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Wardrobe Update: Warm Weather and I Don't Get Along (Rant)

MsLuna

Veteran

It's been about a month and a half since I started my wardrobe minimalism/revamp project and I'm beyond frustrated. It's getting warmer here in Toronto and it's getting more and more humid each day. My outfits and my personal style isn't exactly warm weather-friendly and I'm finally feeling more and more uncomfortable.

Here's my usual formulas:
Edgy/casual structured topper + sheath dress + edgy footwear
Edgy structured topper (casual or dressy) + tunic + Jeggings + edgy footwear

I tried removing the toppers on my dress outfits and it's still not warm-weather friendly. I'm sensitive to the way synthetics feel and I sweat quite easily. Many of my dresses (all of very good quality jersey or ponte) feel really sticky to me on a hot day. I end up feeling very irritated. If I can't handle how my dresses feel at 22 degrees Celsius, then how can I handle them at 30?

Comfort is a HUGE factor for me, and when I'm sweating and feeling sticky, I'm absolutely NOT comfortable.

I thought about adding more summer weight (natural fiber)toppers but I just can't find any! They are my most recent HEWI and I really need them to feel more "me" in my outfits.

I also thought about shelfing my midweight poly jersey dresses for now (which is MOST of them) and look into buying shift dresses. I do have very specific cuts of shift dresses in mind as most don't look that good on me. The cut us difficult to find. Maybe during my July to August school break, I'll look into making my own shifts IF my sewing skills are up to par.

I also find the need for casual items. I love my dresses but my current combination of shoes, toppers and dresses aren't very summer-friendly and seem too dressed up for my ultra casual work environment. During the cooler months, i can easily throw on a pair of doc martens and a moto jacket and I can "dress down" a dress. I like looking slightly more polished at work, but not too polished.

I'm also thinking of adding more separates. I'm looking into getting some VC tube skirts, but I want to get the matching faux wrap tops: when worn together, it looks like a faux dress! My only issue with separates are proportions: my tunic tops are just too long for the tube skirts (in my eyes) and they look really frumpy to me. I may have to get different tops for my tube skirts/shorts as I do for my Jeggings.

Now I'm thinking of putting away items again and possibly buying warm weather friendly items. For someone who's style involves layering, this will be a tough challenge.

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think we have a similar struggle here - I really don't like the summer lack of layers because our intrinsic look does feature a lot of layers and different textures and things (for me it's cardigans and my elastic belts!).

I guess we have to almost find a secondary style in the summer and I have sort of done a bit better this year (I think) with boat neck dresses and longer sleeves (THANK YOU Kate Middleton for making this cut okay).

Have you considered your favourite cut of dress in cotton or other natural fabrics? Poly can get kinda yucky in humid Toronto! People Tree is having a great sale right now (additional 25% off with - HELLO25); and I love their cotton dresses for the summer, although I'm not sure if they are your style? They do have some sheaths.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Well MsKatieKat I am bumping everything you just said and look for solutions. So I will be following this thread closely. This is such a difficult time for me I want certain pieces but they are out of my price range. I want a certain style but I also love to layer. So we shall see considering the end of season selling of summer clothing is almost over.

MsLuna

Veteran

@lyn: I love the boatnecks sheaths on you! Glad it really worked out! I'm looking into boatneck, slightly a-line shifts with sleeves myself, but I have yet to see how it works. Most RTW shifts are often straight up and down and sack-like.

I'm trying to find some good cotton sheath dresses that have stretch in them. The only problem is that I never find them in petite sizes. The torso is usually too long on me. I will look into People Tree. Never checked out that place before but THANK YOU!!!!!

Aida

Veteran

MKK the key to layering in the summer is to have really lightweight layers made of natural fibers, or at least breathable synthetics. A toughie to find, I know. Gauzy sheers and semi-sheers layer nicely and remain super lightweight. You know all those semi-transparent tanks and tops that abound? They work nicely paired together to become more opaque and it's breezier than a heavier weight (or even similar weight) non-breathable synthetic. I know you prefer more fitted silhouettes but a breezy midi skirt (or dress) is a fabulous option when it's warmer. Re toppers, you could also look into getting lighter weight versions. So like for your leather moto, swap it out for a denim one; for the boots, swap those out for a perforated pair.

A few summery ideas for you:

Denim cropped moto + cotton/linen blend sheath + strappy sandals with hardware
Linen cardigan + breezy tank + cotton tube skirt + perforated booties
Cotton blazer + shift tunic + silk-blend crops + flat menswear shoes (oxfords, loafers, etc.)
Sheer linen tee over a semi-sheer cotton layering tank + long slouchy shorts + cutout flats

Diana

Veteran

I spend every summer looking for the same thing - woven sack dresses. No waistband, no synthetics, no knits. It's a tough thing to find unfortunately. I should learn to sew because I think it's actually an extraordinarily easy thing to sew. No waistbands or darts or anything, and the fabric would be basically cotton or linen muslin or lawn.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, MsKK, I hear your cry!

