Too Hot To Handle

Aug 12, 2008 @ 11:05am

burberry fall 08.jpg There's a strange breed of New Yorkers - well there are many - but lately I've been noticing those so utterly committed to their style that they refuse to confront the 90 degree, eyeliner-melting weather.

A few questions for them:

How does one squeeze into skinny jeans when it's so hot you sweat standing still?

Why do you layer a blazer above a men's button down with a fringed scarf when it's so hot kids are running around naked?

Are you actually comfortable in knee-high Frye's with that barely there mini-dress when it's too hot to wear leather ballet flats?

Maybe it's because I didn't grow up with humidity and after six years on the East Coast I still find it to be the most miserable thing ever; maybe it's because I've determined to find a way to be stylish and comfortable even in extreme heat, which means denim cut offs, t-shirts, loads of jewelry or just a romper on the really miserable days; maybe it's because I'm actually positive I couldn't wriggle into my jeans in my not air-conditioned room.

But seriously, are you able to wear the same outfit year round or do you succumb to the miserable heat that swallows this city from June to August? If so, how?!

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 11:18AM

you forgot to mention people that straighten their hair, do full on makeup etc. when after 5 mins nature takes control of that whole look.

aaand people in nyc have no idea what hot really is, in my opinion.

posted by MonaVox

Aug 12, 2008 11:21AM

I don't wear pants... I'm into dresses or shorts or rompers. I feel so bad for guys sometimes because they don't have many options in terms of lower body covers. But yeah. I don't understand a lot of the people I see. How are they not sweating?

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 11:23AM

I always wonder the same thing. Why would anyone do that to themselves? As for me, I'm waiting until the fall to break out the skinny jeans again, and you pretty much won't see me in anything other than long,flowy skirts with halters or sundresses until mid-September/October.

posted by BIBA

Aug 12, 2008 11:30AM

these are people who probably use towncars.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 11:36AM

Yes! I work in midtown and see women in TIGHTS all the time. Black tights. It doesn't compute

posted by mpw

Aug 12, 2008 11:39AM

Guest at 11:18, I invite you to take a ride on the subway.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 11:41AM

NYCers know nothing about summer heat! Come down to hot and humid Florida, then we'll talk.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 11:46AM

some people try too hard with what should be effortless and flowy summer style, but some people also do not like the bare-more-skin fashion that comes along with warmer weather. maybe the people you see along the street wearing black tights are hiding their razor burned legs. :)

posted by xxi

Aug 12, 2008 11:51AM

Most people have cars in FL. While most people in NY walk/take public transportation. So you have no idea what heat is when you're not driving around blasting your AC.

Back on topic, I don't get how people do it, I reallllly don't. Nor really why. What's the point? You look crazy vs chic and I'm just waiting for someone to pass out from being over dressed for a 90+ degree day. It's madness!

posted by hellonheels

Aug 12, 2008 11:53AM

I don't understand tights in summer, but otherwise, choosing to ignore the season fashion-wise doesn't particularly bother me. Let's not forget that many of us work in freezing-ass cold offices and would be miserable in sundresses.

posted by leia

Aug 12, 2008 11:57AM

well, it's over 100 here in Dallas, but we are fortunate to have cars to commute in. NYC in July/Augusr is waaaayyyy more miserable than here in Dallas!
That being said, my office is so frikking cold that I have to wear skinny jeans to keep my legs warm. Then I sweat to death when I go to happy hour after work!

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:04PM

i have a friend who can dress like that in sweltering heat and she never gets hot.

weird

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:16PM

i have the same problem here in ATL. freezing cold in the office (i don't know why the buildings wouldn't want to save $$$ and turn the thermostat up!?!) and hot and humid outside. and i work in midtown and ride MARTA so i'm walking a lot too. Sometimes I bring a wrinkle free shift with me to work so I can change before going home. Morning isn't too, too bad, but by the evening it's miserable here!

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:16PM

For the tights in midtown comments--some major law firms/consulting firms/banks require their employees to wear hose or tights with skirts when dealing with clients. Since I'd rather drop dead than wear nude pantyhose, I occasionally wear black tights ... which come right back off asap.

For weekends, I can't bear the thought of squeezing my body back into anything tight.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:20PM

I've lived in NY for three years, and I think the humidity is much worse in Montreal. What's worse is that I walk even more in Montreal, and the subway is even hotter here. Some stations are HEATED in the summer!

