Monday Musings- Rethinking My Summer Wardrobe
Happy Monday, ladies. Our weather flipped to blistering hot in the blink of an eye this weekend. While swapping in my warm-weather clothes, I was forced to come face to face with wardrobe items I truly dislike. My style is always evolving, and I expect that, but it’s more complicated than that.
I find that dressing for your location can be a challenge if your taste runs to structured and your weather demands loose and airy. I also live in a very casual environment, so those polished separates I love to wear often look overdressed in my community. When it’s 95+ and not a breeze anywhere, jeans are out of the question, as is anything that’s close to the body. I do want to be happy with what I wear so I’m on the hunt for options that fit my climate, my location/lifestyle, and my style.
I didn’t like how I looked in this caftan (similar print) when I wore it on the beach in Hawaii last year, but I’ve held on to it because it’s so perfect in the heat. I was grateful to have it to wear hanging out around the house yesterday, but I sure didn’t like how I looked. I knew it was a gamble when I bought this caftan but took the risk because they look good on so many other people….just not me.
As I turn more of my attention to my health and well-being, I’m thoroughly enjoying this lovely new book. I sat out in the heat with a cold matcha tea latte and soaked in the beautiful images along with its holistic suggestions.
I’ve always been a black tea lover through and through. It turns out that green tea includes many more benefical polyphenols, glycine and theanine so I’m swapping it in for my afternoon tea. I ordered mine directly from Dr Andrew Weil’s Matcha Kari site here, but you can also find some of his products on Amazon.
To polish of my unflattering caftan outfit, I wore my new Oofos sandals…and my oh my, are they ever comfortable. They’re “biomechanically engineered OOfoam absorbs shock, cradles your arches and reduces stress on your feet, knees and back” These are also not a look I’ll be wearing outside for running errands, but they’re perfect for at home wear.
I was only seen in this outfit by my husband, son, grandson, and Amazon delivery person but that was enough to leave me feeling unstylish and not authentically myself. I’ll be on the hunt for alternatives that are loose, but lot too loose, airy but not too airy and casual without being shapeless options for the blistering hot weather that feels more like my style.
Outfit of the Week
I bought this easy long linen/cotton blend beach shirt last year in a vibrant blue and wore it to bits. I added resin earrings, woven leather bag and easy slides to make this an easy to toss on, comfy look for hot days. When it’s really hot, I forgo necklaces and focus on earrings and/or bracelets. Add a large straw hat, and I’m ready to go.
Does your climate prevent you from wearing the looks you prefer?
For summer, besides linen, I really like Airstretch taper pants from Banana Republic Factory. They are styled like tailored pants but are made from fabric (poly/spandex) used for athletic wear. Very cool and breezy. Similarly, for gardening, I love Baleaf 9″ hiking shorts (nylon/spandex) from Amazon. Enjoyed your post about Amazon recommendations, by the way. My teenagers and I really like the Om mushroom hot cocoa!
My style is tailored, and summer is not my fashion friend either. But I love dresses, and absolutely would wear cotton or linen light summer dresses if my figure allowed. Be that as it may, I look for separates – usually skorts, shorts (not my favorite look but my style tends to sporty) and lightweight tops that coordinate with the bottoms. I have lots more summer clothes than winter clothes, in order to give me multiple options and keep me getting out there!
Regardless of the season; our weather (mid east Canada) has been absolutely crazy even on a daily basis with fluctuating temps and because I run cold usually require some kind of an overlay on my arms . With that being said and as a result; I do love hot weather (without the humidity though) and not travelling as much as I use to, really do miss the warmer climates as less of a wardrobe challenge for myself for reasons given. -Brenda-
I have always wished I lived in a warm climate but reading the posts I can see that it can be tough living in one and knowing what to wear for comfort and style. Still, I’d like to try it for a while. 😏 Right now, it’s swinging from 50 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer clothes and warm sweaters. Shivering in Canada…
Thanks for this discussion Jennifer! Woven tops can be so much more comfortable and airy, compared to clingy knit Tees. They let the air flow through. I live in a humid climate. I sew, so I can make many styles that are cool and comfy. Woven dresses are sometimes hard to find and are great, but only if not lined in poly. Cotton is my go to, as is hemp. The less fabric the better. At 5’7” a full length, billowy caftan is not flattering on me either, but a less voluminous, column-type woven dress with a slit is loose enough and works well for me. I urge everyone to give woven tees and dresses a try.
