Keeping some semblance of style going on is difficult at the best of times but when you’re smack, bang in the middle of summer, it’s probably the time of year that presents the biggest challenges.
For starters, you’d probably prefer not to be wearing much at all (not an option should you wish to leave your aircon-ed apartment and not get arrested!) and, for seconders, sweat is not a particularly attractive accessory.
What I’ve noticed on the streets of New York – particularly in West Village where we are staying – is that there is a bit of a summer-in-the-city style uniform. And it works.
Girls are either wearing little denim shorts and a top with flat strappy sandals or they’ve popped on a cute cotton frock and worked it back with those same strappy flats or some platforms.
Given that my legs are well past the denim cut-off short stage (this is a leg thing, not an age thing), I’ve embraced the little cotton frock idea.
SanCerre* sent me to New York with a tunic and slip dress from its spring-summer 2102-13 collection and it proved just the ticket for our first full day of sightseeing and shopping in the Big Apple.
I love that even though I kept my cool all day, I was still able to layer my outfit with the two pieces – this is a bit of a key to looking more put together. The more often you can layer your outfit, the more it goes up a notch.
Layering is easy in winter; not so easy in summer.
Wearing a modal or rayon lycra (as is the case with this one) slip dress under another dress is a great way to help keep the sweat gods at bay too.
Here is the model wearing Sancerre:
And here is me:
| Sancerre Necklace $77 | Shoes: Funkies | Photo shot on location in West Village, New York
How do you keep your cool and your style as the weather heats up?
*These garments were sent to me for editorial consideration, in accordance with my disclosure policy.
Comments 56
The accessories are amazing! Great article.
do you mind if I ask what size you bought?
Not at all – L
You look gorgous!
Thanks Melissa x
We are thrilled to see you sporting SanCerre in New York! The Bella can also be worn over winter layers too! You’ll get plenty of wear out of this tunic. Have fun! 🙂
Sarah … it’s perfect. Will wear again on the West Coast. Felt cool and comfortable all day!
Lovely!! As a family we are traveling over Christmas so starting to think about what extras I need clothes wise!! Love the slip and tunics but am tall (5’8) so am wondering how long the slips are..? Love reading your posts – enjoy your adventures!
I’m 5’6″ if that helps.
sigh….I’d love to be that tall 🙁
Hi Lou, we also do tanks and tube skirts so if you feel like the slips will be too short you can opt for these! Email us [email protected] for more info!
This outfit looks great on you! I love “model and me” coz it gives me confidence to try something new.
Oh great Anna … that is the aim with these posts!
me too…I think I’m a similar size to Nikki, except she has a waist and I don’t (at least not one that indents much) so it helps to visualise BUT anything knee length on Nikki is WAY past my knee. Oh and I’m about 10 yrs older….BUT it really, really helps me visualise how I CAN wear something I wouldn’t have considered.
Looking fabulous as usual – I am seriously loving your New York posts. I want this whole outfit, however Im unsure of the sizing. Do you mind commenting on whether the sizing runs true or what size you are wearing. Thanks so much and enjoy…
Thanks Jen – and yes the sizing runs true to size. I’m a 14-16 and wearing sizing to suit.
Lovely. Lovely. Love the blue tunic and the bits of colour! You are possibly getting tired of me telling you how great you look – in the next photo shoot – could you look AWFUL – just so I have something new to say? Thanks. Appreciate it. Really.
LOL … maybe a photo of me right now in my pjs just woken up and seeing everyone’s lovely comments 😉
Great look on you, Nikki- I’m about to order the slip dress, having seen it on you. Just what I need for layering under summer tunics; i want it to hit just above the knee ( I’m 5’3”), but it’s hard to tell how tall you are, just the right length on you!
I’m 5’6″ if that helps!
Yes it does help- thanks! Enjoy your holiday.
Loving that tunic dress!! Looking very cute Nikki! xx
Thanks Janelle x
Love this look on you!
For me, I love that the slip is actually more tank top than string slip as I find this prevents my fadoumblas (Kath & Kim’s word for that extra little bit above the boobs) sneaking out.
