work without it going too golf club - color choices help.

Anonymous

See Helena - you're no help at all You *are* right about the challenge being not into brights, patterns and traditional summer looks. Black drapey /assymetric tanks and t's are a fall-back look for sure.

SarahD8 - skorts are a godsend in summer too , and I do wear them a lot - especially for walking , biking etc. Maybe the sporty golf look is what I'm trying NOT to go for for my days around the house and off work?

Carla - I haven't worn a sleeveless shirt in years - might have to see what's out there. It's a little tomboyish /masculine for my style preferences though. They're not typically easy to fit for me either - bigger bust etc .

Irina - the EF tops are EXACTLY what I want! Yes, I know I'll have to spend, but I honestly don't mind if they are going to give me more of the sophisticated look I'm after. I swear if I see one more cheap tshirt .....
Do you wear them with shorts in the summer? Off to check out Everlane's tops too. I don't mind oversize if it's reigned in a bit. Are the two pics from EF?

I appreciate the dress/skirt suggestions too - but it's not really what I'm after. I'll wear a dress to work, but not everyday around the house.

cat2

Veteran

I think the key is not to abandon your palette or style just because it’s hot. I have two new sleeveless summer knit dresses that are army green and black with asymmetric hems; they are a lot more me than a symmetrical dress in a nautical stripe. I also have a couple of light weight athleisure midis in black to wear with knit tanks. The tanks are army green and last year’s cinnamon color. When you do a search, try limiting it to colors you actually like.

kkards

Veteran

Ok, I’m the wrong one to answer this, because i love tees, but wondering how you feel about knit linen instead of woven, i find it wrinkles less, but is really lightweight. Also seeing more and more lightweight wool tees and tanks and wondering if those would work better for you then a cotton tee.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I have no answers I find myself in the same space. I love my winter fall looks i know what to expect and Im comfortable even if i look meh to others. but summer spring has always had me searching reaching. I've found a few pieces that speak to me but not a w hole wardrobe. I'm going to read the other threads

nemosmom

Veteran

I could have written this post! I struggle SO much with summer dressing for all the reasons you mention - I need scarves and jackets to feel like myself, but that doesn't work in hot humid weather. I don't *like* the way I look in breathable sportswear, dresses, or shorts so that eliminates about 95% of what is available to wear in the heat.

I tend to be a jeans and tee wearer on days that I am home (which is like, every day anymore...).

One thing I found I reached for a LOT last year was lightweight (cotton or tencel) woven joggers, boilersuits and jumpsuits. Also, lightweight button-front shirts (with the sleeves rolled up). I wore the shirts so often that I added a couple of gauze-cotton shirts for this year. I paired it all with belts, and layered necklaces and bracelets for interest.

Here are some of my inspo pics for this year:

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Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Stretch Cotton Joggers

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Sanctuary Woven Joggers

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Kate

Veteran

In summer weather, the best tops for me are sleeveless rayon blouses—I have a quartet of them in neutral colors from Uniqlo that wear like iron and launder beautifully without ironing—or short sleeved cotton button up shirts. I have several in white and various shades of blue. The rayon tops look dressier than the cotton tops, and tend to be what I wear when I go downtown.

cat2

Veteran

Oh, on quality, I like Splendid and Lilla P. They don’t look much different on the page, but they are much better quality when you get them in hand.

Irina

Veteran

Lisa, white top is EF, the striped shirt is from Everlane, I’m waiting for another one to be delivered, the second one is in olive color.
I don’t wear shorts, instead I wear linen or silk pants.

I don’t have a lot of EF garments, sizing is a bit of a problem for me. I alway keep an eye on the Bay sales, most of my EF pieces are from there.

gryffin

Veteran

Lisa - I second Irina’s suggestion. EF. Two words for you “washable silk”. EF makes tee, tanks and camis on this material. It’s divine on the skin. Wash in mesh bag or quick rinse in Woolite. Hang to dry. They wear like iron. Also she has cropped tops in her jersey in crew and v neck. Check out if any of “the systems pieces” would work. Also favorites. Also J Crew Jackie shell or 3/4 sleeve tippi sweater is good. But not your favorite neck lines. Summer tops are hewi’s. EF and the jcrew Jackie shells are my go to.

Jorja

Lisa P. Have you shopped https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/. It’s EF’s lightly used clothing site at reduced prices. Irina’s EF top is there - didn’t check the size but it was $55.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

"Is it possible to dress well in the summer and still be comfortable?"

OF COURSE

I think it's a good idea to can take a closer look at these for inspiration:

The Artful Home
Deborah from "Stylish Murmurs" (who lives in a very hot climate)
J.Jill
Eileen Fisher
COS

Runcarla

Veteran

You might want to check out the Contemporaine line at Simons. It has that minimalist vibe I think you like, and a restricted palette (mostly black, white, blush, some navy). You’ll have to scroll through to find the summer weight items - and S/S hasn’t really dropped yet.

https://www.simons.ca/en/women.....obe--c8213

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Roxanna

Veteran

OMG, I hear you. I am NEVER buying a cool girl drapey t shirt EVER again (you hear that, James Perse?!) they are the absolute PITS on me but I kept buying them. I need something with more structure but still light.

I have the same trouble as you in summer. I don’t wear shorts, but some days get SO HOT. so my solution is an a-line cotton or linen skirt and a good weight linen tank. I know this won’t work for you bc you don’t want to wear skirts all the time - but basically my learning is that for summer, where I find dressing hard, I pick 1-2 silhouettes and stick to them. Those EF tops look perfect with just the right amount of structure. I also love the idea of EF washable silk!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, this is an issue I face every year. I really don’t like dressing for summer. On top of it being hot and humid here, I don’t like baring my legs or arms much, but it’s really not easy to stay cool otherwise. I do NOT find long sleeve tops cool and breezy, unlike others here, but I suspect the issue may be humidity. And forget about jeans — I put them away from May until October.

Unstructured items seem to be the implied answer in most people’s responses, but some of us just don’t love wearing the EF vibe. It doesn’t feel like me. Sigh. I end up compromising a lot to dress in summer — I go lighter with printed sleeveless dresses and suck up my pride showing my legs in shorts. I try to wear a bit more modern sandals and tops to edge up the look a bit, but overall, I feel like my least fashionable self in summer. Sorry, I am no help! LOL

Sal

Veteran

I feel like I have seen you in a couple of linen tops and tunics from local boutiques that looked really good. I think looking at what you have, and where your gaps are would be useful. eg I have lightweight joggers but need a light neutral top to wear with them.

These three tops below I find very useful because they don't need tucking and work with all sorts of bottoms. The middle terracotta one is too warm for mid summer but the idea works. I am short waisted and don't have a super flat middle and I find these styles more flattering than tucking but work well with current proportions.

Whilst my style is different to yours and what is available here won't be for you - here are two dresses and a jumpsuit that I think would work for your style. Here this summer there have been LOTS of cotton and linen dresses in neutral fabrics, voluminous but in the most part with some structure at the neckline. Whites, blacks, rusts, blushes, sage green, subdued blues and camels.

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