Styling without the stickiness, sloppiness and suffering
Fashion is about layering. Customising and combining with jackets, scarves and accessories is the key to dressing well. Nevertheless, the Hong Kong climate isn’t particularly conducive to these traditional philosophies. 75% of the year is a humid, wet mess that leaves both you and your top drenched in sweat.
With the classically defined fashion capitals all in the northern hemisphere with longer cool seasons, breezy seaside sunshine and open spaces – it can feel like our packed concrete jungle isn’t able to emulate the springtime leather jackets or heaped linens of other cultures. Below, we’ve come up with a few solutions to live through the summer in style.
Ventilation
This can come in the form of loose-fitting shapes that let airflow in to prevent fabrics from sticking to your body, or letting skin show. Long sleeves should be either appropriately baggy, or cuts that show skin to prevent your torso from burning up.
Most importantly, is to let parts of your neck show to catch the wind – it’s the most noticeable part and prone to attracting heat. If your nape is hot and sweaty, it means the rest of your body is too.
Thin fabrics
Wool, leathers and heavy denim are a no-go if you don’t want to experience heat stroke. Lighter fabrics let you put on more clothes for more interesting textures – think linen, silk, cotton blends or even synthetic materials like polyester. These not only absorb sweat better but stay dry for longer as humidity increases to 95%.
Light colours
There’s a reason white is considered a summer color. Not only does it stand out better in the sunshine, but it also doesn’t insulate the same way darker palettes do. Other shades with poor heat absorption include red, yellow and light gray.
Focus on the bottom
It’s somewhat anecdotal, but there’s an interesting asymmetry in how we experience temperature: in winter, our legs tend to feel colder than the upper body, while on hot days, the lower half often feels more temperature-resistant. Focusing on such for layering through combinations with skirts, leggings, shorts and jeans can add texture without burdening your upper half.
It’s also where more interesting statement pieces can come into the play – distressing and cut-out details provide both sufficient ventilation with visual interest.
Accesorise
It’s the minor touches that truly make summer outfits so much fun. Little things like sunglasses, necklaces and bracelets can go a long way in personality without being too heavy. Additionally, light jewellery can be stacked on top of each other as much as you like – the perfect way to blend playful style without sacrificing comfort.
