What do I wear in Florida Keys?? - YouLookFab Forum

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What do I wear in Florida Keys??

Keturah

Veteran

Hi all! I have lapsed in posting. Life has been extremely full and exciting!

My husband accepted a job position. It requires us to relocate from the Colorado Mountains to the Florida Keys.

My fur coats, wool sweaters, and other lovely items are going away. Paying to store items I might use on rare occasions doesn't make sense. I also worry about bugs harming the fur and wool.

So my question is...
Warm weather fabbers: what to wear in tropical climates for everyday, real life??

I grew up in Nebraska and am accustomed to hot, humid summer weather. But I have a feeling it might be different there. I'm used to four seasons, though I enjoy warm weather, so I don't think that will be an issue. I have a few sun dresses. I do have some blouses but they are polyester and I wonder if that's going to be uncomfortable in humidity. (Haven't lived in humidity for over 4 years.)

I love drapey fabrics. Linen and cotton are not very exciting to me.

Please give me your thoughts and advice. xo

ETA: I accidentally posted this in Off Topic. Sorry for re-post!

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Dee

Kat

Veteran

I lived in Florida both in the 70s and then again in the 90s, so my advice may be less than up to the moment, but my recollection is that the Keys have a fairly casual vibe most of the time. Casual patterns, light casual fabrics, etc. But I suppose some of this will depend on your social environment. There is generally a fair bit of skin exposure (arms, legs, etc) as you'd expect, but I also remember, when I went back in the 90s, that I found it amusing that some folks would wear "fall" clothing styles (sweaters, long sleeved plaid blouses, heavier pants) when the calendar said fall, no matter what the temperature--I'm thinking of 20-somethings in corduroy pants and sweaters on an 80'F late September afternoon.
I think it's a rather eclectic and accepting place--you've got military folks, service industry folks (lots of tourism), wealthy retirees and vacationers, etc., so you'll probably be able to just "be you", which may be either reassuring or completely unhelpful, I understand. Any chance you'll get to visit before you move? That way you can get a feel for what folks wear and adapt it to your own style. It's Florida warm (you can wear shorts in January if you're acclimated to cooler climes), but with island breezes may feel cooler in the evening.

Good luck with your exciting new adventure!

Mauvish

I have nothing to say about the topic as I have absolutely no idea, but I wanted to wish you good luck with move

Anonymous

I lived in Miami and I'd say Florida is a whole different culture right from the start and the individual areas are very different from each other. Even colors look different. I would buy the minimum and see what vibe you bond with once you're there.

Elly

Veteran

No idea about Florida, although I suspect some lighter wools might get worn. I just wanted to jump in and say hello since we are both going from CO to a warm climate at the same time, give or take. Personally, I would bring all my summer and transitional stuff (within reason) and then figure out what I need from there.

unfrumped

Veteran

I can't speak to the culture vibe but did grow up in the deep South.
The good thing is you can survive with less upon arrival than say, moving from a warm to a cold climate, where you need immediate protection from the elements just to get around. So, I agree with saving up to do most of your shopping once there. Maybe put together a 2-week survival capsule wardrobe of simple summer-ish basics from what you have.
I like drapey fabrics also and have been accumulating some of the linen knits that are abundant now and were not so much years ago, or at least I didn't notice them. Rayon is also more breathable and very drapey but some fabrications require a lot of upkeep--dry clean sometimes and certainly ironing. Rayon blends are easier to care for. You may also find some gauzy cottons you like, but again, you may want to see what folks are wearing so you can use your style + local fashion to come up with goals for wardrobe.
I would have trouble waiting, too but it could be a very fun goal, almost like starting a new wardrobe, a headache but a grand opportunity to consider your style goals, make a list of items, think about capsules and track them down after you see the degree of "formality" you want to achieve, what will be your occasions and events, whether expect will live in dresses, skirts, or shorts/crops, how much should be "gear", all of that fun stuff.
Best of luck with the move!

Anonymous

I have a feeling you'll come to love linen. It's so nice in hot, sticky weather! The Keys are very relaxed and anything goes.

Vildy

Veteran

Most houses in the Keys have no heating system (or didn't when I was there). They're "frost-free" but that doesn't mean that sometimes it doesn't get chilly. And then people tend to look like their closet fell on them. I would keep some fall-type clothes. The sun in summer is brutally strong. I knew someone who did some outdoor work in new medium wash denim and by the end of the day, they were quite bleached out.
And indoor places tend to be very frigidly air conditioned in summer.

