Getting dressed during the hot summer months is a bit of a paradox – it’s both easier and harder than other seasons.
First of all, I live in Norway, so nothing will beat trying to look like you care about your outfit whatsoever when it’s -25 degrees (that’s celsius, for anyone wanting to tell me off for complaining). But summer definitely presents it’s own kind of challenges when it comes to having any motivation to put together cute outfits when you’d rather wear nothing at all.
The Throw On A Dress And Go
In a way, it can often feel somewhat easy to get dressed during summer, because I throw on a pretty dress and that’s my outfit done (only in need of a few select accessories). It also allows me to finally twirl around in the dresses I drool over the all the other 9 months of the year. Dresses are just fantastically easy to throw on in the morning and be dressed in no-time.
If you feel like summer caught you a little bit off guard and you are not reaching for them, however, you may want to look at whether the dresses you own have enough variety to suit your daily life. A frilly chiffon dress is not everyday wear for most of us, so look into getting a dress or two that can function as your “throw on and go”. It’s worked wonders for me to have a few super simple (really almost as simple as you get) dresses that are both my actual lounge wear as well as something I dress up a bit more.
Now, for when a statement dress is not appropriate or if you’re just not a dress person, let’s discuss a few solutions to the common problems.
The Lack Of Layering
I personally really love and rely on layering to create interest in my outfit and feel good in my clothes but this is obviously a challenge during summer and something I can’t really rely on here. This really challenges us to think outside the box to still create outfits we love. It’s really a good thing, shakes us up a bit! So let’s look at what we can to add that flair instead.
Layer horizontally, rather than vertically. Or in less clumsy terms – do not put layers on top of each other, but rather next to each other. Layer a scarf over bare shoulders (this also protects them from the sun!) and a handbag in the crook of your arm. A hat is a wonderful example of this type of “accessories” layering as well.
Take Advantage of Textures
I bang on about this every time, and I would apologize, but not until everyone else feels as strongly about it as I do (kidding…sort of). Textures are here to help us create interest in outfits that otherwise can feel a bit basic or boring. Try contrasting different textures as a way to make more of a statement with your outfit, instead of piling on layers or sweat-inducing accessories. Choosing summer appropriate textures in your clothing, which I will talk about next, helps your outfit look very summer chic, even if you are wearing a black outfit.
Pay. Attention. To. Fabrics.
Building on the previous point, you want to pick your summer wardrobe pieces in materials that are breathable and make it a much nicer experience wearing clothes. Absolutely no polyester or anything clammy. My favorite materials are linen, cotton, silks and even tencel can be a good material to look out for if you want something more soft and relaxed. I know linen tends to be very love or hate because of the wrinkling it tends to get, so go for cotton or tencel if that bothers you. I, however, choose to embrace if for this fabric alone. I feel it really works for linen, as it’s a more casual fabric.
Also remember to pay attention to the lining! It’s a really bummer to get a beautiful linen blazer, only to discover the lining is polyester and will suffocate you like you went out with cling film all over your top half.
Want more tips? Check out my Youtube video with a few examples of how to make this work into your outfits.
