As warm weather enters our days, those of us with an ostomy know the importance of staying cool and hydrated. I love the ease of the season, but recognize the practicality of planning an attractive and easy to coordinate wardrobe. As the seasons progress, I will help you to put together garments in your closet in different ways, so start with me now, and your fashion IQ will certainly improve!
Since we are all so busy, planning ahead for our warmer days and cooler nights makes a great deal of sense. My vision for the perfect summer outfit usually begins with the top I am going to wear. Tunics are the best design for ostomates, since they are typically long enough to cover our pouch, full enough to not be constricting and basic enough to wear with any number of bottoms. Florals, checks, stripes, solids, I can go on and on. Although it has taken a while for our eye to adjust, we are now accepting and loving stripes with florals, polka dots with stripes, and bold colors blocked with their clashing coordinates. Imagine the hottest pink splashed across the brightest red! There are embroidered hippie Bohemian versions and they are great fun in gauzy fabrics. Look for creamy beige or brights. Tunics can be belted, with chains of jewelry to draw attention to the face. Consider wearing a tank or camisole next to your skin to keep your body temperature regulated, absorb moisture, and smooth your pouch. Additionally, vests give a retro vibe to tunics, either full length or short and hip.
Choosing cool bottoms like capris, which is anywhere below the knee to above the ankle, is important, and air passes easily with this shorter style. Capris are found in jeans, leggings, khakis and other pant shapes. My rule of thumb is that if the shape of my tunic is full, I choose fitted bottoms, and in reverse, if the top is more fitted, I wear fuller pants. Play around with the balance for yourself…I am not quite 5′ tall, so my attention to proportion is critical. Remember to take into account the size and shape of your pouch as you shop, since it is better to go up a size than have a waistband that is uncomfortable.
I believe summer living requires a pretty dress! This year, there is an abundance from which to choose. Once again, florals rule the fashion scene, but pastels, brights and large prints are everywhere. For ostomates, I recommend the forgiving wrap style made famous by the designer Diane Von Furstenberg, offering fullness at pouch level. Perhaps women will want to take advantage of the flattering “cold-shoulder” style which shows off not only our shoulders, but our neck and back, as well. And if we get cold, our cold-shoulder can be covered by a shawl or jacket. My favorite summer dresses are longer than usual, and worn with either a long scarf or ropes of pearls and long earrings, adding height. Nothing is easier or more complete to wear when dressing in a hurry.
Remember to include a jacket, sweater, shrug or shawl in planning your warm-weather ensemble. These items will create a complete and polished look, which works for both professional or casual attire. No longer just a little cardigan, sweaters have so much personality, trimmed with decals, gems and fabrics, that they enhance any garment. Throw one around your shoulders and you will be comfortable in air conditioning and outside.
Lastly, I want to mention just about every woman’s favorite part of dressing…our shoes! We cannot ever have enough, and we can never part with those we love. Carrie Bradshaw of SEX and THE CITY was right and I know very few women who would argue that point. So here is the summer shoe story: anything and everything goes! Sandals, strappy or one strap; sneakers in every color trimmed with every jewel, ribbon or sequin created; high heels and ballet flats and mules; booties and clogs; embroidered pumps and Mary Janes; velvets and suedes, yes, summer celebrates suede! The adoration and love affair we have with shoes has spawned not only huge departments in mall stores, but discount and bargain stores dotting the landscape.
Enjoy the summer and I look forward to sharing more fashion and beauty ideas with you in the future!
Originally published in THE PHEONIX.