Summer Uniforms For When It's Hot AF

But you don't want to wear a dress

Above: Silk Shirt Toteme - Silk shorts Toteme - Bag Porto Pouch - Sandals Toteme - Klara earrings Lie Studio

As someone who lives in LA, it’s fair to say my wardrobe sees the least amount of ‘winter attire’ and therefore the majority of my day to day pieces definitely fit into the spring summer category. As such, I would consider myself a seasoned spring summer dresser. I’m the first to admit, it’s ironic I live somewhere that’s hot most of the time when fall/Autumn is my favourite season, and while I have somewhat acclimatized after living in LA for close to 8 years now, I still find myself booking trips to be able to enjoy my winter clothes.

I just love layers, and I think thats the first challenge of summer dressing, especially once it gets hot as f&%k! My layers add interest to my outfits, so in order to add interest or elevate my outfits I’ve had to learn how to get creative when dressing for hotter days.

I’m also not naturally a ‘dress’ person, but I have found the dresses that work for me which i’ll share in a seperate post, but today I want to talk about outfit ideas when you don’t want to wear a dress.

Above: Matching Linen shirt and shorts from H&M Premium. Shoes Vintage Manolo Blahniks. Bag old Loewe Puzzle Medium size.

Matching sets & Co-ords

If there’s one thing I see over and over again in my phone album, its that matching sets and coords feel like a really nice alternative to a dress. My fabrics of choice for when it’s hot AF is either silk or linen. It’s worth noting that a matching set doesn’t have to be by the same brand, I often wear pieces that look like they could be matching even if they’re not, for example a white linen shirt with a white linen short. I also appreciate being covered up a little more in the sun’s rays when i’m wearing something like a linen shirt, without overheating.

Above: White linen shirt - White linen Shorts old from H&M - Suede shoes VERY old Topshop - Basket Bag from a flea market in LA

Waistcoats

I think a waistcoat is a great option for warmer days because the buttons and neck line offer some interest and detail, and it can still be used as a layering pieces if needed. About 2 years ago I bought 3 linen waistcoats all by dissh, and they have become such an incredible staple for summer dressing. I love these with linen trousers or linen shorts, and a statement piece of jewelry.

Above: Dissh linen waistcoat - Linen Trousers old H&M - Toteme Flip Flop Heels - Bag Porto Pouch - Klara earrings Lie Studio

Above: Dissh linen waistcoat - Linen shorts H&M - Sunglasses Chanel

Cycling Shorts

Ok hear me out, black cycling shorts have become a staple in my summer wardrobe because there’s actually so many ways you can wear them. I love the comfort factor (goodbye chub rub) and the versatility of a cycling short. I love wearing these with oversized linen shirts or a mens oversized cotton button ups, and they look surprisingly chic when you add a heel to the look also. I like the proportion that’s created of something tight around my legs paired with something more oversized and billowing up top.

Above: Vintage YSl Blazer - H&M black Linen Shirt - H&M cycling shorts - Hermes Oran Sandals - Dragon Diffusion Mini Triple Jump bag

Above sleeveless blazer old H&M - Black vest top H&M - Black cycling shorts H&M - Carolina Herrera Bag - Toteme Mid Heel Sandals

Linen Tailoring

You best believe if I can find a way to wear a blazer even when it’s hot out, I will, and I will do so gladly! The best linen blazers I’ve found have been at The Frankie Shop. Both of these blazers are old, but they get so much wear in summer, and my brain likes that I can signify a change in season by the fabric I choose for my blazers (and trousers).

Sometimes, you just want a layer that has a nod to tailoring, and if the waistcoat feels too exposing then the linen blazer is your next best bet. Even if you wear it loosely over your shoulders, over something like a silk slip dress, it just elevates the look instantly and effortlessly. I also find I reach for a linen trouser or shorts A LOT during the hotter weather, because it still makes me feel put together.

Above: Linen Blazer old The Frankie Shop - White Vest H&M - Linen trouser old H&M - Loewe Hammock bag small - Toteme Sandals - Klara earrings Lie Studio

Above: Silk Slip dress old Nili Lotan - Linen Blazer old The Frankie Shop - Pearl Empress earrings White Space Jewelry - Tanya Shoes from ByFar

The Humble Denim Short

Call me old fashioned, but gone are the days of my shorts having rips in them or frayed edges. Nowadays I appreciate a clean hem, and a denim short that just feels very classic. I want my shorts to feel grown up, and I think having a clean hem with clean lines gives them a grown up feel. I like a longer length short with a high waist and given my rocky relationship with denim, my go to is still Abercrombie curve love, although after hearing so many amazing things about the Rag and Bone Miramar walking Short I am intrigued to try those once my no buy 365 wardrobe challenge ends.

Above: Vintage Silk Blazer by Burberry - H&M Vest top - Shorts Abercrombie Curve Love - Toteme Flip Flop Heels

I’m going to do a seperate Substack on my favorite summer dresses, especially if like me a dress isn’t necessarily your go to, i’ll share the ones that don’t feel ‘too pretty’ or ‘too twee’ but hopefully this post offered some outfit ideas for those hot summer days when you don’t want to wear a dress.

Thanks for reading

Harry x