If you live in the south, where summer is six months long, it’s easy to get bored with your summer clothes. And if, like me, you don’t have to dress up for an office, you can easily succumb to same-old tank top and cotton skirt every day. It’s too hot to think about chic layering. Full disclosure: I was inspired to write about this by Susan’s fab blog, High Heels In the Wilderness. See her most recent post here.
My summer uniform.
So we have to rely on small and simple dashes of style to stay interested. Not a blazer or colorful tights, or layered necklaces. No vests, throws, or (I miss you!) boots to liven up the picture.
Because I have a lot of experience with this – thirty years in the sub-tropics – I have a couple of ideas for reviving the well-worn summer closet:
1. Fun shoes. There are now so many fabulous, fun summer shoes that flip-flops can be confined to the beach and the pedicure salon. We can do wedges, flats, sneakers, loafers and more. Here are a couple I like, and that add some personality to my uniform:
2. Play with your hair. If your hair is short, use gel to slick it back or spike it up. This is not the season to experiment with long extensions. If your hair is already to your shoulders, experiment with braiding it or twisting it up, or even a dreadlock or two.
A cool ‘do, in both senses of the word. Source
3. A great necklace. Just one at a time for me, and they do up your look to more intentional. A necklace can also add a touch of color or contrast with your top:
4. A lightweight scarf. No layers of silk or wool, but a little neckerchief is so chic. Susan rocks this look, and here is one of my favorites:
5. A sundress (see my last post here for some real-life examples). A sleeveless, easy fitting dress is a wonderful way to stay cool. And why not go for some pattern and color, as here:
6. Lip color. I switch up my lip color to an orange-y red instead of my more bluish “winter” red. Someone wrote me that I could look younger with a lighter lipstick, and she may be right, but I love my brights. I don’t wear foundation in the summer, it feels too heavy – just a BB cream with a high sunscreen, and mascara.
Can you share any tips for looking smart while you wither?
Stay fabulous,
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I agree with the cute shoes!! They can totally make the outfit fun!! And why not let your tootsies have a little showcasing?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh my goodness… what a pleasant Saturday morning- check my Bloglovin’ feed while I have my morning tea before I start the laundry- surprise!! Thanks so much Patti… for the kind words and the link. Much appreciated. Funny you should mention hair and hot weather. I’m just putting together a post about my hair. Gad…my hair!! Yours always looks cool. xo
Summer dressing goes on for a long time here, too and I stick to camisoles and skirts or sundresses. I can’t bear anything like a scarf around my neck – or a belt, or anything that prevents fresh air circulation! My statement is always my big earrings. My hair got shorter and shorter during two Texan summers and now living in sub tropical Australia, well, it arrived at the length (?) it is now. (At this time of the year when the mornings are crisp and cool, I do wear scarves around my neck and head. ) Stay cool. xx
Like you I pair right now to the bare essentials in the heat and humidity. I don’t think I could even stand a cute scarf around my neck.
I love one good necklace or a larger bracelet.
Sometimes my hat is my focal point, since I always need a hat in summer.
bisous
Suzanne
I love a great necklace!!
Jaymie
I like big earrings. And with my hair up, the earrings get more notice. I still haven’t perfected my French friends’ tactic of a quick twist, secured with a hairpin or even just a pencil.
When I lived in Africa, I wore simple cotton dresses, mostly with sleeves for modesty (I didn’t care about the sun back then, but I’m glad now that I had protection). I still like sundresses, especially those with no waist–it seems like any point that touches the skin is a place to sweat. We don’t have A/C in the south of France. But at least it isn’t humid.