Dee

I do not live in the Keys, but I do live in SW Florida and have lived in FL all of my life. I think you will find the Keys to be very casual in its overall "vibe." It is hot and humid in south Florida for about 7 months out of the year. Basically, from about April until into October, the weather ranges from the 80's into the 90's during the day. Therefore, people who are accustomed to that type of weather find the low 80s to be comfortable spring/fall weather and the 70s start to feel chilly. Many of us also look for opportunities to wear jackets and sweaters at the first opportunity because it is boring to constantly dress for hot weather. You will most likely find yourself in short sleeves and sleeveless tops and shorts and skirts much of the year. Most people go from houses with AC to cars with AC to offices with AC so that opens the dressing to include longer sleeves and pants even in summer if you are not going to be outdoors more than a few minutes at a time. Don't be surprised if, after a few years, you find yourself getting chilly and complaining about the cold at temperatures that would seem balmy to you now. If you want any more info, I would be happy to try to help.

unfrumped

Veteran

Love what Dee said!
We had a recent few day spell of weather with highs of 80. Had lunch out on the deck but in the shade and with a breeze and I changed from short to long sleeves, then added a jacket and I still was not really warm enough, sitting still.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I think the 70s are sweater weather after much time in the tropics... Also, I'm thinking island weather is always milder than one might expect. I say... This would be a good time to watch Key Largo!

Kat

Veteran

Dee, you are so right and I should have noted that--both the acclimation and the air conditioning. When I moved to New England years ago in a very hot summer, I remember folks suggesting that I'd have an easier time of it because I'd moved from Florida--- but, in fact, we had lived just as you say- air conditioned house to air conditioned car to air conditioned office or restaurant, etc. and so felt quite unprepared for living and working in places that simply didn't have a/c. And I meant no offense regarding the dressing for fall despite the temps. I think we all become acclimated to the climate in which we live. I meant it more as an anthropological comment, as shifting from one extreme to another just allows us to recognize the degree to which others have adapted to their environs because it is foreign to our experience.

Dee

Kat, I was not in any way offended by your comment about people in FL getting into fall garb when people from other climates find wearing those outfits to be laughable. All of my life I have been surrounded by people who move to FL from cooler areas and can't figure out why we don't swim here when they think the weather is perfect for the beach, why we are accustomed to swimming pools and water at the beach being what they feel is "bath water" temperature, etc. I will say, however that I am anxiously waiting for the weather to drop a bit just so I can wear things that say "fall" to me -- such as a denim jacket. LOL

Keturah

Veteran

Sorry to just reply. We have begun packing and between that and my last week of work, I couldn't get on here until tonight.

Kat, so far, I keep hearing the Keys are very laid back, so not to be super worried about being on "trend." I feel rather reassured to just go with it and be me. I am looking forward to being a little more boho and jungle-glam than usual. But nothing crazy. And honestly, something about living in beach clothes sounds really good! But I also think I may miss fall and winter clothes a bit and probably will wear a sweater or flannel shirt once temp hits 70s. Thanks for all your helpful advice!! I rather laughed at the corduroys and flannel shirts. I live in the mountains. It can be 80 degrees outside, with absolutely scorching sun. Still, there are young men running around in long sleeve flannel shirts and jeans.

Mauvish, what a lovely with and kind note! Thank you so much!! Will keep you apprised!!

isabel, good advice! I'm dying to buy new clothes (whee!!) but trying to wait until I get down there and see what will really work. I don't often see Miami fashion. Although, a good friend of mine, who is most fashion forward and savvy, grew up there and said at least in Miami, you do not, under any circumstance, leave the house without wearing makeup, nice outfit, and hair done. But the Keys, I'm told, are really laid back. So.. guess it will be a new adventure for me -- and my closet!

Elly, oh that's so exciting!! We are adventure twins May I ask where you are relocating to? I'm bringing most of my closet. I figure it will at least keep me clothed until I get a feel for the direction I want to take and what I want to wear.

unfrumped, I mostly have saved. I did buy a pair of shorts and another t-shirt yesterday. I couldn't help it! But otherwise, I've been holding off. I'm hoping to stumble on some cute, trendy boutiques down there, and buy things to that are better suited to the style scene. For now, I have a pair of shorts, some tshirts, a super light boho styled cardigan (I can't help myself, just incase the AC in the car gets too chilly), a sleeveless blouse, and a couple of dresses, and a short cotton skirt. No idea what my job will require yet -- still doing the whole job search thing. My husband is working for the county and so far, the office wardrobe is shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sandals! Still taking all of my high heels though. I have yet to let those go. I am mostly a rayon girl and love things with lots of drape. I'm really excited about new clothes. I'm sure I"ll miss the changing seasons some. But otherwise, it sounds good to me!

