Last summer saw temperature highs of around 30 degrees, and much of September remained firmly in the 20s. To cut a long story short, we Britons have had a gloriously warm, Mediterranean-esque summer. Then October rolled around, and so did the crispy cold breeze, the somber grey storm clouds and everything that’s usually associated with winter.
But with many of us still weighed down with holiday blues, and reluctant to pack away our summer clothes, and because it’s not quite cold enough for the cable knits to be dug out, a particularly problematic situation forms. Do we pack away our summer threads, and suffer a sweaty silence in knitwear, or do we buy a new wardrobe to help us survive this blast of transitional weather?
On the other hand, a more viable third option may be to simply master the art of layering.
Layering isn’t exactly rocket science, nor is it an unexplored idea. But, even the most dedicatedly stylish of us can often overlook the fact that layering can create dozens of new outfits, and thus, multiplying your wardrobe tenfold.
Tips for Layering During Transitional Weather:
1. It’s all about the outerwear
Luckily for me, coats, blazers, denim and leather jackets, and all other pieces that could be classed as ‘outerwear’ just so happen to be my absolute favourite thing to shop for. One of my goals in life is to own 100 coats at once – seriously, I am besotted with the category. And for good reason, as a good outerwear piece can utterly transform an outfit. Think a bright snazzy blazer paired with distressed mom jeans, or a leather jacket over an oversized smock dress.
2. Don’t pack away the crop tops
I, for one, am madly, utterly and excessively still in love with crop tops, despite weather warnings of heavy snow next month. Crop tops shouldn’t have to be saved exclusively for summer. Try layering a crop top over similarly coloured dress to recreate that cute two-piece look. For a bolder look, experiment with block colours and prints. When the temperature truly drops, swap the cottons and jerseys for cropped jumpers and sweatshirts.
3. Collar up!
Collared shirts are a fantastic base for layering. But it doesn’t have to be a jumper or a sweater that you’re wearing on top. Tops can work just fine – just try to go for tops that are made of thicker fabrics such as scuba, otherwise the outfit can start to crinkle if the top layer is too thick.
4. Tights and leggings are your trusty cold weather friends
Dresses, skirts, shorts and playsuits can easily be made cold-weather-appropriate when paired with tights or leggings. Go for the thinner 15 denier kind rather than the 40, if it’s mild outside.
5. Accessorise
Layer on a scarf – whether it be woolly or chiffon – over a dress, or a simple but trusty combination of top and jeans. Finish with a hat and some midi rings for an effortless, “oh I just threw this on” ensemble.
