Endless Summer

Growing up, here in the deep South, there was one rule governing the wearing of white.  Repeat it with me...."No white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day!"  Except in our part of Georgia, it was "No white before Easter"; because what good Southern little girl didn't have a new pair of white patent leather mary janes for Easter?  White gloves, as well....and maybe even a white hat.  Now that I'm an adult in charge of my own wardrobe choices, I choose to rebel and wear white from April through September. Not much of a departure, I know! 

Considering yesterday was the first official day of summer, I wanted to write about a few things that cross my mind every year when I see folks start to break out their hot weather clothing (or lack, thereof).  Keeping in mind, all the while, that the goal is to be feminine while trying to keep cool!

White clothing equals nude undergarments.

Does this sound counterintuitive?  Shouldn't we wear white undergarments under white clothing?  NO!  Every woman should have a set of plain, nude undergarments in her wardrobe.  They are not fancy or pretty; but they are highly functional.  Your nude undergarments need to mimic your flesh shade as closely as possible.  There are darker nudes and lighter buff colors. Buy your functional undergarments in as close a shade as you can get to your natural skin tone.  Nude undergarments disappear under white clothing.  White undergarments under white clothing stand out like a sore thumb.  A feminine woman keeps her undergarments to herself.

Keep your bra straps under wraps.

Nothing screams "I don't care if the world sees my underpinnings!" like walking around with your bra straps hanging out.  If they slide down your shoulder and won't stay up, get a better fitting bra. If you're wearing a tank top or another type of shirt with a strange cut through the shoulder, wear a racerback bra.  And, above all, if you're wearing a strapless top, wear a strapless bra!  Unless you aspire to the Madonna-inspired look of underwear as outerwear, make sure to keep your undergarments to yourself.

Keep your feet in tip-top shape.

Most women wear sandals or flip flops during the summer. This means that your toes or heels will be exposed to the world.  It is not very feminine to walk around with chipped toenail polish or cracking, chapped heels.  If you can't afford a pedicure, attempt to keep up with your feet at home.  Keep the nails trimmed and neat, keep the paint fresh (if you paint your toenails), buy a $1 pumice stone from Walmart and rub those heels in the shower a few times a week (then put on a good bit of lotion and wear socks to help the lotion sink in).  For me, a once-a-month pedicure is one of the best $20 I spend (have you ever sat in those massaging chairs for 1 hour sans kids....heaven!).

Shave your legs.

Unless you live in Europe, or embrace a very different lifestyle than most, hairy legs are not feminine.  Some of us have to do it more than others, but if you are going to expose your legs, make sure to shave them.  If you don't have time to shave, a maxi dress/skirt is a great way to feel feminine and keep those hairy gams covered up until the next shower.

Keep it loose.

Anyone ever experienced that wonderful feeling of getting out of your car in 90 degree heat and sweat running down between your thighs?  Oh, just me?  Anyway, summer is a time to embrace loose clothing.  Personally, I can't wear jeans during the summer...they're just too hot. But white linen pants?  Wonderful! Keep dresses loose and airy to stay cooler.  And one of the best pieces of clothing I've bought this year?  Pettipants!  Remember those long shorts-looking slips your grandmother probably had?  Well, she knew what she was doing because one $5 slip later and I no longer have to deal with thighs rubbing together and sweating! 

Be appropriate.

There are times when a sleeveless dress is not appropriate.  There are times when a shorter skirt is not appropriate.  Be wise when choosing your clothing for the day or event.  Have a few very lightweight cardigans to throw over that sleeveless dress when at the office.  Wear a longer, flowy skirt instead of that denim mini when going over to someone's house for dinner.  That cute spaghetti strap number you like to wear on dates? Yeah, probably not a great idea for working with the teenage guys on a youth activity.  Summer is a time when we tend to wear less in an effort to beat the heat. But sometimes, by changing fabrics or the fit of your garment, you can be just as cool and still covered up and appropriate.  Modesty and femininity don't go out the window when the temps climb sky high.

Buy clothing for the season.

Did you know that some fabrics "breathe" and others don't?  Natural fibers like cotton, silk and linen allow air to travel through the fibers.  They keep you cooler and dryer in hot, sweaty conditions (i.e. summers in the South).  Manmade fabrics like rayon and polyester don't breathe but tend to trap heat inside.   Look for fabrics that breathe. Save the heavier fabrics and manmade fibers for winter.  Nothing overtly feminine here, other than the desire to avoid sweatiness at all costs!

If you have any other feminine fashion tips for summer, feel free to share in the comments!