I wear skinny jeans year round, only because I have a conservative background so I do not wear dresses or tights. It's unfortunate sometimes because I would LOVE to wear cotton dresses in the heat, but I think the jeans thing is just something I have gotten used to. I just make sure I never sit on the subway, or else my butt gets stuck to the seat. :/

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:26PM

not everyone drives outside of nyc. public transportation and walking exist outside of there - believe it or not. for those that drive obviously heat isn't an issue so much, but they have their own problems with gas so i really think most would take public if they could at this point.

i'm just tired of people in nyc complaining like they have it the worst of anyone, ever as far as heat goes...

on topic again - the cold office does make dressing extremely difficult. you pretty much have to have two outfits and i leave a sweater at my desk at all times.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:39PM

@15: you should be in montreal this summer, it's been miserable the entire time. We've had probably 2 weeks of collective good weather, the rest of that has been rainy/cold/grey.

I've left the house a few times wearing one thing and it getting hot halfway through the day and realizing i needed to change stat. Normally I just wear whatever clings to me the least, and what you're least likely to see me sweat in.. sorry girls ha.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 12:50PM

I live in Philly, but I imagine that NYC is very similar in that air conditioning is not the norm since a lot of the buildings are really old. I don't think it's like that in the South. So yeah--NYCers don't know anything about heat and humidity? Whatever, man.

posted by Katie

Aug 12, 2008 12:52PM

I live in nyc and I wear jeans most of the summer. It doesn't bother me. I don't really like wearing shorts and I don't feel like wearing a dress or skirt everyday so, jeans it is. I don't know why but I have never felt like I was any hotter because I was wearing jeans. Maybe it's just me.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 1:13PM

I live in New York and I still rock the black tights - reasons 1) its deathly freezing in my office 2) it takes me 20-30 mins to commute (a combination of using the subway and walking) to and from work 3) I'm required to wear panty hose anyway (corporate wear) so why not vamp it up with a Fall fashion trend. Every one knows that Fall trends dominate the year-round style in New York anyway..

Most people who are able to succumb and afford summer fashion are those that have it at their leisure - they work in or around fashion OR can simply afford it.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 1:38PM

I wore black tights this morning because when I woke up it was freezing. Fall weather-- really windy, chilly, no sun. Of course, as NYC weather would have it, by the time I took lunch, midtown was sweltering, the sun was out and it was a nice day. So of course I felt a little foolish with my tights.

No matter-- in a few hours, the tights will come off and I'll frolic in my top + high waisted skirt sans cardigan and tights. It's all about making your outfit work two ways.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 2:24PM

guest #1 --

temperature-wise, sure, there are hotter places than new york in the summer. the humidity, however, is what makes it so unbearable. when you feel like you're walking into a blowdryer's path 24/7, that's when you know it's bad outside.

and i'm so jealous of that breed of girl who seems to never sweat, or, at most, gets slightly "dewy" during the day. how is this possible? i went up to massachusetts to visit my boyfriend at the time and we were sitting in the car -- not even moving -- and i got the dreaded boob sweat... right through my shirt. SO embarrassing.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 2:28PM

Guest #1: you have obviously not been to New York during a heat wave...or taken the subway from June to August.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 2:29PM

I am so glad that others have noticed this bizarre trend!!!

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 2:30PM

Unfortunately, I have fat legs and arms so in the summer I'm stuck wearing jeans and some sort of short sleeve top in the NYC heat. It's just as bad as you can imagine.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 2:31PM

I used to live in Montreal and I remember the summers as PERFECT: clear and cool and sunny and dry and golden. Is that global warming?

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 3:22PM

I stick a cooling patch on my backside or wherever it'll be hidden

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 3:30PM

I live in the South, and fortunately, most everything here is air-conditioned. It makes it rather difficult to dress for the extreme heat/humidity when you are in a freezing cold office all day, but such is the beauty of layers!

But seriously, why WOULD someone want to wear thick, heavy jeans/blazers/scarves in this heat??? Ive been to NYC many times, and in the dead of summer and the most I could muster was a flowy sundress and a headband. Even then, I was a sweaty mess. More power to ya, I guess!

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 3:32PM

yes, i have been in nyc during the summer and ridden public transportation - it's certainly never a fun experience.

just saying - there are hotter places to be in the summer (charleston, savannah, the list goes on). nyc wins in certain things - but other areas have the joy of being the best natural sauna - not really a great prize or anything to really debate anyways haha.

i was just poking fun - i mean most of us are lucky enough to work inside so we really have no reason to complain.

i saw some people laying asphalt at noon when it was 105 and 100% humidity and i bet they are even more perplexed about people wearing these sort of things. haha.

