It looks like we're taking a break from setting new records with summer temps for the moment. Don't get me wrong, I dig it, but it can be hard to care about clothes when all you're wearing around the house is a bathing suit (more on that later). I tend to invest less in things to wear when it's super hot—you're just going to sweat all over anything you put on—and you don't really need to. It's the season of torn garments. It's fine.
But the last few weeks have made it plain that there are in fact a few things that qualify as summer "essentials," the most basic of which I don't even have. I'm hoping to become mobilized by the cooler break and obtain at least one of these objects before the next heat wave hits:
1. Sandals. I don't currently own any, but I'll concede my preference for the summer boot doesn't extend into the high-90s. I just don't find many sandals I like, frankly—and it's so much harder for men. Shopping in the women's department, it's impossible to avoid clogs. I'm an advocate of the standard clog styles as classics, but we also live in an age of clog experimentation. There are strappy clogs, clog loafers, clog biker boots, and clog wedges. It's been... what, 10 years since brands like No. 6 and Swedish Hasbeens starting making a splash? And the clog thing is still going strong. I've tried two of the clog variations mentioned above (strappy and biker) and I think I might be on the verge of my third:
But sometimes I wonder... how into clogs are we all still really?
2. A hat! I just had a summer hat, but I gave it away right before the heatwave hit, and found myself at the river/lake/ocean worrying about getting skin cancer on my scalp. I feel like the retail scene in Portland doesn't hit this too hard, but Frances May looks like they're coming through with some new arrivals (also see this week's column for a unisex option I'm pumped on):
3. Terry cloth. I've been busting out a terry cloth dress I haven't worn in years because I realized that terry cloth in hot weather is just wearing a towel to mop up your sweat, but one that comes in flattering cuts and colors. Soooo practical. Also see the racks of your neighborhood thrift store for terry cloth shorts. Terry cloth items in general are easy to find and inexpensive, but I wish I'd been wearing this elevated version from Adam Arnold on the 4th of July:
4. Bathing suits. Obviously. But it should be pointed out that this seems to be a growing focus for Portland designers, with brands like Altar and Brady Lange putting out new swimwear designs with increasing frequency. Also, for years I only had one swimsuit. No more. They work to well as all-purpose undergarments in the sweltering heat. Again: absorbancy. Plus, it's handy to be at the ready for any type of water exposure.
5. Sunglasses. Completely a year round thing for me, but the importance can't be overlooked. If I were to buy a fancy new pair I just might do so at Una, which I think flies under the radar as a source for that since they're not a eyewear specialty shop, but which has a truly tasteful selection from the French-made Selima Optique.