If it will make you feel any better, there is no way in creation I could wear ponte jersey dresses in the heat of our summers unless:

1. I spent my entire day and night indoors in air conditioning
2. The dresses in question were exceptionally loose, sleeveless with loose armholes -- probably not a good work look.

I don't have air conditioning at all at home (where I also work) so summer dressing means lightweight, mostly natural fibres for me. I have a couple of uniforms. For working at home -- shorts, a cotton or linen top or shirt, and that's all. It may not be stylish, but it does the deed.

If I go out, I change to nicer shorts or a skirt or a dress. Skirts are the VC tube skirts. Tops include silk sleeveless or mixed media (from BR last year, Costco last year, and Zara) or sleeveless cotton shells, or else linen tees (j. Crew).

In lieu of a topper, which I usually can't abide in the heat, I will carry a bag that adds the "third element" or else I will wear a large cuff. Forum member Gaylene alerted me to the brilliance of colour blocking a few years ago and I have found it a godsend in heat. Match your bright bag to either your top or your skirt, and suddenly you have an "outfit." Contrast it with either and you've got an outfit, too.

If I'm going in and out of air conditioning, I do like to have some kind of drapey cardigan or similar. Although at the moment I don't happen to own one. Ooops.

It is (barely) possible to find cotton, linen, or breathable viscose dresses. But I'm not sure they would be in the styles that you want. So frustrating, I know. I think most of us are agreed that summer dressing is among the toughest.

Anonymous

I sympathize with your rant and have the same problem. I avoid knits in favor of woven fabrics with the exception of nylon. It seems to breathe and a double layer is opaque enough not to be see through. My other favorite fabrics for summer are linen and silk.
Suz gave you great ideas for faux layering with adding a bag or bangles.
Angie has some blog posts that might be helpful (be sure to read the comments too):
http://youlookfab.com/search-r.....2672181j11

MsLuna

Veteran

Thanks so much ladies! You've all been helpful! I had no idea many of you had the same issue with summer clothing!

@Aida: thanks for your suggestions! I find the dress/denim moto/hardware sandals the most appealing since that stays true to my aesthetic. Another thing I'm looking into is those semi-sheer tunics, though I'm not sure how I'll feel in them yet. My happiness factor goes way up when I'm wearing structure on top (the bottom can be as unstructured as it gets though I know that look is not fashion-forward at the moment). I thought about palazzo pants with say... A long vest (with fitted shoulders) or even a cropped vest (also good with a maxi skirt - at least in my head). I do worry about the trend factor because everyone is going nuts on boyfriends and baggy shorts lately but not much on those comfy jersey palazzo pants. I purchased a black pair months ago but returned it because I was really concerned about looking "dated"

There is a DKNY drapey moto vest I've been humming and hawing over, but now I think they'll look great with my linen tunics and folded Jeggings (for a "cropped" look but the cuff makes the fit less tight-looking).

I'm really looking into expanding my tube skirt collection in multiple lengths (including mini).

@Diana: yup.... Knits tend to stick to the body and women's are so tricky. I have a rounded torso and am busty so I have to be careful. I tend to go for woven switch drape. I'm thinking about making a shift in rayon challis (Rayon is more breatheable). I "accidentally" prototyped a "sack dress" made of rayon bamboo knit last year but it fell apart. It ended up with a really cool cocoon shape which did wonders for my apple shaped torso and skinny legs!

Sewing is a great skill to have and something that I've done for years (on and off - I started sewing again in 2011 after a decade without sewing). It's not a skill I'm naturally good at, and I need more practice than the average person (most classmates learned faster - my work always looked like a hot mess). I've seen your knits, and I think sewing is a great skill that could complement your knitting!

If you're interested, look into Colette pattern's Laurel dress! It sounds like the kind of dress you're looking for! (It might have bust darts though)

@Suz: I wish I drove - then I can continue wearing my Maggy London, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren dresses! They are all very well-made knit jersey dresses but boy are they insufferably hot! I commute to work by subway/streetcar and often travel by foot everywhere (because I hate exercise and walking is my way of "cheating" exercise).

You mentioned the VC tube skirts again. Wow those babies are just that awesome, are they? I tried them on and I think the fabric used is quite breatheable - a lot better than my Catherine Malandrino tube skirts that hike up unnecessarily.

I like the idea of a bag. I'm on a market for a really good leather bag in jewel tones!

@Joy: Nylon is breatheable? Where do you find these breatheable nylon fabrics? I'd love to wear more silk but it's so hard to find tunic-length silk tops that don't look too bohemian. Only Jeggings fit me these days so I really need to stick to long over leans (folded at "cropped" length to wear with sandals, flats or flashy sneakers).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ms.KK --- ALL of us who deal with humidity suffer in our style during the summer. ALL. It is one of our biggest woes!

You might check out Sylvia 40 Plus Style because she lives in Singapore and has to dress for heat all year.

