Outfit Transition from Hot to Cold Season

CEBU, Philippines — As the days – the nights especially – get colder, every girl knows it’s time to transition the outfits too. But it’s not exactly necessary to put away one’s favorite strappy tank top or cozy sweater just because the season is changing. The girl can be a bit more flexible and creative, and wear mainly the same pieces that already had its heydays last summer.

Yes, these days it’s easier to seamlessly transition between seasons. Modern style ideas have become beautifully liberal. The once season-specific styles have loosened up, although one still has to be careful not to look left behind or out of place.

Those who haven’t yet grasped the idea of “transitional dresses” may try it this season. Perhaps no other wardrobe item is as flexible as a day dress, which can be warmed up, cooled off, dressed up, or dressed down depending on the weather and occasion. And there are also colors that have through-the-seasons staying power. It’s not only the classic black and dark hues that count here. Versatile neutrals, on-trend florals and metallics; and vibrant jewel-toned hues of navy, emerald, and ruby fall in the same versatile category.

The wearability of transitional dresses can be maximized by partnering dressier pieces with more casual elements for a more season-appropriate look. Say, a jean jacket balances out the more formal aesthetic of a cocktail dress, while a tailored blazer or leather jacket escalates a flirty and flowy dress or skirt.

The summer wardrobe may be made to pull double-duty in the cold months with a little help from a fashionista’s favorite trick: layering. Whether a sleeveless shift dress is paired with a turtleneck sweater or a poncho is slipped on over a strapless number, girls will be delighted to discover how well most summer dresses and shirts fare in the cold season.

Especially in a tropical country like the Philippines – where the only thing predictable about the weather is its unpredictability – local girls would be smart to embrace transitional dressing. The hot “summer” afternoons could go on until mid-November. Not to mention that all months of the year have hot and cold intervals.

Layers are also any girl’s new best friend when it comes to dressing for uncertain weather. The formula is simple: Adding or subtracting a layer as the temperature rises or drops. Using light pieces for layers is ideal as these pieces can be kept ready in a shoulder- or handbag. Patterned scarves and opaque tights are examples.

Matching footwear matters too. For example, a vintage-inspired ivory party dress paired with ballet flats embodies sweet simplicity in the summer, but also makes a chic statement when worn with a black turtleneck or jacket, tights, and pumps in the “ber” months.

Layers are also the perfect partner for day-to-night looks. A flattering jersey dress in a dreamy print can be paired with a fitted jacket for the office, and then the topper can be left behind for after-office drinks and dinner. Or, a denim shirt can be layered over a stunning summer dress for a Sunday morning stroll through the farmer’s market before champagne brunch with friends.

Likewise, in shifting from cold to warmer weather, layers are still a girl’s best friend. Cold-weather pieces like sweaters are cute and comfortable layered over tank tops when there’s still a chill in the air. Summer shorts can make an early appearance paired with patterned tights, while lightweight dresses look fresh with flannel. Layers may just be removed altogether and tied around the waist when the weather really warms up during course of the day.

A rule of thumb: When mixing and matching textures, only one “heavy” fabric shall be introduced cold weather and the rest kept in season. The same principle applies in reverse: When wearing cold-weather dresses in hot weather, a lightweight fabric shall be opted for instead of a cozier, heavyweight knit.

Most millennials no longer go for season-specific outfits. They go, instead, for multitasking pieces that they mix and match to complement the prevailing season. They only thing to master is to do it skillfully – so that the transition is smooth and chic. (Reference: www.adriannapapell.com)