Lighter fabrics, cooler styles

Leather dressing: Fall's first choice is OK any time of the year

Leather shorts come in all lengths, cuffed and uncuffed. This look from TheRow.
Short and flirty leather skirt from Rachel Comey
Leather now comes in bold colors, like this Gucci strapless dress.
Houston model Britt Maren in Michael Kors metallic leather dress
Leather pants can be wide-legged, like this look from Chloé, or slim.

As soon as the Houston air has that hint of coolness and fragrance of fall, those of us who love fashion are ready to make that first step into the new season. For me, the look du jour that bids summer farewell and ushers in fall is the "touch of leather" dressing.

Leather is no longer the industrial-weight outerwear material that we wore primarily as jackets for so many years. It's lighter to the touch, so that it is not only adaptable for jackets but can be found in a variety of skirts, dresses, vests, pants and shorts.

While the top color will always be black, this season you will also see bold shades, especially in dresses, as they are the newest and most stylish way to go with leather.

There are so many ways that leather has changed. In addition to its lightness of weight there is new direction in style selection through softer lines and feminine shapes and details. As dresses come on the scene as well as the longer length skirts, particularly my fave, the pencil skirt, you will see ladylike dressing making it's way into the leather categories.

Leather no longer just has an edge. Skirts can be pleated; jackets cropped or ruffle-trimmed.

Styling has also changed. One of the newest ways to wear leather is to complement it with the softness of feminine blouses, shirts, knits and cashmere (for later in the season when its cooler).

Here are my favorite looks in order of need:

Leather jacket

The need for a good leather jacket never goes away, but for now should be cropped and/or have feminine details that make it look more like a sportswear piece and not as outerwear.

My personal favorite look: A jacket over a non-leather dress. Modern in look, edgy enough to get noticed yet when layered over a sheath or tailored dress, totally suitable for the workplace.

Leather sheath

My favorite piece of the season is the leather dress. It's one of the newest looks from most top designers, including Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Michael Kors or my very favorite choice for the bucks, Vince, whose front-pocketed sheath that can double as a jumper.

These dresses look great in neutrals such as black, brown or camel, but can be an entrance-maker in bold colors, such as the Gucci strapless number or the Caped Michael Kors metallic dress, shown in photos at right.

Leather skirt

If you read my last CultureMap column on the Five Must Haves of the Season, you know I believe a leather skirt needs to be part of every wardrobe.

The pencil skirt is No. 1; short and straight or short and flirty is the second most versatile choice; pleated is your step into stylish femininity. Color and metallics are an add-on here just as in dresses because after all, who doesn't own a black leather skirt?

Leather pants/shorts

Pants can be wide-legged or slim. Shorts are available in all lengths, cuffed and uncuffed. A very cute look for the PYT's is the leather short with patterned tights and tall boots. Not an everybody look, but dynamite if you can pull it off!

To sum it up, fall is here, so you want to dress the part without pulling out your cashmere just yet. Leather is the way to go.

To prove the point that it doesn't need to be freezing (which is about 60 in Houston) to make the move to touches of leather in your wardrobe, note the amounts of leather on the designer spring/summer 2012 runways at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Derek Lam, Oscar de la Renta and others featured lighweight leather dresses and separates in their warm-weather collections.

It's been a belief of mine for a long time and I hold firm, that even in Houston, leather may be, sometime only in small bites, a light enough fabrication to be just about a 12-month/year 'round apparel choice.

So dust it off and start now. Leather makes your best transition to the new season. Fall has arrived!

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LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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