Summer Styling: Stay Chic instead of Cooked this summer.
It’s hot, it’s sticky, your phone says it’s a cool 31 degrees but feels like what you imagine the fiery pits of hell might feel like when you open your door and are hit with a wall of thick, sticky, hot air.
Your hair is a mess of frizz, pulled back to make “the best” of it.
All the while the fashion influencers are out there preaching the “rule of 3” where you need “at least 3 items to make an outfit.”
*inner thought - does a bra count as that third piece? Because the idea of fabric touching my body is making me sweat.*
You finally acclimate to walking through what feels like the Amazon to arrive at your favourite coffee shop when you’re hit with another wall. This time the other version of hell, the one where everyone can see that you decided to forgo the bra and now you’re kicking yourself for your one-and-done outfit, especially when the reason you cared about your outfit in the first place was because you were meeting someone from work.
Let’s be honest, if you were running around doing errands in the summer none of us care about looking cute. We get what needs to be done, done, and enjoy the heat. It’s when we’re supposed to be professional/trying to impress - that’s when we suffer.
So here’s how to layer for the summer and a few essentials to help you get through the 6 weeks where it matters.
The quick scan:
1. Base Layers (what to wear under)
2. Accessorize Basics
3. The more interesting the piece the less you need.
4. Athletic wear > Linen
5. Mix Aesthetics
Lets get into it
*before we dive in I'll point out that I am in no way cool enough to have associated links to any products.*
Tip No. 1: The Base
Let’s start with the base layers and yes, I do mean underwear. There are so many summer pieces that encourage you to go braless, which is great, until you’re flashing everyone with a pair of headlights (probably not facing the same way).
Options:
- Nipple covers - these things are great. Little silicone stickies that keep you from advertising your lack of a bra.
- Built-in’s - these are not all built the same, so ditch the Amazon special and opt for Uniqlo. I’ve been sporting mine all summer and they’re fantastic. I also asked my friend with E cups what she thought and her response was, “It actually keeps me up, I’m kinda shocked.” Knix is another option for the built-in tank.
- Opt for natural fibres. We’re going to sweat - it’s a thing. Synthetic fibres around your personal areas can lead to discomfort and sometimes even rashes in the heat. Huha is a brand that does just that and they're made in Canada.
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Thigh savers. Whether they are biker shorts, the Knix versions, or anti-chafe gel Let’s make our summer comfortable for skirts and dresses. If you're worried about seeing a line at your thigh opt for the 10" inseam, if you're worried about them peaking out the bottom, go for the 6".
Tip No. 2:
Accessorize Basics
Why does the rule of 3 have to mean clothes? The intention behind the look is what makes it feel put together. So if you were going to wear a pair of jean shorts and a tee, wear a pair of jean shorts and a tee and a necklace. Or a hat. Or sunnies. Or, which brings me to my next point, make the tee interesting.
GoWood is a really cool sunglasses line - Canadian made and made of wood... which adds more texture to your look.
Tip No. 3: Let's make it weird.
The more interesting the piece the less items you need. When we wear interesting pieces, whether it’s the shape, the colour, the print, or texture it adds to the overall interest of the outfit.
Tip No. 3:
Athletic wear > Linen
Let’s talk fabric. These days not all fabrics are built the same and with sustainability at the forefront of everybody’s mind it’s hard to stay consistent.
Great summer fabrics include:
- Linen (if you can handle the wrinkles.)
- Cotton gauze or lightweight cotton
(I know! You’ve never heard this before) But have you thought about….
- Athletic wear. These performance fabrics have been designed to wick away sweat for endurance purposes which means they’ll do the same for your everyday wear but also keep you warmer for when you’re inside.
Tip No. 5:
Mix Aesthetics
Mix aesthetics. By pulling pieces from contrasting aesthetics you can add interest to your look without adding layers or unnecessary extras.
Think:
Long skirt with sneakers and a gym-shirt.
Floral summer dress with slicked back bun an super edgy sunglasses.
Baggy boyfriend fit jeans with a girly top.
Now, putting it all together for when it’s also freezing inside.
Go light with the layers but still have them. That means ditch the denim and opt for lightweight cotton knits, button ups that you can wear open, scarves that can go from around your head to around your shoulders.
I also love a good pack and play. This is a lightweight, easily rolled layer that I can shove into whatever bag I’m carrying around for the day and pull out when I’m freezing.
Have any ideas that would help someone else? Leave a comment.