Sweater Weather
Several days after plastering my youngest son with suncream for his football match, I was rummaging through the cupboards looking for umbrellas like a woman possessed as the heavens suddenly opened. This tells me that now is the perfect time to solve one of my favourite fashion puzzles. The art of trans-seasonal dressing.
It's that tricky time between seasons when summer clothes seem no longer seem appropriate, but it's too warm for thick coats and jumpers. I can liken it to the time between Christmas and New Year when you forget which day it is. Only this time, rather than being lost in time, you are shivering and soaked one moment, then sweating and ripping off layers the next. This can only mean one thing, summer is fading and glorious autumn is on its way.
Whilst with the change in seasons can get you abit excited about the novelty of digging out those cosy knits, we do face a closet conundrum. Today, I hope to give you some to tips on how to extend the wearability of your summer wardrobe whilst embracing the new season.
Tip One – Light Layers
Besides being fashionable, layering outfits is also practical. In chilly weather, layers give you a fresh look that keeps you comfortable. When choosing which looks to layer, what factors do you consider? Long items should be layered over lean items as a general rule.
Leggings or skinny jeans can be paired with tunics or boyfriend cardigans for a leaner look. The "long over lean" rule removes any danger of bulkiness which can come from excessive layering. Keeping it basic, a jacket, a lightweight scarf, and a pair of boots would do the trick. Another option would be a cardigan with a sundress or a light sweater with a pair of shorts, tights and boots. The picture below gives a few options of layers.
Tip Two – Dress Power
The dress is your best friend when it comes to nailing trans-seasonal perfection. The summer dress can still be worn in September and October, but not exactly as you did in the summer.
Wear your dresses with trainers and bare legs on warmer days. As the weather cools, switch to low-heeled, easy-to-wear boots and a denim or leather jacket. Often overlooked, boots are a great instant refresh that will carry you all the way through autumn. Multi-seasonal, not just trans-seasonal
Look at your dress in a different way, maybe with a t-shirt or blouse underneath. A knotted white or chambray shirt, a shapely blazer, a denim jacket (or shirt) or a chunky knit on top. Keep your waist defined to avoid looking boxy. Wear a denim shirt with sleeves rolled up over your summer dress. And for those of you looking for a slighter edgy look, how about your summer maxi over jeans!!
Tip Three - Add tights
This tip isn't rocket science and its the easiest and most inexpensive way to add texture and warmth to your summer skirts and dresses. These days there are so many to choose from and it’s worth making sure you get a good fit to avoid constant adjustment! Wear opaque, cable knit or other textured patterns with your summer skirt and boots for a perfect autumn look. Add personality with colours other than 'black'. I obviously, look like the picture below, in a pair of tights…. ha ha. For a good selection of interesting and well made tights, I recommend Luxury Legs and the brand to be looking for is Heist. Heist also do the best shapewear.
Tip Four - The Jumper Dress
Knitted or crocheted, this season's sleekest dresses come in soft cotton or cashmere blends, as designers reinvent the classic sweater dress in bold colors and directional silhouettes. During the warmer months, you can pair them with chunky slides or trainers and sunglasses, while during the cooler months, you can wear them with stomp-worthy boots and an oversized tote.
Tip Five - The knitted polo
Your stealth style star for years to come, the knitted polo is a retro classic. It looks instantly 'put together' with streamlined separates and elevates denim. Choose a classic silhouette in a super-soft, high-quality yarn from brands that excel at elevated basics. Whenever I need basics, I always go to Marks & Spencers! If you have a bigger budget then the Pure Collection will tick this knitwear box.
Tip Six - Invest in a jacket
An outfit can be transformed by a jacket or blazer. In the transition from summer to autumn, a cozy autumnal jacket adds a warm glow to summer fabrics and keeps us warm at the same time.
Check out these options:
With flat boots and slim jeans, a military-inspired cargo jacket is on trend and easy to wear.
A leather jacket just keeps on giving. The piece can be worn with summer outfits and boots and will take you through the winter and back again.
From classic aviator jackets to fun teddy bear coats, faux shearling comes in all new outerwear silhouettes this Autumn. Style with jeans and your favourite ankle boots on the weekend, or glam up and soften with some wide legs trousers, light coloured cashmere and some jewels.
If you want to look polished and pull together different outfits, add a jacket or blazer to your collection. Whether you wear it with jeans on a night out or layer it over light summer clothes during the day, it is a hard working stable.
An elegant trench coat in a darker neutral colour, such as camel, grey, or navy. Versatile and suitable for chilly autumn weather, this piece goes with everything.
Tip Seven - Best foot forward
You can easily transition your summer look to autumn by switching your shoes. Wear ankle boots, suede black boots, slouchy boots, chunky brogue style flats, or versatile trainers instead of sandals. Converse Flatform Trainers are my go-to shoes all year long. So a simple shoe switch is an easy way make your look more autumnal and not get cold feet. Skirts and shorts will be more season appropriate by adding a pair of suede ankle boots or trainers (with nude tights). My favourite look at the moment is a summer dress, a cardigan, and chunky Doc Martin boots. The black boots in the picture below would be perfect for an evening out.
Tip Eight - Hats on!
The perfect way to transition into autumn fashion is with hats. There are so many styles and colours of hats which could completely make an outfit. Aside from the style stakes, there are plenty of reasons to wear a hat, including keeping your head warm and disguising a bad hair day!
Tip Nine - Don’t forget scarves
Who doesn’t love a scarf! They can instantly transform any outfit whilst keeping you warm at the same time. When buying scarves, first think about which colours look good near your face. If you are unsure then you can come and see me for a Colour Analysis consultation and I can tell you works for you. Its also important to think about the fabric of the scarf. Some people find wool itchy and so many people opt for a cotton blend. My mum used to paint velvet scarfs and so I still have a love for a soft, weighty and elegant mass of velvet draped round my neck. Perfect to push a casual look up a notch and for pairing with a dress for an evening of decadence. And as Audrey Hepburn said, “When I wear a silk scarf I never feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman’’. I am going to buy a silk scarf!
Tip Ten - Add a structured bag.
Its time to put the summertime canvas and straw bags in the attic and bring out a more structured bag in whatever colour or print your fancy. From deep, saturated hues to unique prints, a bold bag effortlessly lifts your vibe and makes a style statement. Its also good to have some ‘play it safe’ options when its less appropriate to stand out. Think material too, leather bags tend to fight harder when the heavens open whereas suede bags fall faster.
Working with me
For many people, understanding how to dress to look their best can make a big difference to their self confidence. If you like to understand more about your body shape and what styles of other clothes would suit you, then head to the Shape and Style section on my website.
To make an appointment with me, head to the ‘Work with me’ section on my website.