A Guide to Transitional Styling
Styling for seasonal transitions can bring a dampener on the excitement of entering a new period of fashion. The quarterly scare of indecision on how to, or whether to at all, layer has cast a shadow over many a person.
Liminality refers to the ambivalence, the confusion or disoriented experience in the middle of a stage of rite of passage. However, the liminal position between seasons need not be posed in a negative light, but with versatile and dynamic pieces, should be welcomed with open arms.
Spring to summer, summer to autumn, autumn to winter, and winter to spring; transitions call for one thing: layering. This is integral in being able to master an effortlessly chic, yet comfortable look, in the unpredictability of the interchangeable weather. Being able to add or remove layers as necessary is fundamental in managing predictably erratic temperatures. Having a bank of classic basics for a variable wardrobe is the secret to overcoming the inter-season clothing crisis.
The most difficult transitions are that of summer to autumn and winter to spring. From spring to summer and autumn to winter we can confidently style and prepare for the relatively stagnant conditions. Spring to summer calls for an increase of flowy, floral dresses, and a decrease in layers Autumn to winter demands permanent hats and gloves and never wearing a thick enough coat. In these cases, it is a relatively predictable passage from season-to-season fashion. Summer to autumn raises unpredictable issues such as an unexpected Indian Summer or a sudden September surge into arctic temperatures. Similarly, the shift from winter to spring brings with it liminal indecision on whether or not to risk the day without a coat in the March sun or play it safe and not regret bringing a coat for security.
So, what items are must-haves for a versatile wardrobe in these impossibly difficult inter-seasonal changes?
Spring to Summer:
As one of the easier seasonal changeovers, a continuation of bright colours and denim shorts is emphasised. Layering is implicitly unnecessary and therefore a sense of ease and freedom is brought upon us in these undeniably glorious temperatures. A chic linen shirt or some linen trousers are the perfect light-weight wardrobe items for this time of year. Strappy vests and dresses are more than welcome. With colours like pastels pinks, greens and blues taking over the spring, these colours only become brighter and bolder. With perhaps a little personal bias, this time of year is universally received with a feeling of relaxation and adoration.
Summer to Autumn:
The ambivalence of an Indian summer and confusing September warmth contrasting with the whispers of stark winter winds and the crawling down of temperatures makes this seasonal transition particularly tricky. As tempting as it may be to dive into the autumnal spirit of pumpkin spice lattes and bingeing Harry Potter with Doc Martens and a chunky knit, the whimsicality of the weather cannot be trusted to parallel these traditions, at first. This is where the importance of layering, like pairing a light cardigan under a timeless leather jacket, becomes unmissable. Soon, summer’s neons fall into brown and burgundy’s reduced tones. Out with the straw hats and in with the beanies; out with the sandals and in with the Uggs. It is in this season which dynamic fashion comes to the forefront of the wardrobe, as cardigans and blazers, scarves and fingerless mittens, miniskirts and tights prevail as the perfect transitional pieces.
Autumn to Winter:
The repressed autumnal desire to confidently wear a knitted sweater without overheating can now be gratified as the temperature remains significantly dropped. Hats, scarves, gloves, earmuffs are welcome additions to the winter fashion scene as everyone and anyone must accessorise for practicality. Sister to the transition from spring to summer, the liminal point in the year between autumn and winter can be tackled with ease. This not only invites a sense of relaxation and embracement of the cosy season, but also an impending feeling of excitement in the lead up to the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Winter to Spring:
With the winter chill still lingering despite the springtime sun, a call for layering is once again heard. The necessary building block pieces in achieving a versatile, yet stylish, spring look are those of a denim jacket, ballet flats, jeans and perhaps an extra cardigan in a bag for just in case. (I write from experience of suffering through one too many pub garden trips of as the ambivalence of enjoying the warmth of the sun collates with later falling victim to the unassailable nip in the air.) Therefore, learning from years of being in two minds of the arrival of this unpredictable season, the importance of having a collection of layering staples comes in clutch once again.
Written by Emily Hawtin