Is it cold? Is it hot? 5 Ways to Master Getting Dressed for the Shoulder Seasons
Poplin client Becky shows off her vintage inspired style with an ideal outfit for fall- velvet pants paired with a long sleeve silk blouse sans hosiery.
As a personal stylist for women, it’s evident how much folks struggle with getting dressed as the seasons change. After all, it may feel chilly when you walk out the door only to discover the sun blazing through your window halfway through the day. If you find yourself taking your coat off and on twenty times a day this time of year, you aren’t alone. But mastering getting dressed in the fall (or spring) doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, there are five easy ways to make looking good and feeling great easy in the fall. I’ve got you.
Leather, leather and more leather with bare legs and arms. Just right for fall.
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Cold Weather Fabrics with Skin
If you’ve been a member of the Poplin community for a while, you are familiar with my adoration of leather and vegan leather. In this case, it’s a great example of opting for fabrics ideal for colder weather as the seasons change. Leather, for example, can you keep you nice and toasty. Layer it with some tights and tall boots this time of year and you’ll be roasting. No need. Try it with bare legs and/or bare arms. Those warmer fabrics are often just right with bare skin. This entire look is leather and both pieces have been with me for years.
This strapless summer dress with pockets has been a favorite for the last few months. I have it in two colors! As the temperature drops, it's time to pair it with tights and toss a sweatshirt over top when needed.
Here it is! The deal of a lifetime and available in black, red or floral. Mine looks more orange because of the lighting.
Available in multiple colors and great to layer on top or underneath.
2. Warm weather pieces layered with cold weather foundational pieces
The opposite approach is also a favorite of mine. Try a summer dress with opaque tights or go with a long sleeve t-shirt underneath a short sleeve top. I especially love the contrast of combining a summer piece with a winter choice. It’s all about finding the right balance, otherwise the whole things just becomes convoluted and well, just not quite right. Yes, you can show off those contrasting pieces (like the summer dress and opaque tights). I also like sheer hosiery or opaque tights with open toed shoes. Another approach is to be more discreet about the items that are warming you up. Try a pair of warm leggings hiding underneath a maxi skirt with a tee, for instance.
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I love a vintage inspired dress and this sans hosiery is just right for fall.
3. Moderately warm options all around
This is the ideal time to break out your long sleeve silk blouse and a pair of trousers with a heel sans hosiery or socks. If you’re warm enough to skip layering, opting for long sleeve choices and a long pant or skirt can be enough.
Poplin client Aileen showing off her layering skills for fall.
Poplin client Emmy in the ideal layering pieces. Just right for the shoulder seasons- fall and spring.
Poplin client Hana knows that pairing Docs with lightweight pieces that are layered is a winning strategy for a fall outfit.
Poplin client Deborah getting styled up at her photo shoot. She's wearing an outfit that is ideal for the shoulder seasons as the layers empower her to adjust her temperature on demand.
4. Easily removable layers
This is a go-to for most of us. Tossing a cardigan or jacket over top of your warmer weather outfit feels like a no-brainer. Of course, it’s always important to add a layer as insurance for lowering temperatures. However, it’s important to note that this last layer, often the cardigan that lives over your office chair, can bring down your entire look. So, be thoughtful about that last component and make sure it’s at the level that the rest of your outfit has achieved. It’s a slippery slope as you head into winter, so tossing on the old cardigan now is a precursor to wearing it on the regular when it’s cold out.
You know how much I adore my vegan leather trench coats. It's all about getting great quality that lasts. This one has been in my closet since well before COVID and is my go-to jacket for rain.
Teal vegan leather trench?! Yes, please!
Here's the current version of my favorite vegan leather trench.
5. The right jacket for unexpected weather
Sure, our weather app predicts the changing temps and precipitation and yet somehow it’s not unheard of to be too cold in what we’re wearing. Bringing the right jacket or sweater is always a great idea, even if it just stays in the car. Be thoughtful about the changing weather where you are. In the Pacific Northwest, light rain can spring up at anytime, so it’s ideal to have a jacket that is just right for those conditions. If you are someone who appreciates a hood, needs an umbrella or opts for a rain hat, be thoughtful when grabbing the final piece. Remember, if you’d already created a great look that is comfortable, flattering for your frame and communicates your authentic personal style, the weather appropriate pieces are part of this cohesive look. My go to for rain is a vegan leather trench coat. Choosing higher quality means it will last for years.
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