Why your summer outfits feel unfinished
I posted something similar to this on Facebook recently, but I thought it deserved a more permanent place as a Joydrop, as I know its a thing that so many of us struggle with when the weather gets hot (and not everyone had seen it!)
(Last week not included as all I wanted to wear last week was a damp swimming costume!)
Why do summer outfits often feel so unfinished?
With the sudden heatwave last week, I think a lot of us found it tricky to pull together outfits that felt properly finished. I know I can feel like this a lot when it comes to summer dressing.
In autumn/winter, an outfit can be quite simple underneath, but then we add a layer and it suddenly feels styled.
If you notice on Instagram, a lot of stylists/influencers actually post quite ridiculous outfits, like a cardigan tied around their shoulders, or a jacket worn with shorts in actual heatwave weather, and then just say “take the jacket off if you’re hot” in the caption/comments.
But the reason they do it is because that extra layer makes the outfit look visually styled and better in photos!
In proper hot weather, us 'real people' might just be wearing a vest top and shorts. Or a simple dress. Or sandals and a t-shirt. And that can sometimes feel a bit boring, especially now you have JD'd your wardrobe.
But there is nothing wrong with that type of outfit.
You’re probably just used to having that extra layer there to add interest and “finish” the outfit off.
So instead of asking: “What layer does this need?” try asking:
“What tiny detail would make this outfit feel more intentional?”
That might be:
a pair of earrings
lippie
painted nails
a belt
a more interesting sandal
sunglasses
a fun bag
a hairband
a necklace
tucking/rolling
layering lightly (like a linen shirt worn open)
wearing a bolder strong colour combo.
Neck Scarf
You get the idea!
In summer, the outfit finisher is often smaller, but it can still make a huge difference to how you feel when you wear your outfit. I find that even knowing I have made an effort with my outfit makes me feel better about it!
So if your hot-weather outfits have felt a bit meh this week, please don’t panic and assume your whole summer wardrobe is wrong, to really isn't
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