It’s that time of year again where the air has a noticeable chill and the long days of summer are well and truly over. You know how it is – you feel freezing when you leave for work in the morning but by the mid-afternoon, you’re starting to regret putting on so many layers. It might not be time for snow boots and thick winter coats just yet, so how do the leaders of the fashion pack stay stylish during the awkward transition into the cooler weather seasons? We’ve put together some of our best tips for avoiding the most common difficulties of fall dressing.
Keep the Color
It can be so tempting to live in entirely black and gray clothing when it comes to winter wardrobes. A black coat or pair of leather boots will no doubt suit every outfit when you’re juggling multiple layers, but there are ways to play it safe while also injecting a little color into your ensembles. Invest in a bright, statement knitted sweater or a colorful scarf to liven up your outfits. You could also put on an autumnal berry shade of lipstick or a pop of blusher to enhance your appearance. To find your perfect lip color for fall, check out this helpful shade guide.
Versatile Layering
Perhaps the most important aspect of fall dressing is to embrace the art of layering! Layering is simply the process of wearing various articles of clothing as part of one outfit all at once – usually in different length, cuts and thicknesses – giving you the means to adjust your temperature throughout the day. For example, a shirt can be layered with a cardigan or sweater vest, which you can remove if it gets too warm and without having too much bulky clothing to carry around.
To avoid feeling the chill, opt for well-made layering items that can be mix and matched, and that can be washed again and again without falling apart or losing their shape. German retailer Peter Hahn has a great range of brand name layering items to choose from, including sweaters, long-sleeved tops, and bottoms with many of their styles available in plus-size.
Between-Temperature Fabrics
If the deep freeze hasn’t set in enough to justify bringing out the thermals and woolen clothing, leather and suede make a really stylish alternative. The fabric is usually thin enough to keep you reasonably cool, but strong enough to protect against a stiff breeze and easy to layer with winter accessories and sweaters. Better still, a leather jacket will never fail to be cool! A quality-made, classic cut will see you through many years to come, so invest wisely, and don’t be afraid to spend a reasonable amount getting the perfect fit for you. If you are on a budget, vintage stores and second-hand selling sites such as eBay and Etsy frequently offer leathers for a fraction of the original price, with the added charm of looking a little scruffy and rock-chick around the edges.
Harness your Hosiery
Just because the summer is gone, doesn’t mean you have to trade in your open-toed shoes for hiking boots! This season’s FW17 catwalks were awash with pantyhose/sock and sandal combos, proving that the love-it-or-hate-it ‘socks and pool sliders’ trend pioneered by Rihanna back in 2015 isn’t about to leave us anytime soon. Get the most use out of your summer shoes as possible by pairing flats with a skirt and brightly-colored ankle socks, fishnets and patterned hosiery, to ensure you stay cozy while on trend.
Banish Seasonal germs
As temperatures drop, colds and flu loom over us once again… a red nose and chesty cough is never a good look! Stay safe to help ensure that the only pink in your cheeks this fall is a fresh-faced glow from an outdoor walk in the woods by upping your vitamin supplement intake, along with the winter flu shot to keep germs at bay. In the workplace, regular hand washing and hand sanitizer (particularly before meals or after touching your face) is a good idea to fight against the spread of hand-borne illnesses. If you do fall prey to seasonal sniffles, arm yourself with over-the-counter painkillers, and be sure to take it easy with plenty of rest while drinking lots of fluids and warm drinks.