01 . 08 . 2011
Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days
by Jennifer Lem
We’re entering those lazy, hazy days when all you want to do is sit under a tree with your feet in the water while reading a book.
But what to wear?
Balance Your Outfit: Breezy, flowy clothes are nice for those hot days, but they can be hard to pull off without looking messy. Balance is important — if your top is loose, wear bottoms that are a bit more fitted. If you like long and breezy dresses, choose the ones with a slightly more fitted bodice or tie a belt around your waist. The idea is to balance the flowiness of your overall outfit with one element that is a bit more tailored and shows your body shape.
Breezy Details: You can also look for details that maximize your outfit’s breeze-catching capabilities, e.g., keyhole backs, kaftan sleeves, wide legs, draped necklines, etc.
Alice in Wonderland: By the Riverbank (silk top, thrifted), Down the Rabbit Hole (silk-cotton blouse, silk-cotton skirt, both thrifted), Through the Looking Glass (flutter top, thrifted)
Natural Fibres: Look for clothing made from natural fibres such as silk, cotton, bamboo, and linen (they breathe more easily than synthetic ones). Silk is my favourite because it’s strong, light-weight, dries very quickly, and can be had for a steal at vintage and thrift stores.
And don’t be afraid to play with patterns and shapes! A loose outfit doesn’t have to be a frumpy or boring outfit. Now is the perfect time to pull out all of your quirky clothes for some crazy fun clothing experiments.
Jennifer Lem spent her childhood camping and hiking, mucking about the garden, and occasionally sewing ill-fitting clothing. She now works and volunteers in the non-profit world, runs a blog on environmental and health issues, and has overcome her ineptness with sewing machines. www.thehealthyfootprint.com
