Hot Weather Smart Casual

hot weather outfit over 40

Heatwave-proof smart casual…

OK, this is the challenge: what should I wear to a semi-casual business dinner in a rather relaxed, casual restaurant?  Semi-casual because it’s not really a business dinner; just a dinner with hubby’s business associate and his wife. Very nice people that I’ve only met once before, but as my task on this occasion is to play the role of ‘Professor’s Wife’, I should probably try to make a good impression.

No, making a good impression does not mean keeping my mouth shut and my opinions to myself. My husband knows that’s never going to happen: his wife is a bit of a loose cannon, and he’s fine with that (actually, between you and me, I think he sort of likes it).

I don’t often accompany my husband on work-related events (that’s my choice, and it’s actually quite easy as we usually spend most weekdays in different countries). But I have to put in an appearance every now and then, otherwise his colleagues start thinking I’m just a figment of his imagination…

Anyway… Something smart casual is probably what I should be aiming for. But how do you do smart casual in soaring temperatures?

I always struggle with hot weather outfits

Well, given that my default strategy is to stay indoors when it gets too hot for my liking, this is hardly a surprise. And yes, I realise that this is my preferred strategy when it gets too cold for my liking, too… I guess I’m just not a fan of extreme temperatures, and will happily stay in climate-controlled rooms when the temperature gets out of my personal comfort zone.

Right, I think I should define ‘too hot’ as it probably means different things to different people. So, for the record, +20ºC (68ºF) is perfect summer temperature, not too cold and not too hot. And anything over +25ºC (77ºF) is way too hot (and if it gets over +30ºC / 86ºF, I’ll be living in my fridge…). And yes, it does get hot in Finland, too, though seldom over +25ºC.

These pictures were taken near our house in England, though, on a very warm day. And  I know that everybody is supposed to  be over the moon because it’s hot and sunny and not raining for once. But hot weather makes me feel uncomfortable, sweaty and exhausted. And I have nothing to wear. Well, nothing that would make me feel a bit less uncomfortable, sweaty and exhausted, anyway.

over 40 blogger

When it’s hot, I can’t stand anything tight or fitted. And definitely no big jewellery, or belts! Oh no, a belt is the absolute worst thing to wear on a hot day. In fact, I would just like to wear something loose, with nothing touching my skin. Or a bucket of ice on my head, that might work, too. But I don’t think that’s a good look.

However, I decided to try something different here: an outfit that looks somewhat streamlined but is actually very comfortable and light as a feather. The linen t-shirt and viscose and silk mix crinkled maxi skirt might even become a new summer favourite.

Besides, this combo would be perfect for a holiday. The crinkled skirt takes no room at all in the suitcase, can be washed and doesn’t need ironing (just wring it and let it dry). The only drawback is that it’s a bit see-through if you have the sun behind your back (see the first picture), but I can live with that. Normally I’m not a fan of see-through clothing, so it must be the hot weather messing with my head…

smart casual over 40

tan tote bag

Outfit details:

skirt: Grizas / t-shirt: Caroll (old) / shoes: Clarks (old) /

bag: Adolfo Dominguez (old) /sunglasses: Prada

What’s your favourite hot weather outfit?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of GlamMummabstylish

8 Comments

  1. Patti Gibbons
    15 July 2018 / 10:57 pm

    You look cool and fresh, Tiina. I think I would love your Finnish summers! Have a great week, xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      23 July 2018 / 1:59 pm

      Thanks, Patti!

  2. Jill James
    17 July 2018 / 5:25 am

    I must agree with Patti, you do look cool and fresh for a warm Summer dinner. I can do Summer temperatures below 30c easily, over that inside for me .

    • Tiina L
      23 July 2018 / 2:01 pm

      Thanks, Jill.Well, this summer has certainly been hot, and I've been to 3 countries in the last few weeks and the temperature is more or less the same. I'm beginning to look forward to autumn…

  3. Ruth Maldonado
    17 July 2018 / 8:55 pm

    I like the longer skirt for a business casual look. I think you look gorgeous in the earrings!http://www.mylittlenest.org

    • Tiina L
      23 July 2018 / 2:02 pm

      Thanks, Ruth! This is my favourite pair of earrings: made of leather so they weigh absolutely nothing but add instant drama to any outfit.

  4. mummabstylish
    21 July 2018 / 5:22 pm

    Thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish Love your long skirt – they are a cool option to wear in the hot weather. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • Tiina L
      23 July 2018 / 2:04 pm

      Thanks, Jacqui. Yes, a long skirt is a great option for hot weather, not least because it also protects from the sun (the main reason why I like them, actually). And they also work on a bit cooler day, without sacrificing any of the summery vibe.

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