Yes!! I always work with a tank-style slip or under dress. Want to wear my regular bras whenever possible.
Loving that tunic on you Nikki,and layered looks so put together ,love it must try that when it gets warmer especially on the bigger armholed dresses,your shoes look comfy but stylish,love the orange and your new ones from bloomingdale’s cute as!!can’t wait for spring I went to the shops yesterday for a”browse” and came home with 2 new tops one in bright stripes and one in a pretty pastel stripe,2 very different trends this year ,don’t know which I prefer yet.Keep shopping and showing us what you buy and I’m sorry you had to move apartments ,I hope it’s as nice.
Hi Lisa … the shops here are filling with autumn-winter stuff … I’m always a fan of stripes and the hotel we’ve moved to his fantastic.
Love that tunic dress on you and yes it does add a bit more style layered,must remember to do that in summer ,I have a couple of under slips that go with my kaftan dresses but will have to use them for shorter dresses as well especially the big armhole ones.I am past the shorts days too,and much prefer a little dress,they look more put together for a woman in their 40s and can look very chic.Those shoes are cute and look comfy,and I like your new ones as well from bloomingdale’s very cute.I went to the shops yesterday for A browse and came home with 2 new tops for spring,one in stripes in bright colours and one in pastels ,so very different the pastels and the brights,not sure which I prefer yet.Looking chic Nikki as usual,love your style…..
Sorry thought my first comment didn’t post,
I just ordered some of their arm candy yesterday, now I’ve found about five items of clothes that will be great for spring and summer! Looks like another order then.
They do good arm candy and the clothes are great for layering all year round.
You look great Nikki. I am about over winter now and ready to look at putting a summer wardrobe together. You have been a big help! Love your blogs.
Thanks … yes, so hot here and all the shops are gearing up for autumn!
Looking good Nikki! I don’t do shorts either due to my ugly varicose vein, but anything paired with moisture wicking Tees and leggings ( I have some from TS) is all good with me. I have a couple of Sancerre things and they are fab so am not visiting them today. That falling from the bust is the business!
It so is the business … exactly where I need it to fall.
Looking FAB Nik – love that frock x
Thanks beautiful Beth x
You and your hair look fab Nikki! I’m keen to try a kaftan and a maxi this coming summer – will need to research your blog first for tips for shorties! xx
Biggest tip is don’t be afraid to get it taken up to make the length just right for your height.
This looks great. What is the tunic made of? I am trying hard not to click on the link……………….
Any of them…. Love the jewellery too. Is the ring carnelian?
Yes, I believe so, Vicky x
Cotton!
Nikki, you look gorgeous. I love the colour you chose too – very sophisticated but cool and summery. I have big tummy and boobs so find dresses often are possible, but very hard to get right. I am very tempted, Did the slip feel cool all day? I , steer away from layers in summer as I tend to feel a bit overheated, that top layer makes the whole thing look floaty and cool….hope you having a great time.
The slip was super cool all day … I think if the fabric closes to your skin breathes, then it can work.
Re: the tunic. Do you think it would suit someone a little bit ‘hippy’? As in wider hips, small waist not love child hippy *lol*
I’ve got big hips and for me the way that the sleeve cut of the tunic cuts in just below the bust (my narrowest part) made it emphasise that instead of my hips, so think would be same for you x
Thanks Nikki 🙂
wow I wouldn never have thought you had big hips and that your bust was your narrowest part….you carry/disguise it well.
I like a little floaty dress in summer myself! I have lost some wait, so I am thinking I might try some shorter shorts this year, but in my forties I am wondering if I will look a bit like mutton dressed up as lamb?
If you’ve got the legs for shorter shorts, it’s so not about the age. Go for it!
I really can’t wait for summer! And love that tunic!
Very timely post Nikki with 26 degrees forecast here today – you know summer isn’t far away and so too the dilemma of looking stylish in the subtropics… the maxi dress is sounding good.
My God that’s an early start to Spring!
But back to 18 tomorrow, so don’t rush home! PS the Ekka’s started