Thank you Diane! There's nothing like cotton for the heat, and this is a lovely almost satin-like cotton.
Aubergine, it's so funny people had imagined my name! I should've had a guessing contest first. I just think of everyone as their username, although I'm sure you're not actually named after a vegetable in your offline life. lol
LeopardLuxe, those oxfords sound lovely! I'm on quite a small budget, but perhaps I'll get lucky and find a similar pair secondhand when I'm shipping again.
Claire, yes to the pacing! I agree that a different sock would have helped lighten things: I first tried it with my light taupe socks but they're hand knit & too thick for the shoes. Of course, in hindsight I should've just used my taupe ankle boots, which probably wouldn't have been any warmer in the heat, but ankle boots in warmer temps didn't occur to me!
I don't have any chafeing issues, so I bet I'm walking at a slower pace than you, but for me regular clothes definitely work just as well as gear. Pencil skirts would be a challenge, because they'd limit my stride, but luckily I prefer how full skirts look anyway. I can see how sourcing gear would be a challenge to anyone on a budget! My Aurora Shoe Co shoes are insanely comfortable for walking & leather but they've got a bit of a hippy/hobbit vibe going on that doesn't seem like it would past muster for you. My other favourite walking shoes are Timberland, whose ethics seem quite good, and I think they have a variety of styles, not just the rustic ones I gravitate towards. Might be worth looking into!
And thanks so much for the compliments: I love how you approach style & clothing, so it means a lot.
Thank you Neel & Emily!