The Crossroads of the Aether
In Preparation For Summer: A Ladies Practical Temperature Regulation Guide to Fashion
It's January, and that means preparing clothing ready for the warmer weather. Although coming from a British person, it's rather optimistic, but all the same! Being prepared is keyssential.
Now we all know the bane of Victorian clothing, "SUFFER TO BE BEAUTIFUL" being the fashion culture's motto.
The main suffering was lots of layered heavy clothing to make you nice a cosy. Sorry for the blokes, since they couldn't exactly walk to work in just their trousers, boots and shirt (without a cravat of all things!) But the ladies could at least wear lighter colours, lighter materials and shorter (torso length-wise) jackets.
So my darlings, I beseech thee to post your hints, tips and ideas on Summer wear for ladies (and gents!).
I'm thinking muslin or organdie.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Allisa Macdonald on -
Oh My! Summer weather...If only.
I think lace, and floral and white are just the best things in the summertime!
Parasols and I'd love some lacy cream colored gloves to wear about
oh and of course we can't forget the dashing straw hats! I don't know yet if I want the large, wide brimmed kind, or the smaller more fit sort.
I think cotton, linen and muslin are going to be my best friends
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Permalink Reply by Her Ladyship on -
White, pastel and muted colours are always a must, not only to fit the bright sunny weather but to keep cool also~
STRAW HATS FOR ALL!
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Permalink Reply by Her Ladyship on
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This makes me squeal in delight and would probably very happily wear it, just if there were somehow to lessen "the load" of wearing layers of material in a rare but blazing true English Summer day.
And what of corsets? Breathlessness and overheating.
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Permalink Reply by H.R.M. Victoria on -
Well, I'm new to Steampunk so I'll leave the discussion of how to dress to those with experience. But while I might not know much about how to dress in character for hot weather, I have 20 years experience as a participant in the Texas Renaissance Festival, which starts its rehearsals in August and opens in early October when the weather is still very warm, so please forgive me if I sound off about this subject because it's a lot more important than just being comfortable. It's about protecting yourself from heat exhaustion.
At Faire we are reminded over and over to stay hydrated. We are taught the symptoms of overheating and advised to cool down if any of them appear--or preferably BEFORE any of them appear. We're instructed to take frequent rest breaks. Additions hidden in your outfit can help keep you comfortable. I had cool packs that I secreted inside my costume which helped keep me from overheating. My fan and handkerchief were more than pretty props.
That said, and having seen a small taste of the amazing creativity here I firmly believe that the lovers of Steampunk have an unprecedented opportunity to build novel machines to keep themselves cool. I can't wait to see how they do it!
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Permalink Reply by Miss S. Leigh Murphy on -
I'm also new to steampunk, but all of your advice seems utterly sound -- and now I wish I was an inventor and could put together some sort of machine to keep me cool in summer!
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Permalink Reply by Angelique Devereaux on -
Having resided in a subtropical climate for many years and having participated in many living history events in that climate, I always wear completely natural fibers. 100% Cotton batiste combinations, 100% cotton coutil corset, 100% cotton batiste petticoats, outer clothing of cotton, linen, silk or hemp (or any combination thereof) and a wide brimmed hat of real straw has kept me perfectly fine through temperatures in the upper 90's with 90+% humidity for years. If the fabrics you are wearing can't "breathe" you are heading for heatstroke.
Using those criteria I have never had a breathing problem or overheated. I cannot say the same for ladies or gentlemen wearing synthetics of any sort.
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Permalink Reply by Her Ladyship on
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As for particular styles of clothing, short necklines, short sleeves, short hemlines. Or even better, long and loose and thin material. Mmm, actually the long and loose gives me an idea.
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Permalink Reply by Angelique Devereaux on
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A teagown with 3/4 sleeves and a Watteau back in white or pastel silk organdy would be perfect.