LavendarMoon, I will try to keep an open mind about linen. I'm wondering if perhaps I could try knitting with it, and see if the knit texture helps me enjoy it more.

VildyVeteran, no AC? I'll keep that in mind! I'm keeping my fall, spring, and summer clothes. Some winter clothes will remain, for Christmases in the Midwest. I'm used to brutal sun in the mountains. But I honestly thought I would be escaping it going down south. So, good to know it's brutal there in the summer!

Dee, I find 70s chilly sometimes here in the mountains, and usually have on boots, socks, and a few layers by the time it hits the 50s or 60s. Obviously, Florida is sounding really nice right now ha! I'm curious to see how I adjust to the warmth there. And to not having seasons. I'm sure I'll be looking forward to a little autumn lite dressing I thrive on a lot of variety, generally. However, I really love spring, summer, and autumn. Winter dressing doesn't get me excited. I like having a lot of skin exposed, appropriately of course. I really love bare feet, bare arms -- I'm not a nudist!

Do women wear shorts to work? I find myself curious about the whole office dress code in that environment. I don't necessarily have such a job lined up. But still... so hot, yet dressed up in a suit? Sounds rather uncomfortable, even with AC on.

I'll let you know if I have more questions!

rachylou, a sweater in 70 sounds swell to me! It depends on the humidity, but usually I grab a fleece jacket to wear in the evening if it's 70 or cooler. I get that chilly now. Key Largo?? I have never watched that movie, and now i wanna!!

Kat, interesting about all of the AC. My husband keeps reminding me of that. I keep thinking, but I want to experience it all without AC! But perhaps that's a little overly tropic romantic of me.

thank you all for such wonderful help!!! xoxo and will keep yu updated on the adventure-- and the new clothes it will likely ensue!

Elly

Veteran

Re-locating to Southern AZ (greater Tucson area) for a job. I'm bringing the SO with me-- we leave this weekend to apartment hunt, then will leave for good the first full week of October.

Keturah

Veteran

Elly, how cool! And...we are relocating at nearly the same time! We leave around Oct 12th. AZ will be nice. So many people are really loving AZ, lately. I've heard that area is just booming with new housing, new people, new jobs, etc.

We will have to compare our new wardrobes once we both get settled!

Anonymous

Seconding those who say to keep and bring some of those fall pieces. Your blood will "thin out". You will laugh at people in coats the first winter, but will be wearing them the second year.
I have neighbors who live part of the year in Florida. My impressions are to dress in layers with a bikini as the base layer, bling and metallics, color (the light is different there) An all black outfit will probably look out of place. Enjoy the differences.

Stephanie

Fellow Floridian here! Man, did I struggle when I first moved here -- I came from up north (PA) where winters could be cold, dreary and miserable and had a tough time letting go of my boots and sweaters/scarves.

I'm in Central Florida, so a bit different, but I'd say stick to light breathable fabrics like rayon and cotton. Those have been best for me. I do have some polyester tops but nothing form fitting -- I've found that looser, flowy tops and poly blends work perfectly fine. I also would recommend not investing TOO much in your basic tees and tanks as you will go through them very quickly in the summer. Dresses and skirts are appropriate year round and I'm working to bulk up my own collection of them now.

Others pointed out that many Floridians jump on the fall dressing bandwagon at the first sign of a "chill" in the air. I admit I do the same! I love pairing ankle booties with a skirt/blouse to get a fall vibe while still keeping cool. In the summer, places here put the AC on blast and it can get really cold, so I always keep some light open stitched sweaters around incase I need them.

Good luck with your move and welcome to the sunshine state!

Dee

Kat, I work in a municipal office in SW Florida. The atmosphere is definitely on the casual side. I do not see many women wearing shorts to the office; capris and cropped pants, however, with casual sandals are common. Some of those issues, I think, are related to the kind of work that you do. I hold a professional, management level position and have come to work in everything from a suit to jeans -- depending on what was on my agenda for that day. I have worn pumps, ankle boots, and sandals for footwear. I have not gone so far as to wear capris and flip flops, but I see administrative personnel here wear these all the time. ( We sometimes discuss in the office when does a sandal become a flip flop in terms of women's footwear.) Women often wear sleeveless tops to the office.