Great tips, Suzanne. I agree, woven is much cooler
Another good option for warm weather fabric, is bamboo or one of its blends.
-Brenda-
Yes! Bamboo is very soft and cool.
Gosh, Jennifer! With good looking legs and arms like yours there shouldn’t be a dilemma! Knee length dresses are your solution. All you have to be concerned about is the colour, shoulder and neckline shapes. You’ve tried so many on and look terrific in many of them 😊. Go shopping now!! 😂
Thank you :). I knew I needed to go shopping.
palazzo pants in colors . every time I wear them I get compliments . we live in SanAntonio & it’s hot . feels like you are not even wearing pants . love them , have 8 pairs . the ones with a flat waistband not the elastic waist .
I would love to find some that have no pattern.
I am going back and forth between jeans and sweatshirts and tees and shorts! The weather has not made up its mind yet here in rural South Colorado mountains. It will be dry desert hot soon but we are grateful to get spring rains now. We have been in a 22 year drought! I have gauze tops and floaty rayon tops in fun colors to go with Bermuda shorts or , yes capris. Mine are just below my knee in petite so they look okay. I wear slip on Skechers or sandals. It is very casual here. Dresses are for weddings and funerals here.
All I can think of when I see caftans is Mrs. Roper.
It is challenging to dress in hot weather! I lived in Las Vegas for 5 years, and the summers were brutal. This is where I learned to love linen and cotton – wrinkles included – during the hottest months. I have a small collection of linen pieces that I wear a lot – a few pants and some dresses. I have two caftans, but only wear them as pool or beach cover-ups. I have found the Talbots Perfect Chinos to be great for hot weather as they are 98% cotton and 2% Spandex. I found that soft jersey maxi dresses were great on the weekends when jeans or regular slacks were too much – I wear them with Thigh Society shorts to prevent chafing. I have found some nice dresses in silk from Eileen Fisher and like the Lisa Bayne dresses on ArtfulHome website as they are very lightweight – some are semi-sheer but come with a light tank dress. In hot climates, you still have to plan for super cold temperatures inside and bring along a sweater or jacket.
Great point about the cold air inside! AC gets amped up to freezer levels here.
I have lived in the southern California desert most of my life, so I know heat. Gauze is my best friend. Loose, lightweight garments work well into my restrained boho style. I’m also very fond of color. One of my favorites is Johnny Was. Since I’m old as dirt, I dress to please myself now and I don’t worry about what random observers might think of my outfit. Bright, happy color and loose, comfortable clothes–that’s what works for me.
You can’t imagine how much I wish boho was my vibe! I love it on others but it feels foreign when I wear it.
Yes! Johnny Was tops and dresses are mostly wovens! But the prices are Yikes! Level for me. Good inspiration for sewing, though . . .
Sales and consignment stores. They opened a Johnny Was store in Palm Springs where I can try something on and then look for it next season on ebay or Poshmark. The styles don’t get stale.
Have you looked at Natural Life clothing online? I prefer structured clothes too and they have summer dresses that fit closer at the top but loose and flow-y at the bottom. I love the one I bought.
I think the caftan would be much more stylish if the pattern was more slimming and elongating. The wide stripe makes the whole caftan seem baggy. Choosing patterns with thin vertical or diagonal stripes would be more flattering. JM2C.
How do you wash and dry linen clothing? Everyone says they love and wear linen. But I am uncomfortable with how wrinkled I look. Also, I don´t now the best way to wash it. Hang drying my shirts and a pair of pants – everything still looks like I slept in it.
I am not a fan of mumus – being 5´ I like like a stump. Prints are too big, or I have to cut off the bottom secion.
Yes — comments about living in New England. May is a month when either your summer or winter wardrobe is all over the place while the other is in the closet or dresser. Thought it was finally ´warmer´ last week, but this morning, 45 going out to the car and should be near 70 going home. Even 70 can be chilly if there is wind blowing.
Hi Elizabeth and lovers of linen! I’ve had success machine washing linen on briefest gentle cycle, then dryer gentle cycle perhaps 10 minutes or when fabric remains damp. Then lay out flat and smooth with hands, as tho you were ironing. I like easy, and this is easy and it works.
