I don't know about you guys, but where I am, summer is a nightmare, unless you either like the heat or can afford to live in a meat locker. Virginia has been known to spike in the triple digits in July and August. I can't imagine what it must be like further south. This is the first summer I've spent with no a/c and it's been miserable. But, does that mean a Lolita must choose between her clothes and her health? Not at all! We just have to be more careful about it!
Tip #1: Natural Fibers Are Your Friends
Synthetics don't tend to look all that great as lolita wear in my experience, anyway. But, sometimes, they sneak in unnoticed. If you're making your own clothes, try to get clothes with high natural fiber contents. 100% cotton or linen is best, but can be pricey, so you may have to settle for 50%, but try not to go any lower or you will be miserable. And, of course, if you can afford it ever, silk is the wonder fiber. Warm in winter, cool in summer, it insulates and breathes. However, avoid wool. Yes, it's natural, but even lightweight wools are insufferable when it's warm.
Tip #2: Color Your World
Sweet Lolis will probably have the easiest time with this one: skew your color palette a little lighter. White would be most comfortable, as it reflects light, while black absorbs it. Light colors will work, too, and cool colors like green, blue and lavender, will give you a bit of relief from the subconscious association of warm colors=warm. I highly recommend investing in/making at least one light colored coordinate, even for you Kuro Loli devotees. Style isn't worth a bout of sunstroke.
Tip #3: Accessorize Practically
The three things no one should ever leave home without in extreme heat: parasol, fan, and water bottle. No matter how affected the first two may seem, you'll be grateful for them later. You never know when the a/c will fail or when you'll have to dash outside in bright sunshine. And hydration can help you to stay cool. You don't even need to carry straight water. A little lemonade or a twist of mint and lime will be even better, by giving you a little extra electrolytic boost.
Tip #4: Have Casual (insert day of the week)
As much fun as it is to doll up to the max, it's really impractical when the thermometer spikes. Makeup melts and runs, hot materials get all sweaty, and hair eventually goes flat. Casual is going to be more comfortable in the long run. I highly advocate trading in the stay-puft pettis and high-collared blouses for softer petticoats and breezy cut-sews. Stick with pigtails or buns or--if you're braver than I am--go ahead and get a kicky new haircut. Ask the stylist to show you how to curl it for cooler weather and add cute little bows and clips until then.
Well, that's all the advice I have for today. Until tomorrow, I wish you all lots of luck, love, and living space! Remember, I'm no expert, I'm learning as I go!
Also, I've suggested this to many other lolitas, consider switching the petticoat for a knee-length hoop skirt. Making a hoop in the cupcake shape is much easier than making a cupcake crinoline, and it is so much cooler in the summer. You lose many, many layers and keep the fabric away from you so you can get a breeze. This of course makes bloomers even more essential, but those are good in the heat anyway.
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