Tips for hot weather.

[Sandysandybeaches]

I should start by saying that I am one of those people.

I was in my local (affluent for context if that makes a difference) and as always I was looking out for people who looked good so I could steal some ideas. There were none!! Everyone looked a right state - I also appreciate that many people don’t care, but some do and, like me, need help. So I started thinking about some rules - add or disagree, but I think most people need help! Especially need more ‘do.., ‘ tips.

1. No crop trousers!
2. Nearly everyone needs a better bra.
3. Check your back view in the mirror- many people had visible pants.
4. If you’ve got bigger boobs and a bit of a tum cropped trousers and a t-shirt that isn’t tucked in is very unflattering.
5. longer summer dresses that I keep reading on here are dated look nicer than many other options.

edited for typos

I have lived overseas for a long time, in a place with a much warmer climate. I have to agree with OP.

I would say generally people don't invest in a "summer wardrobe" because it is so fleeting / extreme.

Living now in a country with no a/c (the UK) I would say sandals and very light weight cotton or linen dresses are the answer, and not ill fitting shorts etc.

Navy blue linen trousers and a blue/white top and a bra, it's for Church though, once I get home it's be bra off, vest top and half mast stripey trousers, all suitable for the garden and being hunched over my laptop, GCSE marking, but I won't be offending anyone's sensiibilities!

So glad I am not the only one who looks at other people for style ideas, OP. I find summer dressing really hard. Still after the elusive outfit that is cool, stylish, covers the various wobbly bits and doesn't need ironing 🕵.

After seeing a woman in a skin coloured all in one lycra jumpsuit yesterday which was stretched to almost see-through I have to agree with you op.

That's definitely a better title, @Sandysandybeaches😁 !

I dont agree with wide trousers and wide top together.Makes everyone look two sizes bigger than they are imo.

I think style rules are a bit 90s tbh. The sort of thing younger generations don't tend to go in for.

I think with the extreme heat many of us are expecting, you just need to be comfortable. As many people moving from warmer climates point out, the heat and humidity in the UK can be harder to deal with than higher temperatures elsewhere. So it may not be a lack of style rules which is the problem.

That said, I'm always interested in looking as well as I can manage. So would be interested in a summer style thread which didn't involve bashing other women you saw on the street and arbitrary rules made up by someone like the op who admits she doesn't really know how to dress in summer herself. Just how to judge random strangers' style apparently 🤔

I would also advise against very patterned dresses, if you're feeling a bit on the larger side, you'll look like a chinz sofa.

I kind of admire their confidence, though. I saw a woman in a lycra one piece yesterday which was basically like a swimsuit. I thought well, if she's cool and comfortable and doesn't mind people looking - fair enough.

Title changed!! And thank you for the more useful recent replies. I think I need a new (but dated) summer dress!

Chub rub shorts and a patterned dress ( ideally with pockets and some sort of short sleeve).

I can't wear crop trousers as too short. Would never wear shorts as they ride up. No strappy vests for me either unless I wear a kimono type chiffon top over.

Well I was out on Friday and I looked good. Good quality maxi skirt, sleeveless black top, flats. Gold necklace, bracelet and earrings. Would have looked nicer with a bit of a tan but all in all, well put together.

Yesterday, I looked liked a slob though but that was a doing jobs around the house day.

Well, I was a teen in the 90s so that makes sense. I need rules, I’m asking for suggestions! I have found developing a set of rules in other areas of life and other seasons for clothing very helpful!

You could see all her behind through it though.Fair enough I suppose it takes confidence to do that especially in a supermarket

Indeed! I wouldn't even answer the door dressed like that! ☺️

It’s just about managing the heat. We’re not good at it because obviously it’s infrequent really isn’t it

Get your calloused hooves done. Our feet need to glow up before summer hits IMO… I took the sander to mine then did three nights of thick moisturiser and socks - baby soft

No flowery tat - I wear plain cotton stuff and I have no problem wearing long sleeves etc as long as it’s cotton/ linen. It is MUCH cooler to wear long and floaty plus it saves much sunburn angst. Im a big fan of palazzo pants myself.

dont be scared of white - it does really keep you cooler

My hair is waist length and very heavy in the summer so I coil it up right off my neck, it makes a big difference to my comfort and appearance

I disagree. I've seen a lot of larger women wear fantastic patterns to great effect.

I agree with previous posters who have said natural fabrics tend to look better.
In the heat, I often see women wearing dresses in cotton or linen and they look together and cool.
Also, more structured cotton or linen shorts with a top of similar fabric or possibly a white t shirt often look good.
i think things being well ironed makes a real difference - not crumpled as my summer clothes inevitably are having been pulled from the back of the drawer for the rare day of heat!
I also think having hair tied back and sunglasses makes a difference, as they can hide a multitude of sins - my hair goes frizzy in the heat and sunglasses cover up sweated off eye make up.
Generally, when I notice people looking put together, I realise they have thought about accessories, ironed their clothes and chosen natural fabrics. I only manage the last one myself…

Previously I would have disagreed with you but with peri my body has changed massively in the last year and things that suited now look awful.

I’m now looking for some loose cotton trousers as previous ones look horrendous and also a work appropriate summer dress. All but impossible.

From previous, similar threads, I tend to stick to loose natural fabrics in neutral colours. I do love seeing people in bold prints, monsoon have some gorgeous ones, but as I’m short they do overwhelm my frame.

If I am just pottering around the house/garden it is shorts to get a leg tan but I wouldn’t inflict that on anyone.

And if my hair goes rogue, it will get tied up off of my neck.

Checking the back view is so important! I've got a pair of loose cotton trousers in a geometric print, until yesterday I didn't realise that from the back there are two massive misaligned diamonds across my bum. They've now been relegated to the charity shop pile.

I've been trying to brush up on my normal jeans and t shirts so here's what I've come up with recently

What a tedious over-reaction

I love your knee length skirt with the large pattern, where's it from?

It's from next! This one

I get age 14 or 15 the sizes are generous I'm a size 10 and 5ft 3