Thank you!
I machine wash and dry my linen. I’ll iron or steam it depending on how “hard” it feels.
I’m 75, living in hot, steamy Dallas. I used to hang out in shorts and tees, but last year we moved into an upscale i dependent living community. Now I need to look nice every time I leave our apartment! I have pasty white and blotchy (sun damage as a teen) skin, so I always wear long pants and tees. I really don’t see ladies in long dresses here.
I struggle every day with wearing the same stuff!
Try some self tanner for your legs, Anne. It can work miracles.
I went through my summer weight clothes last month, partly to choose items for my consignment boutique drop off, which has been quite lucrative for me, but also to try things on again to check the fit.
Previously, I consigned due to a more ample bust not allowing zippers to slide easily,( looking a bit stuffed in !) but now beginning my third year of Pilates, since the new year, I have seen a very positive change in my body. At nearly 73, I look leaner than I have since retiring and moving here 7 years ago, and everything fits! Everything! So now to edit even more, since I have way too many options.
I have kept a couple of Blue Ginger ( from previous trips to Hawaii) long slim dresses with Asian knotted button detail in lovely colours that are my best. LLBEAN still sells their light knit dresses that fit the bust and flow nicely over the hips… very affordable, so sold a couple in dark colours and kept the French blue and peach print one . A few years ago L.L.BEAN also sold lined cotton dresses… slightly fitted bodice ( zippered up back as previously mentioned) and a swing skirt…very attractive and comfortable. Again I sold the black & navy and kept an orangey print. ( I am best in soft Autumn colours).
I recently found an Australian line of knee lengths dresses locally called Orientique in organic cotton. Bright prints, and one is even reversible. Perfect for my trip to Italy ( and steamy Venice ) in August. I have matching cardigans I’ve had for years ( L.L.BEAN) for air conditioning and church visits.
Otherwise it’s linen separates and sandals… also purchased over several years, but culled for best colours. White Stuff, a UK line, has linens that all mix and match , so I have found colours that previously I didn’t think worked for me. My chunky necklaces and bangles look good, on the solid tops, but perhaps not for really hot days… as others have mentioned, earrings are just fine.
This weekend has reminded us all here on Vancouver Island to get into our hot weather clothes… a few days of scorching afternoons😎🥵and levelling back to normal soon. The sea is calling me for an afternoon swim at high tide 💦… feeling more confident in my swimsuit this time round.
Bravo, Cath! I’m looking into pilates for the summer and hopeful it will do the same for me
“Being short does play into my decision here too.” Jennifer, your height of 5’4″ is EXACTLY the average height of American adult women!
Have lots of quality-made mumus, loose dresses and linen shorts/blouses/pants from my years in Hawaii and am so glad I saved them all. Climate change seems to have made the summers hotter and the winters colder so far here in SoCal. I don’t care if I look pregnant or overweight; comfort and ease of motion are now the only considerations!
Curious about something-does linen not wrinkle real bad? I love the feel of linen. But, the one time I bought a linen shirt I felt like a wrinkled mess. The seatbelt wrinkled it so bad I was embarrassed.
Linen wrinkles like crazy! You have to accept that it will. It’s an aquired taste for sure.
I’ve always proclaimed that “I don’t wear shorts” and didn’t for decades. A recent trip to Queensland and very humid weather made me rethink. I found pairs in plain black and white cotton that hit just above the knees. I was surprised that they didn’t look too bad and really surprised at how much cooler and comfortable they were compared to ankle pants in really hot weather. We usually get a few hot days over 36°C in our Melbourne summer so will definitely be getting them out on those days. I’m off to Bali in a couple of weeks where it’s extra humid so I’ll definitely be taking them there.
Have a great trip!
I live in NYC- the summer humidity (and smells and crowds) make it hard to keep looking polished! However, I am a true believer in skirts, simple white tees, and shiny oxfords. Add a hat, and simple straw bag- easy. Tip: I buy the skirts at least a size (or two larger) so they are looser and sit a bit lower on my waist- allowing for a breezier feel.
Great tip Jacqui
I’m so with you on the caftan situation. Myself, I don’t think I have worn a dress in years, aside from a wedding and a funeral. I live in southeast Texas and humid and hot doesn’t even describe our summer months, which actually run about 6 or 7 months out of the year. lol.
