YOUR EARLY AUTUMN MANUAL
Three steps to navigate in-between weather with ease
Words: Akim Jardine + Nhlanhla Masemola | Styling: Akim Jardine | Images: Aart Verrips
We’re a grand total of three months into this year and the gloomy reality of our existence is corrupting it already; disease might wipe us out sooner than we thought and the internet is a magical netherworld that hosts both wholesome animal content and World War III banter. And now, winter is coming. Can you already feel our days getting shorter as we move into between-season months when dressing appropriately seems damn-near impossible? Tropical thunderstorms meet arctic temperatures meet searing afternoon sun and you’re sure to find yourself raging at the weather app’s unreliable reading. We at Superbalist HQ have all been there, so we bring you this: Your Early Autumn Manual, a go-to guidebook on how to dress with no regrets as the seasons change. Look no further than these simple steps for supreme dressing, whatever the weather.
CHAPTER ONE: Start with denim
Because you can’t beat the classics. Jeans have proven themselves a mainstay in any wardrobe because of their ability to act as a rock-solid solution to daily dressing, no matter the season. Make classic slim or skinny silhouettes your go-to, paired with a basic white tee, and let them serve as your base layer. Keep things simple and classic and these all-purpose heroes will form the building blocks of your wardrobe – the ones you keep on regular rotation. Find the fit that works best for you and make sure they sit comfortably.
CHAPTER TWO: Add light layers
On first impression, layering may sound like the jargon of fashion enthusiasts, but it’s a super-practical approach to transitional dressing – when you know how. The only way to make this work is to pick the pieces you can rely on for warmth, comfort and style (and not necessarily the boldest pieces in your wardrobe, because everything you bring together will need to work together seamlessly). Look to lightweight polo necks, classic crewneck knits, the modern buttonless cardigan or the trusty overshirt. Keep your colours muted and make subtle statements with sharp details. Because this is the layer you’ll probably spend most of your time in, trust this fit to function independently of anything you add next.
Then add another layer. The key is in the fit. This layer should be loose enough not to crumple up everything beneath it, giving you – and your clothes – room to breathe. And it should be easy to remove when you’re indoors, so you don’t burn up. The lightest and most effective layers for this step are the simple Harrington, worker or bomber jacket. They’re guaranteed to work with the bulk of your knitwear, too. The only exception to this rule is the denim trucker jacket, because the stiffness of denim could make thicker layers feel tight and uncomfortable. If you opt for a trucker, keep to ultra-light layers beneath it.
CHAPTER THREE: Finish smart + take a mod approach
Here’s the kicker. The new statement pieces to get you through cooler climes look back to Britain in the 60s. Slip a touch of Britpop sensibility into your style using traditional check and houndstooth, preppy stripes, polo necks and hard leather. It’s as simple as trading a classic trucker for a leather jacket or incorporating a subtle slick of print. When exploring louder pieces such as these, there’s one easy rule of thumb: if you feel like you’re doing too much, you’re probably doing too much. Complement your base of classics with one statement piece for a modern finish, and you’re good to go.