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AIBU?

To think that the British just don't know how to dress for summer?

335 replies

MarmaladeTwatkins · 08/07/2013 13:11

Me included.

During the heat wave, I don't think I've seen a single person dressed nicely/appropriately. Same when I've been abroad. I fully accept that it might just be where I live/go on holiday, btw.

I just don't think that the British can do summer clothes very well. Maybe because we don't get that much of it? And what is this thing for men wandering around public areas without a top on? When did that become acceptable?! Confused You don't see the men of Greece or Italy wandering around the streets without a top. It makes for grim viewing.

Am I being a miserable twat?

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Jesssime · 08/07/2013 13:14

Yanbu. It's because the hot weather is so infrequent we just don't know how to deal with it when it arrives. It's fecking hot. Any truth in the idea that a hot drink actually cools you down?

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burberryqueen · 08/07/2013 13:15

no twatkins you are not - i am sick of the sight of huge flabby burnt red backs in 'strappy tops' (bleeeee) with rolls of fat and breasts all hanging, and men's lumpy old legs in vile shorts, and topless men with their skin all burnt.
and it is hardly even all that hot - i mean it is not Crete is it?
i am wearing jeans and a t-shirt

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AngryFeet · 08/07/2013 13:17

I think I look pretty good Grin. Im wearing a lightweightblack maxi skirt, black vest and sandals. Why are you wearing jeans?!

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tmae · 08/07/2013 13:18

I know what you mean. I hate summer and never change how I dress throughout the year, I wear jeans, a top and a jumper regardless of the weather including winter, no coat for me here, although sometimes I am daring and wear a scarf!

No idea why I do this to myself but always have done, although I think it is a self confidence issue with me wearing too much despite the horrible heat. But I agree with the whole tops off thing, seems to be quite a British phenomenon!

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burberryqueen · 08/07/2013 13:19

because I really don't find it all that hot - too many summers in Greece, Israel etc

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ElliesWellies · 08/07/2013 13:19

I always try to keep my shoulders covered. Loose, flowing clothing is the way to go - not exposing as much skin as possible to get a 'tan', i.e. lobster-skin.

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livinginwonderland · 08/07/2013 13:20

How can you wear jeans or long-sleeved anything in this heat?!

I'm 24 and I'll admit I'm not really dressed appropriately - short shorts and a tank top, but I'm not going anywhere except for a driving lesson later and I refuse to sit here and melt for the sake of looking good!

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2madboys · 08/07/2013 13:21

Totally - I just drove through Belgrave in Leicester (huge asian population). The men there (mostly older ones out at this time of day), were perfectly dressed for the weather. They were wearing cool-looking short sleeved shirts, loose trousers and sandals. Put the brits to shame. I think women are generally better than men, but have seen a few frights - mostly very thin jersey maxi dresses which show every lump and bump, on very overweight women Sad

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MarmaladeTwatkins · 08/07/2013 13:22

I'm only wearing jeans because I was in a mad rush this morning! They are cropped skinnies though so at least a BIT summery Grin

Yy to confidence issues. I have NONE. I would never expose my legs above the knee, or my arms above about three inches above the elbow.

But some seem to have a bit too much confidence and really don't maind showing off a lot of their bodies. Grin

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Pascha · 08/07/2013 13:22

I'm too cheap to buy special summer clothes for the two or three weeks a year they get worn so my summer outfit consists of last years maternity wear if it still looks ok, some cropped jeans and a linen skirt.

Other than that its variations on jeans and tunic here too.

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MarmaladeTwatkins · 08/07/2013 13:24

The lurid maxi dresses worn with raffia wedges. :(

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Pandsbear · 08/07/2013 13:25

Ha! I was people watching yesterday - from the shade of the coffee shop awning, not out in the baking sun - and thought the same! (me being so perfectly dressed for the weather of course Grin)

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KobayashiMaru · 08/07/2013 13:26

I'm Irish and I'm dressed beautifully for the weather.

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IWillDoItInAMinute · 08/07/2013 13:26

So glad it's not just me, jeans here too Grin

Loving the idea of a British tan, Lobster-skin!

I'm too short for maxi things and -too fat- for shorts, what's left? Jeans of course, my all year go to.

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GilmoursPillow · 08/07/2013 13:27

Jesssime, a doctor told DD recently that cold drinks don't cool you down because your body raises it's core temperature to warm the drink to blood temperature. Don't know if it' right or not.

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MortifiedAdams · 08/07/2013 13:27

Because the inside of my house is cool so I refuse to freeze. When I step outside I melt. IM not changing in between.

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Pascha · 08/07/2013 13:28

Playsuits just slightly too small so the camel-effect comes into play...

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freddiefrog · 08/07/2013 13:28

I live in a tourist resort so see a lot of people either shoehorned into too small shorts with bright red shoulders, or those determined to wear their summer clothes because they're on holiday and are quite obviously freezing.

I'm just wearing a loose red and white striped maxi dress and flipflops, all wobbly bits under cover Grin

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SmiteYouWithThunderbolts · 08/07/2013 13:28

What's wrong with maxi dresses? Confused

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mumblechum1 · 08/07/2013 13:30

This is what I'm wearing today and I is lookin well elegant Grin
ivory and black shift

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lollylaughs · 08/07/2013 13:32

Nothing wrong with Maxi dresses Smite. They just need to fit properly Wink.

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NoComet · 08/07/2013 13:33

Wedge sandals, cropped combats and peachy cream patterned Tshirt.

Legs not up to public display, shoulders burn.

Do not understand strapless maxi dresses, shoes string strapped vests unless you have the figure for them or are in your own garden.

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maternitart · 08/07/2013 13:34

Everyone here is wearing those tight man-made bodycon dresses in lurid mirror-image prints. Bleugh. Must be boiling.

By "everyone" I mean about 40% of women..

Loads of bad fake tan too.

And hideous men wearing low slung joggers (WTF) and no tops. Yuck.

(I don't look much better though... )

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IWillDoItInAMinute · 08/07/2013 13:34

Smite there is nothing wrong with a maxi dress IMO it covers quite a bit of the things I do not want to see exposed!

I'm 5'4" and look ridiculous in oneSadEnvy

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Snoot · 08/07/2013 13:34

I went into town yesterday, a very conservative market town in the south east, and every single woman bar one was in shorts. They looked good and as comfortable as possible in linen and cotton with the shorts a mid thigh length as a rule. The one woman in jeans looked uncomfortable and out of place. The teenage girls were either in micro shorts or full length leggings, what's that all about?

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