Just this year I found some unlined seersucker pants. Bought three pair, absolutely love them. Cool, breathable and look really great on. Yes! They are structured, but still very cool, since they are mostly cotton. Also linen pants are a great option.
I can pair them with lightweight Pima cotton pullovers with sleeves that cover my upper arms, still very comfortable. And in July and August I trade down to sleeveless tanks in liquid knit.
And then I can carry a long sleeve cotton or linen blouse to battle the a/c indoors.
I loved seersucker! I wish there was more of it around.
My style is evolving too, and as a plus size living in a dry hot climate, I have adopted a coastal vibes wardrobe. Flowy, airy, linen and cotton clothing. Not too many dresses, although I have a few for the winery visits. I only wear flip flops to the pool and around the house. I find my clothes at Jjill, Nordstrom, Coldwater Creek, Talbots. Trying to purge my wardrobe of the dozens of pairs of joggers too!
I have to recommend that Chicos bungee dress you tried on for hot days. Lightweight, stretchy, comfortable, and stands away from the body just enough.
I agree. It’s not cotton but the style is fabulous.
I live in New England were the weather is different every day.
It could be close to 90 and the next day it is 60.
I still have warm clothes and some summer outfits in my closet.
I will be happy when our weather picks a season and stays with it for awhile.
We don’t have a very long summer here in the northwest so white jeans are usually my go to. I have a few dresses but I don’t feel like myself in them mostly because my legs are so spotty I have to wear body makeup. That’s a real pain. Summer is always a problem for me! I love that you like green tea, that’s all I drink.
Hot humid sticky all summer in the Washington DC area. I like to look up to date but classic and polished when I leave the house. Top of the knee length A-line or slightly tent dresses are the best for comfort and look for going about town to run errands or for lunch. I wear skorts. I really do not like t-shirts look unpolished and I don’t care for the way they look. Fit is also tricky since I am fussy about not showing any bulges. I have two homes so I have two wardrobes.Hanging at 2nd home, also hot and humid climate with a very casual vibe, calls for shorts and tee shirts.While at my main home, I prefer dresses that are a step above the house dresses my mother used to wear. Last summer I picked up several linen sleeveless “house” dresses at Kohls. They are cute and can be worn for quick trips to the grocery store too.
I only wear Oofos, as in every day, all day long! Years ago I gave up trying to look stylish in uncomfortable shoes that led to the agony of fasciitis, for the health and comfort of my feet.
In my hot, humid, casual summers I mostly wear dresses and am always on the lookout for ones that are comfortable and attractive. I’ve purchased a few caftans over the years and they all end up being nightgowns! Natural Life Clothing has cute affordable summer dresses and I have found a couple at Nordstrom Rack. Looking forward to seeing what you find.
I just checked our Natural Life Clothing!! Lots of cute things and great prices!! Thanks!!
>>Does your climate prevent you from wearing the looks you prefer?
My climate, my location, and my lifestyle all conspire against me, LOL. I guess I need to come to terms with all three of these things.
I understand what you mean about wearing caftans – not a look I can rock. Sad, but true. I love the look of flowy linen pants, but not on me. This year I purchased tapered linen pants from Old Navy. They are not the softest linen, but the price was right, and I like the look.
I too love “flowy linen pants.” But most are so wide in the thigh that they lose any semblance of flattery on us short gals (5’3″). Wearing a hip-length shirt with them becomes a baggy circus clown look. They’d be OK if I were trim enough to tuck in a shirt/tee but alas. So I search for the rare straight/wide leg with a slimmer thigh. This summer I have 3 very loose linen shirts to wear with a wide leg linen, my seersucker straight leg, and a Chico’s fitted crop pant. As soon as I shed a few pounds, l’ll give last year’s a-line dress a try. It’s secret is that it skims over the bust and midriff to avoid the tent effect.
Try fine merino wool dresses! Wool& is a great company with SO many cute dresses.
It sounds counterintuitive to wear wool to stay cool but I promise it works! This is not the itchy wool of heavy sweaters.
I wore a sleeveless wool dress in the high heat & humidity of Walt Disney World in FL in the summer. It’s breathable and no odors! Can easily go from day to evening. Never wrinkles.