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Permalink Reply by Lord Nathanæl A Thoughtcraft etc on -
I hail from SoCal, and SoColo, lands of the blistering heat and neverending sunshine, and my advice is this: Sun Hats and Parasols. They seem like they wouldn't do much good, but for those of us who are extremely fair-skinned, they work wonders. Wearing long sleeves does help to keep the heat away, as it shields you from sunshine, which is the cause of the heat: staying in the shade and near bodies of flowing water helps as well.
Also ladies, Egyptian Cotton is beloved for a reason: it is extremely breathable and wicks heat away from the body. In addition to this, very soft linens also help keep the breezes flowing. (Teehee) Silk is also a deliciously cool fabric.
Make sure to drink water constantly: make sure that you are drinking at least every 30 minutes, regardless of whether or not you are actually thirsty. Iced tea is a particular favorite of mine.
SOME FOLK WISDOM FROM MY GRANDMOTHER: Wearing a cabbage leaf on the head under a hat is extremely strange, but works very well: it keeps the head cool for hours. When the leaf is limp and useless, simply replace. (Warning: this cure may result in bouts of uncontrollable giggling)
And actually, before I start the day, I take a cool shower, just so that my body has a lower temperature to start with.
I do SO hope that my advice was helpful. Good day, all.
-Lord Nathanael Alecsandar Thoughtcraft, called Nassanu-Sama
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Permalink Reply by Miss Anyman on -
The extent to which you will want to look authentically victorian is likely to be dependent upon the heat index, and the activities you intend to do. So I have suggestions for summer that may be more or less casual depending on the materials and the way you mix the components. You may also try looking to some of the "Gothic Lolita" or simply "Lolita" style clothing to find items with victorian inspired styling that are easily adapted to summer wear. (I tend to be more steamgoth, so I do not wear many light colors, and focus on light materials instead.)
On top, consider long or short sleeved blouses with puffed sleeves, a fitted corset style waist, or other victorian style detailing in a light, breathable fabric. In extreme heat, I personally favor mesh or lace jackets, or extremely lightweight cardigans with an open weave. I wear these over tank tops to ensure I am fully covered, but still as cool as possible. If you are doing something extremely casual, some companies even make t-shirts with ruffles or puffed sleeves so you can retain at least a touch of victorian flair.
For your bottom half, you might try lightweight cotton bloomers, in either a more modest mid calf length, or cut short to mid thigh. Of course lightweight cotton or linen skirts are a nice option in various lengths, particularly if they have added ruffles or ruching. Palazzo pants and culottes are another possibility. They are not as vintage accurate as some of the other options, but if you are doing something very athletic these may be the best choice.
I complete all summer outfits with a sun hat of some kind. For a slightly formal look I wear a wide brimmed straw hat. In a very casual situation I choose a different black straw hat that is shaped like a cadet cap, with a brim only on the front to shade my face. A parasol might serve the same purpose as a hat, but there are situations where a parasol is simply not practical.
The final thing that comes to mind is footwear. The usual leather boots and shoes may be entirely too warm. There are a wide variety of boot styles in canvas, and I have even seen victorian ankle boots with open lace sides. It is also possible to find ballet flats or sandals that are embellished with cameos or ruffles.
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Permalink Reply by S J Fuller Esq. on -
If in town, would have to be a jolly blazer and straw boater. At home may go for shirtsleaves if the lady of the house permits.;-)
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Permalink Reply by Lorelei Throckmorton on -
I suppose I am on the other end of the fashion spectrum from Miss Anyman - not by choice, indeed, but by age and body style. No Lolita I, alas. I tend to stay fully covered and put my faith in natural fibers, summer weights and loose, loose, loose (fit, that is, not behavior.)
Also, full skirts are your friend. Even in quite hot weather they can be airy and cool. Parasols, yes, and hats: for the lady explorer, a water-soaked pith helmet is an efficient cooler, but it must have that true pith core.
I love the cabbage leaf suggestion. It should work, albeit may be a bit hard to explain if you were to remove your hat in company. But then, why would you ever do that?
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