What to Wear in Hot Weather?

maxi dress over 40

This is I was wearing on my birthday

That was last weekend, in Barcelona. It was a short trip, just 3 days. And the weather was quite hot, especially the last day.

Now, hot weather makes me very uncomfortable and I find it difficult to find something to wear. I tend to prefer slightly more streamlined clothes and fitted dresses, or at least a dress or a skirt with a clearly defined waist. Yet, when it gets too hot (for my comfort), the last thing I want is something sticking to my skin and making me sweaty. So, belts and tight clothes are out of the question… And then there’s the sun protection issue. Yes, I know, should wear sun screen, SPF over-the-roof, if possible, but I hate the stuff. If possible, I hate it even more than I hate hot weather. For starters, it usually smells revolting, and it’s sticky. And it stains clothes. Did I mention it’s disgustingly sticky?

So, that’s why I’m wearing a maxi dress and an over-sized linen shirt: it’s sun protection. The dress covers the lower half of my body and the shirt covers my arms and shoulders. Of course, I also carry a sun umbrella…

Given my body shape (big boobs and an even bigger bum and a small waist), an empire waist maxi dress is  a bit risky: anything that’s not nipped in at the waist easily makes me look bulky. In other words, there’s no hope whatsoever to achieve that slimline, ethereal, breezy look that we usually associate with maxi dresses. This is called managing expectations: I’ll be  happy if I don’t end up looking like a hippo in a muumuu… But that’s the risk I have to take: it’s either a roomy dress that allows me to breathe and move freely or I could just walk around wearing a bathtub filled with ice. Actually, I don’t quite know how that would work, so I guess I’ll have to go with the muumuu maxi dress…

40+ blogger

hot weather outfit

what to wear in hot weather

Outfit details:

maxi dress: Boden / linen shirt: marks and Spencer (old) / 

sandals: Clarks / bag: Furla / sunglasses: Coach / necklace: Purificacion Garcia

What’s your favourite hot weather outfit?

Tiina
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29 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    12 June 2016 / 1:21 pm

    Yes, yes, of course it's a pretty outfit but… you lured me here by tweeting about your "birthday suit"… Imagine what I was imagining!

    • Tiina L
      12 June 2016 / 7:58 pm

      Ha ha… That's called 'marketing', my friend…

  2. Patti
    12 June 2016 / 2:25 pm

    You look cool and calm, and lovely – but that bathtub filled with ice could catch on. Happy birthday! xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      12 June 2016 / 7:59 pm

      Yeah, a portable bathtub full of ice, I think that has some potential…

  3. Sheela Goh
    12 June 2016 / 2:54 pm

    When it's hot like that, I can't even go out actually. The moment my skin senses the heat, I get prickles all over like a million tiny daggers stabbing me. Sigh. In spite of the high temperature, Tiina, you look very poised and cool 🙂 Happy Belated Birthday!!

    • Tiina L
      12 June 2016 / 8:00 pm

      Thanks, Sheela. Hot weather just makes me think my face is melting. Or my brain.

  4. Suzanne Carillo
    12 June 2016 / 6:47 pm

    Happy Belated Birthday! You look cool and relaxed here. bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      12 June 2016 / 8:00 pm

      Same to you, thanks.

  5. Mother and Daughter
    13 June 2016 / 12:06 pm

    Cute outfit and really like that bag. Happy birthday.

    • Tiina L
      13 June 2016 / 4:34 pm

      Thanks!

  6. Nancy's Fashion Style
    13 June 2016 / 6:00 pm

    Happy Birthday! I think because of the colors it still looks very good! I hope you enjoyed your trip, I think you have!

    • Tiina L
      14 June 2016 / 5:41 am

      Thanks, Nancy. Yes, it was a great trip, just a bit short.

  7. Mummabstylish
    13 June 2016 / 9:57 pm

    Super dress, lovely colours, and love that bag.. great to see you on linkup…Jacquiwww.mummabstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      14 June 2016 / 5:43 am

      Thanks, Jacqui. The bag is my new favourite for summer: it goes with anything and is the perfect size.

  8. Garaytreasures
    14 June 2016 / 1:52 pm

    I need to try this look sometime, very lovely for hot weather indeed.Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"Rachel xohttp://garaytreasures.com

    • Tiina L
      14 June 2016 / 6:53 pm

      Thanks, Rachel!

  9. Shelbee On The Edge
    14 June 2016 / 10:09 pm

    Well, you look downright adorable! I am in agreement with you on all points…sunscreen is revolting, the smell gives me a headache and makes me gag, and the sticky factor just about sends me right off my OCD edge! I would rather cover up or stay inside than coat my skin with ick! Maxi dress muumuus also do nothing for me unless I can find a way to give it more shape. I like the way you achieved a flattering shape with the tied shirt over top. Brilliant! Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      15 June 2016 / 9:46 am

      Thanks, Shelbee.I do wear sunscreen, sometimes… If I know that I'm going to spend hours in the sun (very unusual) for example. But then I can't wait the wash it off… Most often I just wear a long-sleeved shirt and carry a sun umbrella.

  10. Laura Yoder
    15 June 2016 / 12:01 pm

    Such a pretty look!!! Happy belated birthday!!!!Laurawww.blackcoffeebeautiful.com

    • Tiina L
      15 June 2016 / 12:20 pm

      Thanks, Laura!

  11. Jessica Jannenga
    15 June 2016 / 3:37 pm

    Happy Belated Birthday! I love this color pallete on you and keep eyeing your peach bag! thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      15 June 2016 / 9:08 pm

      Thanks, Jessica. The bag has quickly become a favourite, I wear it with anything.

  12. Jazzy Jack
    17 June 2016 / 12:01 am

    I hear you, I hear you!My skin was bred for the northern sun but has migrated down here to Australia.I spend the summers in shorts and singlets or little dresses that touch the skin minimally, but when I venture forth I wear shirts over everything! Oh and hats are a must.Love your outfit too. That peach shirt is very flattering :-)Xo Jazzy Jack

    • Tiina L
      17 June 2016 / 10:21 am

      Sun protection is important, I can just imagine what a huge issue it is in Australia!

  13. Grace Liang
    19 June 2016 / 6:01 pm

    Happy belated birthday! Cute outfit for a hot day! Thank you so much for linking up with us. Don’t forget to come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to link up with me again! Take care and keep in touch! :)Gracehttp://colorandgrace.com 

    • Tiina L
      19 June 2016 / 7:12 pm

      Thanks, Grace!

  14. Alice Warren
    21 June 2016 / 3:31 am

    Hope you had a wonderful birthday! I do like to wear maxi dresses this time of the year as well. I am terrible and rarely think about sun protection even though I should.Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon! Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      21 June 2016 / 8:31 am

      I had a wonderful birthday, thanks Alice! Yes, maxi dresses are brilliant: keep you cool and provide sun protection. And so easy to wear and accessorise, too.

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