I’m slowly switching my wardrobe over to merino. Try it!
Interesting! I’ve never seen a wool summer dress for sale to try.
My husband’s Marine uniforms (summer) were wool. Very light weight and breathable enough for our desert location.
I buy the wool& dresses online. It’s an amazing fabric!
Wow! I’m looking it up and Wool& dresses look lightweight but good quality. Might try them.
Nia, it’s truly a miracle fabric! It’s hard to wear other fabrics now that I’ve worn wool! There’s a fun FB group connected to the company too with lots of reviews, pictures, and styling ideas.
I’m in hot and humid NC. I’ve already packed away my jeans and won’t wear them again till late fall when it cools down again. In hot weather, I mostly wear skorts, tees, loose cotton tops, and dresses that don’t touch me anywhere! With sandals or sneakers. Like you, I don’t wear necklaces if it’s super hot, and will focus on earrings.
This is a yearly dilemma. How to stay cool without looking like you just don’t care? Here in Maine we go from winter coats to tee shirts within a week. And, yes, it does get into the nineties here. I fantasize about wearing elegant flowing clothes, but neither my body nor lifestyle supports that dream. Your ideas are welcome.
I think a tee with loose fitting Bermuda length shorts or flowy skirt works best. Or a linen shift dress? (Nothing clingy if 90s and humid for me. )
I’m curious to see how your style evolves for the summer months. My hot weather clothes tend to be looser styles in linen, rayon and cotton and I incorporate more colour.
I did the summer closet turnover on the weekend, and was pleasantly surprised to find I still really like what I have. The last few years I wasn’t able to get out much, so I still have a lot of clothes that are like new. If I stick to my plan, all I need to replace are 2 pair of sandals and a white bag. Ha – we’ll see how long that resolution lasts!
Hi Jennifer, it’s more my lifestyle prevents me from wearing the looks I prefer. My husband passed away 1 1/2 years ago. We used to walk into town every Fri. for happy hour, so I would get a little dressed up which I loved. But those days are gone and I’m home alone a lot. I do get together with friends, but usually for lunch, so it’s pretty casual dressing. So it’s cotton or linen crops and yes, capris lol, and a tee shirt, on most days. I do love that caftan on you. I got one on one of our trips to the islands and did have it taken in. But I wouldn’t wear it, unless I was going to the islands again. But it did look better altered. Lands End has some cute sleeveless tee shirt like dresses that I would wear in hot weather, but since knee replaced 2 months ago, that’s not gonna happen. Looking for midi length now. Oh the trials and tribulations of fashion!
originally from louisiana so used to wear khakis instead of jeans especially in the summer. I can relate to the blue dress from Hawaii. You have a great figure and that dress just isn’t right for you. I’m a plus size so most dresses are a challenge for me. Most are not flattering. Love linens and been doing lots of white pants and blousy tops from talbots or chico’s.
I love caftans and loose dresses in the summer, especially around the house. I work at home three days per week. I did NOT like Emerson Frye’s version. There is a brand called Pax Philhomena (sp?) that has gorgeous caftans with a full drawstring waist. Makes all the difference. I recently got a green and white floral number from J Crew that I adore. And a favorite is the humble Mexican peasant dress, the one with embroidery. Available on ebay for <$40 in cotton. Sadly no pockets on any of these but comfort wins. But I feel you on hot and humid here in Missouri. Jackets/blazers? Ha! I plan to be in linen and the new slub cotton (read no ironing). The coastal preppy vibe will work just fine. The hardest thing for me is mot so much choice of clothes but colors. I am sticking to my dark winter palette (based on gray/white/navy/pop of bright) but man those camel and whiskey browns in sandals and bags look so luxe. My taupe just isn’t the same. And I can’t do those muted colors so I have to make my own style this summer. As we all have to!
Good morning Jennifer & ladies, I am in total agreement regarding caftans!, I bought one several years ago for a cruise, let’s say, “thank goodness I will never see those people again”, 😂😂not a good look. I bought the Talbots white wide leg linen pants (they are pull on) super comfortable and go to a beach party & out for dinner in the same day. I’m not secure enough to wear sleeveless tops with my upper arms , I shouldn’t be embarrassed by them, I know get over it, I’m trying.
