The art of wearing nothing
It’s just too hot to wear anything. For others, summer is the time to show off a hard-earned body, take out the shortest denim cut-offs or bask in the sun in their strap-happy Herve Leger-inspired swimsuits. But nasty straps can bite into the skin, and skintight just feels constricting when literally every body part, nook and cranny is gasping for air. Lately, I’ve been going for a lighter wardrobe, with softer pieces that skim the body and graze the skin. Call it a desire for the naked life. I’ve even given in to cutting off those nasty label tags that scratch the back of the neck (something I refused to do before, in case I needed any washing or fabric information). Sounds like someone needs a vacation. Summer does that to us city denizens, it makes us fantasize about fresh air, coconut oil, fruit shakes and living half the year in Bora.
Although we do live in equatorial temperatures all year, the summer months are the only time I obsess about building an ideal tropical wardrobe. You only have a few months to do it before retailers start changing stock and the local fashion world shifts to the unavoidable “fall-winter” looks. So I have decided to make an “effort” to create that “effortless” summer in the city look.
Right now, I’m all for paring down to an efficient wardrobe of simple, unfussy pieces. From the runways, the collection of 3.1 Philip Lim really captures the way I want to dress now — sophisticated and clean, with a hint of sporty. It revealed the designer’s ’90s-influenced aesthetic; he cites growing up with Helmut Lang and Jil Sander. I want them all — the roomy LBD, the softly structured silk sheaths, fabrics in sorbet colors that graze the body instead of wrapping it tight. Prada’s retro chic pleated dresses are also a strong influence for summer fashion. You’ll find high street versions of this girly look now in stores like Mango and Zara. At Topshop in Power Plant, I spotted a simple crepe cobalt dress with a deep V and a skimming shape, which could be a cool go-to item this season.
The all-American classic retailer J. Crew (which has earned style cred by showing at Fashion Week) showed seemingly un-sexy outfits for Spring-Summer ’12 with skirts that reached the shins, loose blouses left slightly untucked — but these appear somehow sexier than a mini skirt and heels, a combination that just tries too hard.
When you just want to lounge around in underwear at home and can’t afford Natori (although I’ve been told the new Josie line aimed at younger women is super affordable), you can still don the glamorous vintage kaftan look. Mikka Genito-Padua named her line of caftans and kimonos Carioca, which refers to an inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro. After rediscovering my love for Sergio Mendes and Brasil 2012 in concert this week, I know that Brazilians have that natural sensuality and embody the ultimate beach vibe-in-the-city that most Filipinos imagine they had. Mikka envisions the Carioca look as not just for the beach. “It’s not something you pack for vacations then store at the back of your closet. They are made for you to revel in and survive the urban heat wave with in a manner that is also chic and effortless,” she shares. Influenced by Mikka’s vision, I am envisioning myself luxuriating at home in sexy undies and covering up not with my manang nightrobe but in a drapey jersey kimono.
The city’s heat makes wearing complicated clothing seem harder. Even the walk from the Boni High Street Central parking lot to Cake Club is an arduous trek in heels (okay, I’m just really lazy). My friend Carina frequently hops all around the city in an all-white ensemble and flats without the least bit of self-consciousness about how it is really not the most slimming look — and looks refreshingly chic, every time. This season, I’ve played with fun summery trends from floral pants (so unflattering) to hot Technicolor prints, which make me feel so different with it. They certainly fashion me into, well, not my usual self. I love the occasional pops of color of hot pink and cherry red to pep up the vibe, day or night. But just like a girl who has to settle down after all the flirting, it’s time for a commitment. So it’s time to be true to myself in what I feel best in — laidback looks, subdued color, beloved A-line shapes, and keeping everything just light and easy.
Even if you’re not living on a beach, do an ode to beach living this summer by re-discovering the simple perks of summer — good clothes that make us feel better, enjoying the occasional caress of a breeze and the uplifting feel of sun on skin.
