It's Mid-Summer. What Aren't You Wearing...And Why? (There are Valuable Clues You Can Use!)
Sorry to harsh your sartorial mellow but the summer season is nearly half over! I am not even mentally back in the summer game yet (life’s new norms being what they are) and what I have chosen to wear thus far both does and does not reflect that. What in Hades is this lady talking about, you ask? Allow me to clarify.
While it’s true I am not currently heading out to as many social events as I have in summers past, I am regularly asking myself if I did have events to attend, what would and wouldn’t I wear?
On casual summer days, I am reaching for the most breathable and sweat-proof styles over others.
When considering an at-home workout, I regularly gravitate to more fitted and solid cotton tanks and lightweight bike shorts.
What do these summer clothing choices say about my personal wardrobe preferences?
I know I prefer solid color dresses to multi-piece looks in summer. Why?
Nothing is faster or easier to wear than a cotton dress. Plus, I appreciate an occasional breeze on a hot day!
I prefer sleeves (for sun protection) and a belt (to highlight the waist).
Flats, sandals, sneakers and heels turn a dress into a different outfit right for different occasions. Separates don’t always have that same range.
Solids serve as a more neutral canvas for a motley mix of accessories, which ‘make the outfit’ IMO.
I no longer want fabrics that are not 100% natural when wearing an all-day look.
Synthetics make me hotter (ergo, sweatier) than cotton or linen. 100% silk can make me hot, but at least it dries quickly.
I want even work/dress clothes I can wash on cold at home, air dry and then steam or iron. (Fewer trips to the dry cleaner, tyvm.)
Added bonuses? Natural fabrics are better for the environment as is this wash/dry method (and they’re more cost effective per wear, too).
I hate to sweat even when I work out. (I pass on hot yoga for this reason alone. Shortsighted? Perhaps.)
Fitted tanks in cotton stay put and keep me feeling cooler, longer.
Thin weight bike shorts provide compression support but don’t cause overheat as quickly as full-length leggings. (I plan never to wear them out of the house having lived the 90s trend already, but ... never say never.)
No-show socks with as much cotton percentage as I can get. Did I mention I hate to sweat? Synthetic socks make me crazy!
Whether you are aware or not, what you select from your closet is a reliable guide for your (sub)conscious preferences. Take note!
Take in the details of what you repeatedly choose. Note: sleeves, length, fabrics, temperature, comfort, trends, colors, pattern, silhouettes, solids, etc.
Make a list of these details – do you actually like them, or have you fallen into a habit that bores?
Cross reference all you own to this list and let go of pieces that don’t meet those specifications (or fit). It’s better (for so many reasons) to have fewer things you love than many you don’t!
Keep the list handy when you consider shopping. Use it to avoid buying too much of the same, or to drill down to exactly what you want.
Amend your list as you and styles change!
Regardless of the potential outcome, take stock now to be mindful of your summer options before summer is here and gone. Most importantly, enjoy the season!
- Stephanie Gisondi-Little