Have a nice day
Good morning, Pat! Your comment cracks me up. I often tell myself the same thing. I’ll never see those people again, but sheesh, I saw how I looked 🤣
Your subject today really hit home with me. So many of my summer clothing options are of the more structured style. It’s just who I am. But, when the heat and humidity take over, it’s a struggle to dress comfortably. I will be anxiously awaiting your findings. My past attempts to add more loose, flowing tops has resulted in items that never get worn. Apparently, we develop a personal style over the years that becomes difficult to compromise. I can support other peoples choices very easily but for myself there’s a strong line in the sand.
I feel the same way Jan!
Hi, I’m Rosalba from Rome Italy, I enjoy your mails but I have never left a comment for you, sorry. I can wear jeans in this season until the end of may, but from June to September it’s impossible because too hot. Your Kaftan is cute, I don’t like how fit to me too. I’m not very tall, anyway for stay at home I think it’s a good solution. I love the OOFos sandal meanwhile and I’m going to buy them very soon, thank you for your review, have a good day, Rosalba
Knee length, light weight dresses are a good option. For me that will involve some sort of fake tan on my legs! They are easy and cool! I wear flip flops out and about to the grocery and on errands in the summer. I also love a good t-shirt and light weight, looser fitting pants. I do not have the need to always be in an outfit. When I want to look more put together in the heat, it will be some sort of summery dress.
Welcome, Rosalba! Being short does play into my decision here too.
I like skorts in the summer. I also wear baseball caps to keep the sun off and to hide the hair if it is not looking good.
I definitely identify with you as I live in Atlanta and the humidity is a killer. Trying to find comfy clothing is not easy while sticking g to my style is not easy.
Me too! Although I’m 75, during Georgia summers I’ve given up worrying about how my arms look in sleeveless dresses. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!😂
I agree, Laura. I call it my right to bare arms. 🤣
Also in GA – as much as I love jeans and sweaters, the reality here is only about 3 or 4 months of really good wear for them. So even though it is difficult I try to spend more of my money on clothes that will work for summer. And, I’m petite, so a caftan or anything anywhere close to that unstructured will not be entering my closet anytime soon.
Though I live on Cape Cod, which has fairly temperate summers, it can get unbearably humid, especially in August. A few years ago, when I was in Florida, I discovered gauze clothing and found it to be wonderfully comfortable in hot weather. It’s loose and flows so not my usual more classic style, but it seems perfect for summer. I also like a brand called Habitat which has some almost paperweight pants and tops with sleeves. Their products rock in hot weather and are great for travel.
I agree, Jeanne, Habitat clothes are very comfy. I’ve bought several tops in boutiques and am looking at a few items in their online store. First found the brand in an Ashland, Oregon store. Many are gauzy or other fabric that’s no-iron…yippee!
That’s my struggle. Sticking to my style. I’m happy to experiment but it has to feel like me somewhat!
I love the sleeveless linen dresses from Tommy Bahama. They just skim my figure and the bonus is that they all have pockets!
I’m trying a new approach this spring and summer…a break from jeans. Like you, I find them to be too hot to wear in summer. And, I want to get out of my comfort zone. Will probably go back to jeans in the fall. So, it’s linen pants, light cotton chinos, and dresses until late September.
Thank you for posting the bag in OOTW. How did you know I’ve been looking for a white woven bag? It’s in order.
I’ve been looking for one too 😉
Could you still enjoy the kaftan by shortening it and having it taken in just a little bit?
I was wondering the same thing! And alter the neckline to a v-neck if it is a round neck.
I have slimmed it down a bit but it hasn’t helped. The issue is more the pattern, cap sleeve, boho vibe for me. I love this look on others. Just not me.
I can so identify with your thoughts about what to wear while its hot and humid, but doesn’t make me look a hot mess. I’ll be reading your blog to see how your proceed. I’m sure it will be fun and interesting!
I’ll second you on the comfort of Oofos! My husband got a pair first and loved them, so insisted I buy one. SO comfy! I don’t wear them out of the house, just because the flipflop style isn’t suited for walking distances, IMO. And I live in Houston, so jeans are impossible from now until about late October. I live in linen.
My daughter laughed when I showed her my Oofos but sheesh, they’re so comfy.