In Mauritius,this can equal nightmare.
Why?Well on a typical May-June day,it's fresh in the morning,then it becomes humid and horrible in the middle of the day,and back to fresh at night.That means choosing what to wear can take hours,and that's where I come in-giving you info on how to work it without getting worked up.
This article will be divided into "focus on" parts-because when I decide what to wear, I usually think of one item or mood in particular, and then work my way around it to make it an outfit.
Focus on:Jacket/Trench Coat
Here,the focus of my look is the jacket or the trench coat.Jackets are HUGE for summer and are a great way to welcome the cooler temperatures.
My first look is inspired by Balmain.
It's more tough girl,biker but still quite feminine.The focus is on the jacket (and in the last photo,the jacket with a show stopping skirt).
Jacket paired with shorts:
1.To start off,start by wearing a simple loose T- shirt or V-neck ,preferably in a neutral tone so that the focus on your jacket.
2.Next,a pair of opaque tights.Yes,on the runways there may be small shreds but it looks cheap in real life,so stick with lady like black semi-opaque ones.
3.Add your denim cutoffs,but make sure that they have some extra space on your thighs(that is,they don't completely stick) and that they are not super short.We are still in Mauritius after all.Make sure they cover your bum,but are shorter than mid-thigh.Go for distressed denim,but with no holes or patches-faded denim is best.Add a skinny leather belt in again a neutral tone.
Jacket paired with skirt:
Same steps as 1 and 2.
3.Go for a detailed skirt,with metal details etc,but still keeping the grunge vibe-that is,go for the darker, more sober colours of deep red,silver,black,gold and so on.The skirt should be a little shorter than mid-thigh.If you can add a belt in a neutral tone,do it-it will better structure the outfit.
Jacket paired with jeans:
Step 1 as before.
2.For the grungier vibe,opt for a lighter wash in the jean,but don't go for ripped jeans.Make sure they are straight-leg.Go skinny if you have to,but not the super tight variety.
3.Roll the cuffs of your jeans.A couple of neat,square rolls some inches above the ankle should do it.
Then add your jacket!I love how the jackets above have studs-its tough and sexy,plus its so easy to DIY your own jackets at home to resemble this, because the studs are not organised in any sort of pattern.The emphasis should be on the shoulders, lengths of the arms and at the "collars" the place where the jacket turns out near the chest.
For the accessories:
For the skirt and shorts,a simple,flat or very low heeled boot should do the trick,not exceeding ankle length though.
For jeans:Carmen Kaas models this look with poiny-toed heels,which is another excellent option.
My second look is inspired by Chanel.
The first picture is on the layering of the jackets,which exudes sophistication.
Obviously if you were to adopt the complete look,it wouldn't be trans-seasonal dressing anymore-this is pure winter,and this is how to make it work for the changing of the seasons.
Layering of the jackets:
1.Start off by wearing a loose,plain, strict men's jacket which isn't heavy in texture or material,preferably in black.
2.Add a super elegant cropped jacket (cropped meaning waist length, not just below your chest here) in a more refined material such as tweed on top of the first one.Keep the more sober colours in mind-deep green,burgundy etc.
3.Unless you really are freezing,I wouldn't suggest you add the loose trousers that match with the jacket in step 1 because it will be too much and you will be uncomfortable.I would instead go for a pair of simple black tailored shorts.
4.Add tough brogues.
How to make the look in the second picture applicable to street wear in trans-seasonal period:
1.Wear something in a light material,like cotton,as a top.
2.Add a super woolly(or other heavy material) jacket.If you added the jacket with a top made out of thicker material it would be super uncomfortable when it gets hotter.
Repeat steps 3 and 4.
My third look focuses more on the trench coat.
Burberry Fall 2011
A classic,well made trench will last forever and is definitely and investment piece.Although this is the 2011 fall version from Burberry,the timeless trench looks something like this:
Banana Republic
Its a great way to cover up without feeling hot.
I would pair this with jeans and a simple cotton T-Shirt,or with a day dress like this:
Mango
My fourth look is something which keeps the "super brights"trend and adds something younger and more fun.
1.Start off by adding a pair of shorts.Make them a statement piece but not overpowering.An easy way to do this is to find a pair in a rather neutral colour-black,white,beige,khaki,grey etc.Try and find one which has some kind of all over print on it,without the print being to dramatic.Keep simplicity in mind.
These are from ASOS
2.Find a comfortable colour block knit cardigan.Again,don't go for eccentric designs-think simple design,softer colours.
ASOS
3.Then add a super bright jacket,the ends hitting the end of your shorts.Another option is a bright trench.I found a gorgeous bright red one in MANGO last week,and it was so soft in texture!A must buy.I think it was this one but I'm not sure:
MANGO
I know its a little expensive,but if you invest in something like this you can wear it forever.Good quality isn't damaged easily.
