Summer Essentials to ‘Beat the Heat’
It’s not long before you will be reaching for your lightweight summer clothing options.
So how do you go about choosing your best ‘go to’ pieces?
The choices are numerous and decisions can feel complicated. I’ve found that for some women it’s the ease of wear and care, others it’s the ‘feel factor’, the environmental impact, what’s trending, the availability of colours that give them a ‘feel good vibe’ and then there’s ‘form factor’, what covers any lumps and bumps.
In over 20 years of styling women it’s clear that choosing lightweight fabric options is a matter of personal interpretation and preference, however there are general guidelines to consider when choosing fibres that best work for you.
At the end of the day you can break it down to the following:
· What efforts are you prepared to put in to maintaining your wardrobe? (Ironing, hanging and cleaning).
What parts of your body do you want to cover? (See below re major heat traps).
What level of comfort and form do you require? (Do you need/want to hide lumps and bumps)
What is available in the marketplace? (Largely driven by trend).
What’s your position if any, on environmental impact? (Another story as it’s not as simple as natural fibre vs. synthetic.
If that isn’t enough, there’s your bodies major ‘Heat Traps’.
The waistline. - Waistbands and front zips on pants – heat traps
The chest area. - High necklines
Armpits. - Tight or constrictive clothing
Crouch. - Pants that are constrictive
Not yet comfortable with the choices you are making? It’s about getting the balance right for you. When you can get the right combination of form, function and fun it improves the value of any wardrobe item.
Being able to choose gives you the freedom and flexibility with the ultimate gain, value for money. When YOU get to choose your neckline, sleeve length or none, the textiles, colours, fit etc, it puts you in a better position to enjoy your wardrobe.
Tips when choosing your pieces,
Aim for enough volume in the garment to cover you rather than swamping you.
Choose the majority of your garments in styles that are not ‘on trend’. You will get many years of wear and also help the environment in the process.
Choose a neckline that gives the best shape for your body type. (V-neck is great for large busted, broad shoulders and short neck.
Choose garments and textiles that skimyour body rather than cling. Your shape will be enhanced giving confidence and empowered self image.
Choose the majority of your garments in styles that are not ‘on trend’. You will get many years of wear and also help the environment in the process.
Below is a quick look at what’s on offer in the:
