Column: How's a girl supposed to dress seasonably appropriate when it's 95 degrees?

Flautumn [ flaw-tuh m ]

noun

1) The season between summer and not quite summer; fall in Florida.

2) The time of year when you want to start wearing tights and sweaters and boots and scarves, but it's still 98 degrees outside.

3) Pretty much the only time people living in other parts of the country pity Floridians, as they watch our approaching hurricanes while enjoying changing leaves and al fresco dinners.

I'm not usually one to complain about the weather. Complaining about something over which we have no control is the waste of a good whine. Plus I truly believe Florida's heat and humidity (along with liberal sunscreen use) prevent wrinkles, and a good sweat will cure just about anything.

But even after 20 years as Florida resident, dressing for Flautumn still confounds me.

This goes well beyond whether it's OK to wear white pants after Labor Day. 

About the time kids go back to school and marching bands take the field, I feel the need to wear brown. And navy. And burnt sienna. 

I want to wear the dusty pink hoodie I got from the Flora-Bama bar in March and the soft comfy orange sweater I picked up at an end-of-season sale. I want to break out the awesome cowboy boots I splurged on while visiting my sister in Fort Worth and my knee-high fringe moccasins (even though the husband hates them).

I want to skip the pedicure and give my toes a little privacy.

It's just too dang hot.

The problem is, it seems strange to continue wearing my favorite gingham summer dress and the bright Lilly Pulitzer prints I favor in June and July as the calendar pages flip toward October.

How's a girl supposed to keep her cool and dress seasonably appropriate in a sub-tropical climate?

Luckily, I have friends who can offer expert advice.

Bobbi Whitmore, who owns Bobbi's at Parkside in Cocoa Village, knows the struggle is real.

It's been a "weird, wet, warm summer," she said. "And it’s not giving into fall. 

"Owning a boutique presents a unique set of problems. Manufacturers are pushing sweaters (it’s snowing in Montana) and we’re showing 95 on the outside temperature. So we do what we always do: Bring out the pumpkins and fall foliage to try to get folks in the mood. Crank down the A/C. And swear we won’t order so many sweaters and fall apparel next year."

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Mica Perry, who owns Mica & Molly's in Melbourne with her sister, Molly Perry Wilson, had this to say:

"OK, here are my tips for embracing fall when it’s 95 degrees (AKA the hardest part of living in Florida)," she said.

"Try to incorporate darker colors, but still in lighter fabrics," he said. "Swap your brights for a more jewel-tone color palette and anything navy, orange or emerald. Go for cotton or lightweight fabrics that breathe."

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Even in sleeveless styles, those colors hint at falling leaves and cooler temps.

"Swap out your straw and raffia summer bags and accessories for sleek gold leather," she said. This elevates your style while welcoming the changing season.

Mica also recommends putting a little fall on your face.

"Take a break from your pink lip and try a darker red shade. MAC cosmetics Ruby Woo lipstick looks good on literally everyone! And add a touch of copper to your eyelids."

Thanks to Mica and Bobbi, I'm now feeling a lot better about my Flautumn wardrobe. I'm ready to face the world in a lightweight navy sweater and red lipstick.

I'm also taking comfort in knowing Flinter is just around the corner.

Flinter

[ Flin-ter ]

noun

1) The season that brought many of us to the state; Florida winter.

2) The time of year when we can wear long sleeves and closed-toed shoes, but we don't have to bundle up to walk from the office to your car.

3) No snow. No ice. No worries.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm headed to the MAC counter to buy some Ruby Woo.

Email sleonard@floridatoday.com

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