Summer heat: What to wear to cover up strapless dress?

banananutmuffin

I love casual strapless dresses, like the Lapis style, but I have this weirdo bulge at my armpit, so strapless is out unless I cover with a shrug or something. But it's so hot here in the summer (temps 90+ degrees). Are there any tee-shirt like material cover-up things that can be used over a casual strapless dress for things like afternoon lunches or whatever?

9 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I have a maxi skirt that can be pulled up to be a strapless dress, and I've worn it with my white jean jacket. But it sounds like this might be to warm for your needs? What about a lightweight cardigan? Scarf?

9 years ago

banananutmuffin

Active Member

Thanks for your response! I can't find a cardigan lightweight enough and a scarf doesn't work for my lifestyle really (mom to 3 young kids). I was hoping someone made a short-sleeve shrug that was just thin t-shirt cotton. I would've thought this would be common, but I am having a hard time finding it in stores!

9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

How does the dress look if you pop a high/low oversized tee over it? I have the same problem with toppers for summer dresses when it is hot and denim jackets are too warm to wear. I have a thin short-sleeved cashmere cardi that actually works as well as some silk and linen kimono style jackets. Knits are warmer (usually too warm) than woven fabrics. Can you wear a small scarf around your neck? It won't cover your shoulders but will make the front less bare.
ETA: I just saw your post about scarves. I wear a cotton square rolled and tied in back a lot in summer. See photo

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9 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

Maybe a shirt, with short sleeves? Possibly cinched with a belt or knotted at the waist?
See pic 1 here:
http://divasstalk.blogspot.com.....eness.html
Also, #1 here:
http://thestyletab.blogspot.co.....shirt.html

If you have a very warm climate though, your best option might be sleeveless dresses as opposed to strapless.

9 years ago

Neel

Veteran

I have that weird bulge issue under one arm and I don't wear strapless dresses. Just too annoying and I live in a super hot climate too. I go sleeveless mostly

Do you think a vest could solve your issue? A linen one could be fun.

9 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

You might be able to make one yourself without too much trouble. For instance:

http://wobisobi.blogspot.co.uk.....g-diy.html
http://www.auntpeaches.com/201.....olero.html
http://makecreatedo.com/2012/09/22/t-shirt-shrug/

There's tons of t-shirt to shrug or vest refashion tutorials out there. Many of them don't require much if any sewing.

9 years ago

jennifer

Veteran

Or look for a linen,or linen rayon blend shrug . If you can wear a 14 then check Lane Bryant as they have about 8 colors. If you're smaller then maybe New York and Co. ,Dress Barn,or Maurice's or Cato's?
Another thought maybe if you're near one see if Coldwater Creek has anything - they usually have good quality and since they are going out of business the sales are crazy.( no refunds /returns so try on first). J.Jill might be another resource for a linen type shrug.

9 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have never been a big fan of strapless dresses, but I live in sleeveless styles most of the summer.

There was a link to a cool method for wearing a scarf as a shrug/vest, but I can't find it now. Perhaps someone else here will remember it.

9 years ago

banananutmuffin

Active Member

You guys are the absolute best!! Thanks for the suggestions. Lots of ideas for me to explore.

9 years ago

Jewell

Veteran

When I need a topper for my sleeveless maxi dresses, I usually just throw my sleeveless white denim vest on. It's not as hot as a full jacket and works well for our hot summers.

Old Navy

Women's White Denim Vests

View Info

Top Pick

9 years ago

danskogirl

Active Member

I have a really cheap, lightweight short drape-front cardi from Forever 21 that I use as a tie-front cardi/shrug for just this purpose.

It ends up looking like this (or you could just buy a tie-front shrug):

http://www.glamoriginals.co.uk.....7123-p.asp

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

That issue is one of the reasons I don't wear strapless dresses for casual - I prefer a sleeveless option with straps wide enough to wear a normal bra with it. I find any shrugs or cardigans, no matter how lightweight, are hot when it's really warm out, and annoying to fuss around with. When I'm going in and out of a/c and want the warmth, I find either a lightweight cotton or linen cardigan works well, because I can throw it in my purse - I have some from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, the Merona line from Target - I've seen them lots of places.

9 years ago

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