What do you wear when it's 97 degrees out? -- from a plump 49 y.o.

[Anonymous]

Let me get this out of the way first: I am chubby and have big upper arms, big matronly boobs, and some dimpling on my thighs. I am well aware that nobody, including myself, particularly wants to stare at my bare flesh all day.

When I was 19 y.o. and toned and size 6, I knew exactly what to wear when thermometer hit 95 in July -- a camisole and short shorts. Now of course I can't do that (see above ^^^). But, it practically kills me to cover my arms and armpits and legs down to my ankles when I'm outdoors for more than 20 seconds during a DC summer.

I look around for ideas and I notice that my baby boomer neighbors DO in fact cover everything all summer. I don't know how they manage to wear long-sleeve J Jill blouses and long Boden flowy pants when it's 95, but they do. Is there a secret? Internal thermostat retraining?

Please give me suggestions for -specific- items of clothing that 1. cover flesh AND and 2. truly cool.

[Anonymous]

Linen is your friend. I am thin but I burn easily so I've always had to cover up. Loose flowy linen works on even the most broiling day. Look at the Saudis. I'm not saying wear a djellaba, but some western variation--It looks great and you won't be hot.

[Anonymous]

Light, loose weave natural fibers work great as cover-ups. You can wear these over a sleeveless or cap-sleeve shell top, and linen pants, longer shorts, or capris work well. I also love flowy dresses with an open weave, crocheted type short sleeve sweater. Cool and classy.

And when it's really broiling I just take off the sweater or cover up and say "what the hell?"!

[Anonymous]

When are designers going to learn middle age women don't like their arms!
Google some advice from Tim Gunn. Adore him!

[Anonymous]

Or low neck lines

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend where I can buy good linen pants or shirts?

[Anonymous]

I wear longish skirts and loose tops as I too have gotten a little soft as I near 50.

[Anonymous]

There is a brand called flax that my 60 yo mother has been wearing for about 10 years. She mixes her flax pieces with more tailored, on trend pieces and looks very nice. She does not look like an old granny and is cool in the summer.