WIW More keeping it real - casual shorts in the heat

Not the most exciting outfits, but this is my summer reality. We've now reached the point of the year when I feel like my style takes a dive. I don't feel bad in these outfits, it's just not my favorite way to dress. I looked longingly at the photos from the Seattle meet up -- long sleeves, flared jeans, closed shoes and booties… sigh! Not here. I laugh when "summer style" features talk about sweaters and jeans.

So anyway. First pic is from yesterday -- it doesn't get more casual. Just out for a Petsmart run and grocery shopping. Distressed Madewell shorts, Madewell linen tee, Sperry shoes, Kors watch for a touch of bookending, and Zara clutch.

Second outfit is today. Had a couple of errands to run, and working in my studio. As you can see, I ended up keeping the Sol Sana sandals -- they were too comfortable to pass up, and I like the silver and white combination. I also decided to keep these BR shorts. They were a good deal on sale, I like the print and the fit, and they are comfortable on a hot day. The shirt is Vince Camuto from a great sale last year, but I've not found it as easy to style as I anticipated -- it doesn't semi-tuck well at all. So instead I tried tying it loosely at the waist. I've also hit the time of year when I want to hide my hair on a near-constant basis, so I have my turquoise True Religion hat with me. Ugh, summer.

I know I don't sound very enthusiastic, but I feel about as good as I'm ever going to feel in the heat and humidity, stylewise.

Comments and suggestions welcome.

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11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Janet, you may feel as if your style takes a dive, but I am actually taking notes!! What I love is that this is real yet ALSO stylish. The clutch really amps things up. I must get an oversized clutch. MUST. Also, I think you made a good call with the shorts. I know what you are talking about -- we need outfits like this for several weeks a year, even here. I am in one today!

Janet

Thank you, Suz!

I think a big part of me feeling better in these really casual outfits is attention to detail. These are not far from what I wore in the summer pre-YLF, but I felt way more blah back then because it was shorts-tee-shoes-done. I'd carry the same bag day-in-day-out, not think about a belt or watch, and default to the same old pair of sandals in a safe neutral tone. Now when I wear a pair of distressed boyfriend shorts, I'm taking into account that they are VERY casual and bumping up the quality of the top more (linen tee rather than a cotton concert or graphic tee), and adding something a little unexpected like metallic boat shoes or a clutch. It makes a big difference.

Gaylene

Well, that second outfit is a nose-dive only if you achieved some serious fashion height. My own fashion lapses would be more like a shallow belly-flop off the edge.

Seriously, though, you've just given me an aha moment with your boyfriend shorts example. I wasn't that happy with my outfit today, but you made me realize that the fault lay in too many casual elements. Going back to my closet for a better top and more stylish pair of sandals!

Karie

These are really nice shorts outfits! I love the patterned shorts.

Neel

Your casual outfits are much more dressy than my dressy outfits. Lol! I know what you mean by full sleeves and jeans in summer. But around here people wear long sleeves and pants on purpose to avoid getting sun burnt (our temps are at 110F now and we have 2 more months of peak summer left). Moreover this country won't have it any other way ;). I relate to the messy hair too Sun and humidity together is treacherous on the hair. Ack.

All that said, you look fantastic IMO. Second outfit is a slam dunk ! That's a beautiful top and the shoe choices are brilliant. I am taking notes with Suz Oh I want clutches too .... I WANT! Aida and you make me feel like this

texstyle

I really love your second outfit especially and think those patterned shorts were a great choice - the top you paired them with is perfect. Today I'm wearing a pair of dusty red shorts and a navy v-neck linen tee untucked for a change and I'm enjoying it. I added my striped UGG slip ons and a silver with white necklace to help bookend. I've been so into belts for the past 2 years I think I feel a bit relieved without one as long as the shorts aren't BF fits (that fall down without a belt). Maybe that's partly what is so appealing about your patterned shorts outfit. No need for a belt to keep them up or to add interest - the shoes and watch add the interest here.

Summer dressing is not *so* bad.

pil

I wish I looked so good on a *good* day! You have such an eye for accessories, Janet, I love your Sol Sana sandals. Did you end up keeping another pair of white sandals too, or are these it?
And your little four legged accessory is the best!

Thistle

You look terrific and so very appropriate for the heat. I feel like you have the right combination of dressy and casual to keep from looking too casual, yet, still totally appropriate.

Lyn D.

I am glad you kept those sandals!
They look great with anything white I am sure, and especially with the white shirt here.
Thanks for responding to my thread and making ME long for long warm days without having to wear layer upon layer to keep warm

Anonymous

Janet, first of all, your hair just looks great! Don't fight the texture, just roll with it. It adds another layer of interest to you necessarily paired down outfits. You always have a fabulous bag and shoes which really amp up your style, and I love these shorts outfits. They might be simple, but they're not boring at all! I remember last summer your Madewell neutral color-blocked clutch is what inspired me to go on the hunt for a similar one that I've been carrying daily since! Yay for oversized clutches!

BethL

Janet, you look great! I've been taking notes, and I'm doing a similar thing to you. It was almost 90 here today. I wore faded BF shorts and a citron tee. I was very comfortable, and, though I didn't have to go out today, I knew that I could do errands, even go to lunch (many places) without changing my clothes, just by putting on nice sandals and a coordinating bag and belt, maybe some jewelry. It's incredibly freeing. Thanks for taking the plunge and showcasing your gorgeous self.

Caro in Oz

I hear you about the attention to detail making the difference to how I feel in summer outfits. You look fantastic Janet, I'm taking notes too!

lynn

I was expecting to see something like my summer outfits in hot, humid NC but no, you had to go and look amazing! Yes, casual but still put together and stylish. Taking notes with my sweaty hand.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Janet, don't despair. You look perfectly stylish for hot and sticky weather. I think outfit #1 is FABULOUS.

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