Stay Cool! Your Guide to Lightweight and Breathable Summer Fashion

When summer comes around, being decked out in the right hot weather gear is key. Heavy and constricting clothing gets put away in favour of easy and breezy women’s summer fashion. We’re talking light summer dresses in forgiving fabrics that are easy to wear and make us feel good. We’re also talking about the type of loose summer dresses that allow our skin to breathe, and ensure we don’t feel overly sweaty.

So let’s run through some essential requirements for summer garments, so you have a simple time working out what to wear on those hot days. Choosing summer fashion isn’t rocket science, but getting the balance between style and comfort isn’t always easy, so we’re here to help you out.

Summer Dress Fabrics to Choose

Lightweight summer dress fabrics are essential during the heat. It’s time to avoid anything with a high synthetic fibre content, as these garments tend to retain more moisture, which means sweat patches may be on show. Better choices are dresses in plant-derived fabrics, such as cotton, linen or viscose, all of which are breathable and moisture wicking. Thankfully, Femme Connection has plenty of those fabrics on offer, in an array of prints, colours and sizes.

Loose Summer Dresses Australia Online at Femme Connection

Femme is the destination when it comes to sourcing a wide variety of summer dresses in different lengths, designs and fabrics. Importantly, for summer, we offer plenty of breathable casual dresses, including linen dresses, cotton and viscose dresses, as well as blends of each. All these options are made from plant-derived fibres, so will feel airy and light to wear. We also offer a myriad of loose dress styles, so that you don’t need to worry about your clothes feeling tight and uncomfortable over summer. Our selection of summer dresses includes:

Shift dresses

Shift dresses offer utilitarian charm. Not only are they a cute style, but you can easily throw them on and wear them with either sandals or sneakers for a casual look, or with heels for a dressier vibe. They’re loose-fitting around the waist, meaning you don’t experience that tight feeling at the middle, and their hem sits above the knee, which offers air flow to the legs, keeping you cooler on those hot days. Femme Connection offers shift dresses in viscose, linen, cotton, and cotton/viscose blends. They are all supremely comfortable and breathable!

Shirt dresses

Shirt dresses are a great option during summer. They can look very casual, yet at the same time, the button up front and shirt collar give them a more structured look. You can easily wear them to work or on weekends, and you’ll always look stylish.

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a great option in summer if you want to be relatively covered from the sun, and also want a loose-fitting, relaxed look. Femme Connection’s maxi dresses, in the most part, come in loose styles and breathable fabrics that are perfect for the hot weather. Many have elasticised waists that allow stretch, and waistlines that sit just beneath the bust, so they double as great options for those seeking maternity wear. (We also stock some more tailored evening maxi dress styles, for special events.)

Linen Dresses

Our linen dresses come in a variety of styles, including super loose-fit linen dresses, and those that taper in at the waist. For the loose varieties, you can add a statement belt if you wish to accentuate your shape, but they look great without. Linen has so many wonderful properties, coming from a sustainably-grown plant (flax) that requires little water to grow. Add to that, linen is incredibly durable, provided you treat your garment with care. Your linen dresses will last you for years to come, so try your best to choose a style that suits you! Fortunately, Femme Connection has a wide variety of linen dress options in our collection, including shift dresses, shirt dresses, midi dresses and more. And they don’t just come in the standard neutral colours. There are plenty of prints in our linen collection.

Midi Dresses

Midi dresses are a great choice for summer. They aren’t too long, so your legs will stay cool, but they also aren’t too short, so for those who enjoy a flattering dress that won’t expose a whole lot of flesh, they’re perfect. 

Femme Connection’s midi dress range includes a range of styles in gorgeous prints, including floral, abstract and boho prints, as well as solid-colour dresses. Midi dresses can be worn to work during the hot months, and transition well into the evening, with an adjustment of footwear and accessories.

Modesty Dresses

One great bonus about modest dresses in summer is that they offer great sun protection. Modest dresses cover the arms and legs, and have collars that don’t expose much skin, so there’s a whole lot less sunscreen to use! 

Femme Connection’s modest dresses are incredibly feminine, and are the perfect option when it comes to a frock to wear to a summer party, whether it be an afternoon garden party or an evening engagement do. Note, some of these modest dresses may be made from synthetic fabrics, so be wary of wearing them on ultra hot days. The good news is, they‘ll transition well into Autumn, so you get a whole lot of wear out of them!

Summer Loving - Pants and Tops

Let’s not forget that dresses aren’t the only fashion item in hot demand over summer. We also require loose-fitting and breathable tops and bottoms, including linen, cotton and viscose shirts, blouses and t-shirts, loose-fitting linen pants, culottes, harem pants and joggers

Of course, our wardrobes also benefit from cool and flowy skirts, in mini, midi and maxi lengths. All these items are easy to mix and match during summer, making for outfits you can put together in a flash.

Tips to Supercharge Your Summer Style

  • Add a belt if you want more definition in your waist area. Belting a loose-fit dress adds structure, and makes your look that little bit more stylish.
  • Add an outer layer for structure. A cropped denim jacket, lightweight blazer, or even just a pressed linen or cotton shirt will offer more polish to your look.
  • Swap out your footwear. If you’ve been in thongs all day, swap them out for more structured footwear, whether it be leather sandals, wedges, or a low block heel. It will instantly lift your look.
  • Minimise accessories. Minimal accessories go a long way in summer—a simple necklace or a woven bag will do just fine. Don’t overdo those extras, unless it’s absolutely your vibe.
  • Stick to a cohesive colour palette. Neutrals with one accent colour always look considered. Of course, you can work in prints, but just make sure the colours work together. Play around in front of the mirror. You’ll know when your colours do and don’t work.
  • Steam or press your outfit. Sure, who wants to bother with ironing or steaming clothes in summer? But pressing your clothes can lift your look and make you look like you put in more effort. (Reminder, linen creases naturally, so if you press it in the morning, be aware it will likely wrinkle throughout the day.)

Shop Summer Outfits at Femme Connection

As far as dressing for summer goes, comfort and breathability really are everything. Choosing loose silhouettes and natural, plant-derived fabrics like cotton, linen and viscose makes staying cool effortless, without compromising on style. Whether you gravitate towards easy shift dresses, relaxed maxi dresses, airy midi dresses or breathable pants and tops, Femme Connection offers summer-ready pieces designed to help you feel comfortable, confident and ready for whatever warm days have in store. With free shipping on orders over $75 (within Australia only), and plenty of sizes available, there’s every reason to shop with us!

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