Angie's archived blog posts on this are also a treasure trove of ideas. She does not live in a hot climate now but she used to, so she knows where it's at.

The VC tube skirts do seem more breathable, somehow -- although I probably wouldn't wear them on our hottest, hottest days -- at least not for hours outdoors.

My favourite toppers in summer are two cropped denim jackets -- one in white and one in faded blue. They instantly casualize a dress. I take them off if walking outside, etc. and put them back on in the air conditioning. I think a structured vest or two could be brilliant purchases for you, as well -- a denim one and maybe a "blazer" style.

Cool footwear will do a lot for you -- and I know you've been on the hunt for arthritis friendly sandals.

I have been eyeing the Olivia Moon linen jackets, also. I don't know about ordering from the US but the price is right and it might just be worth it -- chances are if you order one on its own, you won't get dinged for duties. Comes in colours and neutrals.

Olivia Moon Three Quarter Sleeve Linen Blazer (Regular & Petite)

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Elizabeth P

Veteran

Wow, some great suggestions here!

I find this interesting, because I actually like, and look forward to summer dressing. I think the simplicity that the humidity necessitates appeals to me - in the winter I feel "boring" with just a top and pants, but in the summer, it works. Maybe it's because it's easier to showcase cool shoes? And to wear interesting bracelet(s) as an accessory? I don't know. I love wearing dressy shorts, capris or a skirt, and a fluid blouse. Linen pants. A loose fitting dress. But yes, fabric content can be tricky. Poly tops need super good ventilation!

And may I suggest you check out the EF draped front dress. The one Shannon raves about, and I just got. I'm wearing it today, and it really IS magical.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I just wanted to sympathize! I hear you loud and clear. I was really dismayed that yesterday, even in shorts and a sleeveless top, I was sweating in my studio. I was running the AC full tilt, but the temp in there wouldn't go below 80 in the afternoon.

Our body types and styles are different enough that I probably don't have really useful advice for you, but I see others have chimed in. I do tend to rely on interesting footwear, and as Angie recently remarked, interesting tops in the summer. I find that an easy FFBO for me is a simple solid pair of clamdiggers or shorts with a sleeveless top with an interesting neckline, print, or some other detail. Add belt and bag and I'm good to go. In the winter I'm all about the jackets and boots, so in the summer I have to rely more on tops that do the heavy style lifting.

Aida

Veteran

The palazzo pants may still make it around as the 90s influence continue to trickle in, but in the meantime you could always get a pair and hem them up higher to look like culottes which are a current (albeit rather fringe) trend. Best of both worlds! Also, I vote try the drapey moto vest you're eyeing

JAileen

Veteran

I don't have any particular suggestions, but wanted to sympathize. I used to live in Houston which has really terrible weather. We had mid 90s temps, with mid 90s humidity. I really don't know how I survived because we did have to go outside. I also had to wear suits with stockings and closed toe shoes. I think I started wearing short sleeve cotton sweaters with the suits. I had an unlined linen suit that I loved.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Suz: that Olivia Moon jacket has such a gorgeous colour! You should definitely try it out! Thanks so much for your suggestions. Regarding the denim jacket idea, I'm on a lookout for one in the Gap (because for some reason they fit me perfectly). One in white and another in darker, richer coloured denim. I also tried on a denim vest, but the ones they have are distressed. As RATE as I can get, I would prefer non-distressed denim. I'm also on a lookout for denim, twill or even drapey silk moto styles, but for some reason I haven't had any luck!

The edgy arthritis-friendly footwear is easier than I thought. Naot tends to have a few edgy pieces and I find that I can still wear a wedge, for as long as the total heel height never amounts to over 2 inches (I try to shoot for 1.5 inches and under). I can't just mindlessly buy any edgy comfortable shoe now so I actually have to wait for some Naot/Dansko/Sanita sales!

@Elizabeth P: you look STUNNING in that EF dress! If you and Shannon have it, then it's worth looking into. I'd wear it with my new Naot gladiator wedges! EF usually is made of natural fibres so do you happen to know the dress' fabric content?

@Janet: I can see how you use tops to do the heavy lifting for the summer. Your anniversary outfit was so memorable, and I especially loved that top! I do notice that I'll likely have to do the same as you have, hopefully I can find natural fibres in fluid fabrications!

@Aida: now I wish I had not returned those pants! They felt like pajamas, it's great! But yes, I have two moto vests now (one in white ponte) so it will be interesting to see how they work with palazzo pants!

@JAileen: yikes! Houston! It gets so humid there. I used to live in South Texas myself and I can't figure out how I survived 7 years there! Are you indoors a lot though? I find that it wasn't too bad back when I lived in TX because there's AC almost everywhere. Here in Toronto, not so much!

Lisa

Veteran

I adore layering for my personal style. But in the heat layering does not work well for me unless I am in a/c. So I add interest to my outfits with prints instead. The print does the work instead of adding extra pieces.