WIW (and felt unfab): In desperate need of a flop-proof summer look - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW (and felt unfab): In desperate need of a flop-proof summer look

nancylee

Veteran

So, I was trying to get dressed today to run some errands and get a pedicure, and nothing seemed to look right! I'm not feeling the love for Bermuda shorts these days (even with a tunic top.....mine just seem to make me look boxy), and I have yet to find some casual summer dresses that work for me.

This is what I ended up wearing: old khaki skirt and a black tee shirt. It's perfectly fine. Not terrible, but sort of boring. Hot summer weather just confounds me. I've never ever been happy with my summer wardrobe, and I often feel I never will be.

The UPS man is supposed to deliver some dress options today, and he can't get here fast enough!

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Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from nancylee

Nadya

Veteran

You don't look like a flop - you look pretty! What about adding color to these basics -like turquoise, pink or coral - to make it more summery? Could be shoes, jewelry - just a pop like your phone cover :-).

deedee1221

i agree with nadya

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Well, I totally agree with you on the summer dressing thing. Especially as we get older. There are so many more restrictions -- all the things you can't wear any more like shorter shorts or skirts or baring more skin (sleeveless tops).

But I actually quite like this outfit. I like the brown and black, it reminds me of Angie's recent on the go formula.

nancylee

Veteran

Thanks, Nadya and Deedee....I'm on Team Neutral so a lot of color won't save me. In cooler weather I rely on scarves for a pop of color, but I don't have that option in the summer.

CocoLion, *sigh* summer is definitely a challenge as we get older. No more breezy sundresses or super bare looks. But I'm not ready for the other extreme either! I feel super frumpy in shorts and a tee this summer, and even a tee with a skirt feels matronly and boring to me. I think part of my dissatisfaction is that I'm transitioning from Team Fitted top to Team Loose top.

I definitely need to experiment with some looser tops....and get some more hot weather dresses.

Makrame

Veteran

You look great but I can hear you on the frustration. My problem is that these days, I feel frumpy in a t-shirt unless there is a structured jacket over it, which obviously does not work for hot days. I have worn a lot of loose silk shirts over the last two weeks but I would like to wear something with short sleeves for a change.

I hope your dress order works out! I really like this dress http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....sn_results ; got it at Nordstrom for $50 but it looks like they are out. It is almost sleeveless but has good coverage overall.

christieanne

Veteran

I am having the same problem. The realization that I will be working in a much warmer climate (about 10-15 degrees) than I am used to caused me to hunt for summery loose fit blouses yesterday. Not a lot out there that is work appropriate (light partial sleeve, non sheer) and does not mean more layering. Lightweight knits are easy and don't wrinkle.

Since you are on Team Neutral, what about adding a colorful straw bag? Or play up the neutrals all the way and do a large wooden or shell necklace? I like your basic formula - you look polished and the neutrals can go anywhere.

cciele

Veteran

I also think you look fine! No unfab there. To me, your outfit looks classic and minimalist -- in a really good way, kinda like how Angie is going toward minimalism in accessorizing.

What's your goal for a summer outfit? Any summer outfit inspiration photos catch your eye?

If you're not a fan of bermudas, maybe you can wear cropped leggings with your tunic tops. That was my summer formula for awhile! We'll see what this summer brings

Anonymous

ETA: Oops! I meant to post this in the post where you modeled the various tops.

Hmm. What kind of bermudas have you been wearing and are now not liking? I could see most of these tops with slim-fitting bermudas or clams. I'm looking to add similar tops to my wardrobe to wear with the Gap Long and Leans I cut off recently.

I know that's not very helpful ... I'm sorry!

kimana517

(website)

I think you look fine! A bit simple, but sometimes that's OK. (At least that's what I was told when I posted a week of normal, non-exciting outfits a while back. =o) ) To liven this up I would've probably worn a light printed scarf. I know many people can't fathom scarves in summer, but I live in Florida and I do it all the time. But I do also know that I deal with heat better than many people. Another option would be colorful shoes. But really I don't mind this outfit. Sometimes you just do what you can. You look far more pulled together than a lot of outfits I see!

Wellingtongirl

Yeah, summer's a challenge. I loved dressing up in comfy coton salwars in India. They are super comfortable and colourful on their own, you dont have to accessorize at all.. more like a dress that stands on its own. The shawl acts like a good cover p from the sun when you need it. Perfect for an Indian summer. Most salwars have color blocking and pattern mixing, its so fab, i miss them!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I want to see you in those Bermudas, asap! Loving your pretty ash blonde hair.

Nadya

Veteran

Well, I totally appreciate team neutral :-). You might keep your eye out for lightweight short sleeved or sleeveless woven tops with a collar in your neutral palette - they can add a bit more structure and so seem more special than a tee. They're horribly elusive in the shops though as recent threads have discussed! I ended buying a small stack of tees for summer, myself.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like the simplicity of this look; like others, I think it has a classic, minimalist feel. I could see it with a belt at the waist. I've found myself lately reaching for a belt to put over a top worn out, and it's just the thing to make an outfit more put-together. I have a little weathered-metallic leather skinny belt that fits at my high hip or waist and it goes with everything! I feel a belt adds less conspicuous polish than a scarf, too, when you want to stay dressed-down.

Scarlet

Veteran

I find that a killer summer blouse makes me feel good even with just shorts and sandals. I don't have a good handle on your style but here are a couple of neutralish ones just to illustrate what I mean (You do look good and pulled together as is though)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....n=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....n=category

Anonymous

I feel your pain Nancylee. I feel like I look better in skirts than shorts and a lot of my short sleeved woven tops are better as a *supporting act* than a focal point. But then what happens when it's too hot to wear the printed cardi or cute jacket that pulls it all together? You are beautiful, a sharp dresser and I know you'll find your summer groove. There is nothing wrong with this outfit and the ones in your other thread are fab too, but I know how you feel. I sometimes feel plain in a solid top and knee length skirt--like I'm a member of a religious order or something, lol! Prints, great sandals and an eye catching bag (all of which you have) can help save the day. I really like the necklace and sandals you're wearing here!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

I ahve to say i think you look great here, too!! but then i'm a newtral lover with minimalist tendencies

oh, lordy dressing in the heat! this precipitated a full-on style crisis a dozen years ago when i moved to a place with hothothot summers! Painful, but boy i know my style so much better after all that!

I'm with Firecracker and Scarlet - i use both those strategies. I'd do a great leather, hemp, chain belt but at low waist/ hi hip (i find that just on the natural waist looks a little dated these days). And nothing beats a structured summer blouse! Dresses rock as well, plus you don't' even have to think which is good when your brain is slowly basting in it's own juices. I looked at your other thread and i think you're well on your way to stocking up on some great pieces that'll help you out immensely in the heat.

Also - do you have many sandals? i found that having a couple pair of nice looking sandals really helps finish a look. I've had good luck with Aerosoles brand - they have very good prices on sale and at TJMAxx or outlet stores. HTH!!! steph

nancylee

Veteran

Thanks for the tips (and the therapy), everyone. I REALLY hate dressing for summer heat, and I'm feeling even more frustrated this year than ever before since my wardrobe is in such great shape for the other 3 seasons. Summer is just a big fat stumbling block. I SO wish I had a closet full of simple jersey sleeveless dresses (maybe with a little boho vibe) that I could pop on with a necklace and pair of sandals and be done with it. It's going to be over 90 degrees and humid by the end of this week, and I'm dreading it. I truly have nothing to wear.

Claire, I'm laughing at your comment about feeling like you're part of a religious order! That's exactly how I feel in this outfit....boringly "modest."