Next for the accessories:
I know that most of you will never wear sandals or platforms with socks.But it is a huge trend right now,so wear it until it ends.Try bright or neutral over the knee length socks over a pair of wooden platforms,but make sure the shoe is appropriate for day wear-that means no fake glittering stones or fur on the shoe.
Some socks you can try,all from ASOS:
And the shoes (all ALDO):
In addition,you might want a lady like bag to contrast with the look.A classic messenger bag is cool too.
Louis Vuitton ASOS ASOS-my favourite one
Plus,if you want to work the look to the max,add a hat which looks like the ones Diane Von Furstenberg had in her fall collection:
Notes on Focus on Jackets/Trench:
1.You can trade your timeless trench for a more en vogue option of a duffle coat.
ASOS Mulberry
2.Apart from removing the jacket when it gets hotter,you can also try pushing the sleeve up to the elbow and then rolling them neatly,securing it.
3.If you don't particularly like jackets or trench coats,try a poncho,or an upgraded parka.
Chloe Nicholas K
4.A good denim jacket is a must,but in no way paired with jeans.One denim item at a time.
Focus on "Some Kind of Androgyny"
Fall (as was the case in Summer) was filled with collections showcasing the androgynous aesthetic.
So here is how to do it when trans-seasonal dressing:
Look A:Urban cool.
This is great for going to work but also out and about,because it really is super sophisticated.
1.Find a pair of neutral trousers,preferably in either the blue,beige or brown palette.Make sure they are straight leg or peg.
ASOS
2.Roll the cuffs of your trousers once or twice.This was seen at Chanel (below).
3.Add a great skinny leather belt,in a neutral tone,preferably brown.
4.Next, a classic shirt,which should be tucked into the trousers.You can try printed to add a more fun edge or keep within the androgynous vibe by keeping it plain or striped.
ASOS
5.Ideally,you should be able to add a leather jacket to top this look off,but as they are rare or non-existent here,as well as way too expensive,go for a blazer,or something like this (all ASOS):
Why is there a guy in the middle,you may think?Its because buying a slightly oversized blazer in masculine tailoring is the thing which really makes the look androgynous.I have one that looks almost identical to the far right picture, three sizes larger than my own.It looks brilliant.
6.Keeping with the androgynous vibe,add brogues to complete the look, but with a slight heel so as not to go OTT.This is from ALDO:
7.Add a messenger bag as seen above.
Alternatively,you could swap the blazer for a denim jacket,which would look just as good.
Look B-this is more extreme.
1.Add a crisp white shirt,which will be tucked into the trousers.
Again,something of masculine tailoring.
2.Add a pair of striped trousers.Not the comical variety-look for the clean cut,black and white,thin lined ones.
3.As always,pair with a leather belt.
4.Add a waistcoat,in grey.
That should do for trans-seasonal dressing-for winter,add a long,wooly or knit cardigan.
5.Add brogues to top it all off (brogues from ALDO,above in Look 1)
Focus on "Lady-like"
This is how to dress with the lady-like look vibe in mind.
Look A:Housewife pretty.
Warning:This is suited for women over the age of 27.If you are younger and reading this,customise the look so you don't look twice your age,or add a pair of super kooky glasses and colourful stacked shoes to keep it youthful,as well as messy,out of bed hair so it's not prim and proper.In addition,I would rather go for a floaty print skirt than A-line as below.
1.Start off by wearing an A-line flower print skirt which doesn't go beyond the knees,and add a skinny leather brown belt.
2.Add a cream jumper.
ASOS
3.Add a cardigan on top of it.This should be in a contrasting colour.Keep it unbuttoned.
ASOS
4.Add a neutral pump and done!
ALDO
Look B:This makes good use of the "parka upgrade" trend.
1.Wear a woolen polo neck sweater dress.
ASOS-this one is only 17 pounds so buy it!and free delivery!
2.On top of this,wear the upgraded parka which is one of fall's most coveted items.
Alexander Wang
3.Add ballet flats for an easy yet chic daytime look.
ASOS
Look C:
1.Start off by wearing a rather short black dress.
ASOS
2.Add a colourful cardigan,but keep it unbuttoned.The cardigan should be simple.
ASOS
3.Add a super tailored jacket,which you button up.
ASOS
4.Lastly,add a pair of semi-opaque tights if you still feel chilly,and a pump-but make sure the heel isn't too high.
I would also add an animal print scarf to finish the look.
ASOS
Look D:On the go.
This is for those who can't really fuss about and need a look,pronto.
1.Wear a super bright dress.
ASOS
2.Add a wool or knit sweater on top of it.
3.Add a great pump,and you're done.
That's it for trans-seasonal dressing and my three part article on S/S 2011 recap.
Have a great week
xoxoxo
Alex
P.S My Facebook profile as well as mail was recently hacked.People,do not leave your email addresses public,even to friends, and create complicated passwords.Their importance is invaluable.
Quick FAQ:
Why so much ASOS in this article?
I love ASOS.It's affordable,of good quality,shipping is FREE and delivers to Mauritius.What more can you want??