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 6:11PM

simple. 1. they're probably working in super air-conditioned buildings and 2. are only outside in the morning or late afternoon when it's coolest and 3. can't wear summerwear to work!

posted by guest

Aug 12, 2008 9:32PM

I believe strongly in seasonal dressing! It's one of the great things about living in a four-season climate, why not take advantage of the style diversity that comes with the changes in weather? I want to be excited to pull out my scarves again in October!

posted by Elizabeth Taylor

Aug 12, 2008 10:15PM

Regardless of the heat and subsequent sweating - its just a fashion no, no - to dress out of season. if you work in a cold office wear light layers, or take a light sweater in your bag. but wearing opaque tights and blazers over top of sweaters is as bad as wearing trends circa 2001.

posted by guest

Aug 13, 2008 12:10AM

#7 - I have lived in Florida and am now in NYC and I promise you,the humidity here is comparable, if not worse.

Britt - I so know what you mean! I see these stubborn, determined (i.e. crazy people) and often have the urge to ask them if they are comfortable.

#30 - If people can't wear summer wear to work, I highly doubt they're allowed to wear skinny jeans! I know the type Britt is talking about, I see them around Greenpoint and Williamsburg, they are not going to work. Trust me.

posted by charisp

Aug 13, 2008 2:06AM

hi i live in hong kong - where in june through august the temperature tends to be from 28 - 35 degrees celcius but with humidity indexes in the 80's and 90's. i grew up in this climate and can wear jeans in virtually any kind of weather. i think it might just be a matter of being accustomed.

at least that's what it's like for me.

posted by legendaryy

Aug 13, 2008 4:54AM

I live an hour outside of nyc, and though not in the city, the weather is just as hot and just as humid. I can also happily admit that I am one of these crazy people who wear skinnys, boots, scarves, etc out and about during the summer. I don't really know why, but my mom always called it dedication. I personally don't like summer at all, and I guess its my protest to all that summer brings with it. don't get my wrong, rompers and that whole deal are adorable! but not my thing. im much more a winter/fall person.

I love love love my layers!

posted by guest

Aug 13, 2008 2:17PM

do you just know the power of consumerism and fashion trends? I just think of that when i remember having seen girls wearing FUR sleeveless vests in Paris last summer, as Vogue told them to do so.They just cannot wait for autumn to come in terms of shopping. Plus it is easier to have style in winter clothes and layers than with summer clothes. So they trade comfort for style, nothing new there.....

posted by fashionursta

Aug 13, 2008 3:06PM

I totally agree with Britt. Try looking fashionable when it's in the 90s and you're waiting in the subway and having a hot flash. (not pleasant). This year, I have a new uniform when it's really hot- an easy, breezy dress and my gladiators or platform sandals. Once and awhile I'll wear wedges if I want to have to concentrate on walking. I used to be able to wear my biker boots in the summer, and even leggings with a skirt, or a dress over jeans, but this summer, it's out of the question. But I also think that not everyone has the same internal thermostat, and that they are also dressing for the air conditioning. I always carry a wrap or a cardigan for that reason.

Stay cool everyone!

posted by fashionursta

Aug 13, 2008 4:52PM

I just want to add about that strange breed- I notice that the girls that are wearing scarves wrapped twice and three times around their necks while wearing the shortest of cut offs always have such a smug look, like they are superior because they are following this "trend" even in the heat. It makes me laugh inside because they are probably roasting underneath, but they have to have "the look of the moment". These are the same girls that carry their enormous bags in the crook of their elbow even though the bag weighs a ton, just to have that air of chic. They want to look unique, when they all end up looking the same!

posted by guest

Aug 13, 2008 8:52PM

Whoever said that Montreal was"clear and cool and sunny and dry and golden" did not live there very long. As a born and bred Montrealer for 30 years, I can say for the most part, its a hot, sticky, smelly dirty mess in the summer. I live in SF now...I miss stinky humid summers. :(

posted by dumbbrunette5

Aug 13, 2008 9:00PM

i rhink it depends on what ur used to. i lived in thailand for 4 years (imagine 95 degrees and 90% humidity, year round) and people at my school would sometimes wear thick sweaters and complain that they are freezing. and my sister has always worn fleece sweaters in the summer with no problem cuz she gets cold easily. if ur doing it just to be ahead of the trends even though your dying of heat its stupid, but for people that are actually comfortable that way i think its fine. its just that you can never tell which is which just by looking at someone on the street.

posted by guest

Aug 14, 2008 12:30AM

I work in retail so even though its 80+ degrees I have to dress in our new fall line... which means long sleeve shirts, sweaters and scarves everyday...

Today I was just walking around Boston in a teeshirt, jeans and cardigan and it wasn't that bad (granted it wasn't too too hot in Boston today...)

posted by Ginge

Aug 14, 2008 11:41PM

I applaud your ability to continue wearing jewelry. Sometimes it's so hot here in Texas that I find it hard to do that. I know it sounds weird, but think about it. I don't want necklaces hanging from my sweaty neck and those darn bangles (especially pushed up the arm) block airflow to the skin their covering.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 7:19PM

Spend a summer in Mississippi and then we'll talk about heat.