15.08.2018

How to dress when the weather can't make up its damn mind

8 fashion hacks for when there's 4 seasons in 1 day

dressing for all weather

Words: Zoya Pon | Photography: REX Features

We're on the verge of Spring, people! Which is both exciting (spring-cleaning, yay! No, just me?) and also makes me a little bit nostalgic for the soon-to-be-over lazy, melancholic winter days. Thing is, transitional dressing is no joke. Especially if, like me, you have weatherman trust issues. Hell, at this time of year I don't even trust my own eyes, and will peek out the window at clear skies and still carry an umbrella with me, just incase. Right now my morning routine is full of conundrums that go beyond merely looking good. 

"Am I overdressed for the five minutes of intense afternoon sun or is it better to be underdressed for the 10 minute rainstorm?"

Through trial and error I've learned the answer to this questions and more, and have come up with eight transitional style hacks to better prepare for the weather. Here's what to keep in mind when shopping for your almost-Spring lust list.

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KEEP A COOL CARRY ON

When all else fails make sure your carry-on can hold an extra outfit without looking bulky. Invest in a backpack that can pack both your Winter denim jacket and Summer beach towel.

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KEY WORD: VERSATILE

When shopping focus on pieces that you'll wear beyond the season. Go for fit and quality over trends, and seek out pieces in classic colours that work between seasons like a blank canvas. That's things like a white button up shirt or trousers that can be worn alone, layered under sheer cover ups or thick knits and coats. These next few months are not the time to invest in season-specific clothing, yet.

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HOW NOT WHAT

How you wear it, and not what you wear, is the key for days where the weather is as indecisive as you are. Wear your denim jacket around the waist or your puffer hanging off your elbows. Both of these are a big mood. 

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ADD-ON

"Transeasonal dressing is about dressing in a way that is fresh and modern by injecting new pieces into your wardrobe between fashion seasons," advises Giselle Farhat, of My Chameleon. Have fun with your accessories and micro-trend pieces. Quirky socks peeping out of your boots make staying warm a statement, and fingerless gloves add a rebel aesthetic while ensuring people don't flinch from your frosty touch.

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CHANGE COLOURS

If the grey of Winter has been killing your vibe, the best way to bring that Spring feeling into your wardrobe is to bring in brights and patterns. From candy stripes to all-over tonal dressing, you've got a host of fresh pieces to browse and get your Spring inspo on.

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WHATEVER KEEPS YOU WARM

"I prefer to dress heavier on the bottom with leather pants, skirt or jeans and then a lighter shirt or top, and then have the option of layering with a jacket or coat," Sara Donaldson, TheUndone director and buyer told Vogue. Dress for your assets. I tend to accentuate my legs when dressing (also, I really love shoes. So much. Too much!) so I like to keep it warmer on top, usually with an oversized hoodie (read my piece on 5 ways to wear a hoodie as a dress), stockings and statement boots.

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MATERIAL, GIRL

The fabric you wear may be more important than the length/thickness of your pants/jacket. Velvet, (faux) fur and leather, and corduroy are all good options for insulating stylishly and as unburdened as possible.

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GO LONG

Layering a long coat over a summer dress, or a crop sweater with jeans, is a smart way to make sure that you're covered but not overly so. It's all about playing with proportions and revelling in the unexpected. Have fun. 

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