Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, beach trips, and, let's be honest, a bit of a wardrobe dilemma. As temperatures rise, so does the challenge of looking stylish while staying cool and comfortable. If you're like many women, you might find yourself longing for the layered looks of winter, where jackets and trousers can easily camouflage areas you'd prefer to downplay. But what do you do when the sweltering heat calls for lighter clothing?
As one reader put it, "I love my winter wardrobe because I can layer my pants and shirts with different jackets and top pieces that camouflage my tummy and big bust area. But what do I do in summer?" Let's address some common concerns and share actionable strategies to help you embrace your summer style with confidence.
Finding the Right Fabrics
When it comes to lighter fabrics, linen is indeed a classic choice for summer. It's breathable, soft, and allows for movement-qualities that are essential when the temperatures soar. But if you're looking for alternatives to linen that can provide comfort and style, consider, hemp, silk and cotton. A lightweight silk kimono can add elegance without the heaviness of a full jacket. It drapes beautifully and can create a lovely silhouette without being too hot. Loose cotton tops with some structure to help shape your silhouette without being too tight. Bamboo is another fabric that works well in summer and makes excellent knitwear. You can search online for bamboo clothing if you're not finding what you want in local stores.
Tops That Flatter
When jackets become too hot to wear, the key lies in selecting tops that provide structure, shape or inbuilt details without the need for additional layers. Depending on your body shape what you're after specifically will be up to what flatters your silhouette (check out my post here on the three basic silhouettes). If you have a waisted silhouette (X, A, 8 in particular) look for tops that come in at the waist or can be tucked into your bottoms. These designs prevent the fabric from hanging off your bust and creating an unflattering silhouette. If you don't have a defined waist (H and O in particular), tops that skim past your tummy are ideal. I've found some great linen knit tees that have this shape that is comfortable and easy to wear in summer.
Built-in details are something that's great in your summer tops, from construction details to prints and patterns, check out my post here to see some examples.
Sleeveless jackets can provide an extra layer without the heat. They're perfect for adding structure to a loose outfit while keeping you cool.
Lightweight and sheer kimono or duster style layers can also add a stylish element to your wardrobe without fitting close and feeling too hot.
The Power of Accessories: Distract and Enhance
Accessories can be your best friend when it comes to balancing your silhouette. Large-scale jewellery, such as statement necklaces or earrings, can draw attention upwards and away from your bust. This technique helps in creating a balanced look and can add a touch of personal style to any outfit.
Too hot for a necklace or scarf? Why not have fun with brooches, or a cluster of brooches to add detail to your outfit without the feeling of weight or heat.
Consider collecting some summer-appropriate beauty bundles (accessories in colours that work together and create a join-the-dots approach to drawing your eye around your outfit).
Customized Solutions
Finding dresses that fit perfectly off the rack can be challenging, especially for women with a larger bust. Consider investing in custom-made dresses or learning basic sewing skills to adjust garments yourself. A dressmaker can tailor a dress to your specific measurements, ensuring a fit that flatters your body shape without compromising on comfort. You can read more in the post, Your Guide to Tailoring and Alterations
Join Me on the Journey to Style Confidence
For those looking to enhance their personal style, I offer online personal styling programs, including 7 Steps to Style. This program provides actionable insights tailored to your unique body shape, style preferences, and lifestyle needs. Whether you're struggling with summer dressing or looking to redefine your entire wardrobe, my 7 Steps to Style program will empower you to embrace your individuality and express it confidently through your clothing choices.
Ultimately, the most important element of any outfit is how it makes you feel. Confidence in your style choices comes from understanding what works for your body and embracing it wholeheartedly. It's not uncommon to feel nervous about how others perceive your style, especially when stepping out of your comfort zone. But it's good to remember, most people are more preoccupied with their insecurities than yours. Embrace the spotlight effect; it's more about how you feel than how others see you. When you wear something that resonates with you, confidence radiates.
Further Reading
How to Layer Summer Dresses
How to Dress in Summer to Feel Stylish, Slim and Cool
3 Easy Ways to Add Interest to Your Summer Outfits When It's Too Hot to Add Layers
15 Summer Style Outfit Ideas to Steal
Choosing the Right Fabric to Look Elegant and Stay Cool