Between Seasons:
The Buy Now Investment Pieces
Mary Fellowes • 08/12/2016
Photo: Elle
THE DEBRIEF:
As if maintaining great style wasn't challenging enough, the balancing act of dressing between seasons is a test of its own. It’s all very well having the crave-worthy silk fringe kaftan and perfect one piece for high-summer plus the ideal cashmere for mid-winter, but what about those in-between moments? Skirt or pants? Tights or no tights? How to dress around unpredictable weather means not throwing the high-summer baby out with the bathwater. The good news is that hot weather wardrobes have plenty of pieces to carry over for smart and imaginative reinvention. And where there are gaps? We have some good, classic staples on hand, too.
As if maintaining great style wasn't challenging enough, the balancing act of dressing between seasons is a test of its own. It’s all very well having the crave-worthy silk fringe kaftan and perfect one piece for high-summer plus the ideal cashmere for mid-winter, but what about those in-between moments? Skirt or pants? Tights or no tights? How to dress around unpredictable weather means not throwing the high-summer baby out with the bathwater. The good news is that hot weather wardrobes have plenty of pieces to carry over for smart and imaginative reinvention. And where there are gaps? We have some good, classic staples on hand, too.
STYLE NOTES:
Want more mileage from primary or neon colored pieces? Not quite done with those new white tailored pants? Pair and layer them all with clean basics in either earthy tones or black—the monochromes, earth tones, and neutrals here are all buy now, love forever pieces. Just toss in a metallic or bright accessory for added personality. The trick is to find the ying to your piece's yang—cut through it and mix in just enough to let deeper colors, slightly heavier fabrics, or more covered shapes fall into place. Proportion wise, think half summer/half fall when you add up the sartorial total.
Want to find more ways to show off that jewelry you found in Mexico or other maximalist magpie finds? Instead of bare skin, layer them over fabric—think a short necklace sitting smugly over a collar, a bangle stacked over a lightweight sweater, and a long pendant necklace over a t-shirt or pullover. Keep some cuffs up your sleeve to add life to summer basics for a perfect day-to-night transition.
Not sure what to do with fluttery, flimsy printed short dresses? Layer over cropped or capri pants in a tone on tone shade.
Want more mileage from primary or neon colored pieces? Not quite done with those new white tailored pants? Pair and layer them all with clean basics in either earthy tones or black—the monochromes, earth tones, and neutrals here are all buy now, love forever pieces. Just toss in a metallic or bright accessory for added personality. The trick is to find the ying to your piece's yang—cut through it and mix in just enough to let deeper colors, slightly heavier fabrics, or more covered shapes fall into place. Proportion wise, think half summer/half fall when you add up the sartorial total.
Want to find more ways to show off that jewelry you found in Mexico or other maximalist magpie finds? Instead of bare skin, layer them over fabric—think a short necklace sitting smugly over a collar, a bangle stacked over a lightweight sweater, and a long pendant necklace over a t-shirt or pullover. Keep some cuffs up your sleeve to add life to summer basics for a perfect day-to-night transition.
Not sure what to do with fluttery, flimsy printed short dresses? Layer over cropped or capri pants in a tone on tone shade.
BEAUTY NOTES:
All of the above guidelines can be translated into beauty, as well. To give a fall twist to summer whites and
brights, do a deep berry lip or a copper, ochre, or mossy green eye. A chocolate colored lip or nail is
also massively underrated, giving an instant fall accent to most looks. G
ive neutral, monochrome, and earthy clothes a late summer pick-me-up with a dash of
sporty and bright metallic fuchsia on the nail or a matte coral to scarlet color on the lip with clean dewy skin.
And never forget the power of a new pair of bold but classic sunglasses to finish the look—keep to darker colors or
metallics if you want to get the most bang for your buck.
All of the above guidelines can be translated into beauty, as well. To give a fall twist to summer whites and
brights, do a deep berry lip or a copper, ochre, or mossy green eye. A chocolate colored lip or nail is
also massively underrated, giving an instant fall accent to most looks. G
ive neutral, monochrome, and earthy clothes a late summer pick-me-up with a dash of
sporty and bright metallic fuchsia on the nail or a matte coral to scarlet color on the lip with clean dewy skin.
And never forget the power of a new pair of bold but classic sunglasses to finish the look—keep to darker colors or
metallics if you want to get the most bang for your buck.
CLEAN NEUTRALS + MONOCHROMES
ALL-SEASON SUNNIES
MAXIMALIST TOUCHES
PRINTS + PATTERNS
EARTH TONES