Hello from 92 degrees and climbing! It’s nearly Labor Day and summer as it is typically thought of in Los Angeles has finally arrived. Methinks it’s going nowhere fast. We’re likely to be in our shirt sleeves through Halloween at least. Hot weather seems not only to spike higher but last longer every year. Fun fact; data shows humans are more irritated by high heat overall (I know *this* human certainly is).
Instead of raging against seasonal fatigue, I’m here to help you focus on remembering to prioritize comfort, feeling put together, and to minimize any irritation over how the heck to dress when the weather won’t cooperate with your sartorial preferences for the season.
Clothing related reasons I get grumpy when it’s not yet fall (my favorite season by far):
- I love dark plaids and a closed toe shoe in time with ‘Back to School’ season. It’s my tradition but also hot!
- The body temperature flux in my 50s is a joke.
- Freezing A/C to sweltering outdoors is not my fave transition.
- Layers are amazingly helpful and often necessary but sometimes tricky to coordinate and annoying to schlep around.
- Familiarity with my summer clothing selection is breeding some contempt! I love you AND I need some space.
So, how best to degrumpify myself? The primary step I’m taking is a quick run through the summer section in my own closet to make mental note of :
- what I am attracted to and still excited to wear this season and how could I pair it in new ways
- what haven’t I worn yet and why
If it doesn’t pass the positivity test (for comfort or fit, present state, happiness factor, etc) I pull, clean and either put it away for next summer or recycle by swapping, selling, or donating.
Yes there are pieces we keep and wear for the sake of good old functionality, and we can’t always be head over heels in love with all those pieces, but if the lionshare of what remains lifts you up, you’ll be better for it. Summer’s gonna be a long one, we might as well be psyched about dressing for it while we melt.
On that note, some ‘Endless Summer’ into Fall trends to consider if you go for such things:
- button downs for all (yay, layering!)
- chocolate brown, burgundy/oxblood, olive green, leopard print, butter yellow
- mixing linen and flannel (yay, plaid!)
- denim, denim, and more denim including wide leg jeans, mini and knee length skirts and shirt dresses
- preppy vibes – lightweight blazers, skirts, bows, loafers, t-strap shoes
- flats – ballet and Mary Jane’s especially
- florals and mid to tall boots – e.g. moto, riding, cowboy
If you’ve got anything remotely close to these, consider pairing them together in ways that say ‘I REJECT TRADITIONAL SEASONS’ and feel like the best of both worlds to you. I’ll see you out there in my wide leg denim shorts (aka ‘jorts’), cowboy boots and a tank, a long sleeve button down in my purse just in case.
x Stephanie
P.S. If you need help with a quick summer closet review, in person or virtual, let’s do it!
