The end of summer inspires a change in style…

Although we are still in the midst of one hot summer, our glossy fashion magazines remind us that winter is indeed fast approaching. It’s hard to contemplate the idea of woollen coats and crochet berets as we swelter in the heat, but it’s good to know of some options that you can wear for the cooler days ahead.

Here are my top five style solutions for the upcoming transeasonal change.

1. 1. Kimono-style jackets

Casual yet chic, kimono-style jackets are great to throw on over a singlet with a pair of skinny leg jeans. They have made an appearance in stores this summer, most constructed from floaty floral and leopard-print chiffons, and were seen commonly paired with denim cut-offs and black bandage dresses.

These are still an option for autumn, but for the days with the lower temps, opt for one made from a soft jersey – not heavy but enough to keep you from getting a chill. To see what all the hype is about, check out the British brand Topshop and Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow, both of which have some beautiful designs.

1. 2. Small lace-up boots

Let’s face it; compared to a European winter, Australian cities are generally never cold enough to require hiking boots and a ski jacket (though don’t let me stop you if that’s your kind of thing…). So if you’re trying to decide what boots to invest in for this winter, I would say go for the ankle-height lace-up boots – you can wear them all year around.

They are small and light enough for summer festivals, but you can also pair them with some grandma-knitted socks for winter. And for that time in between? They were made for it. The lace-up style is also perfect for that military inspired look, without going overboard on any macho-ness.

1. 3. Patterned tights

Perfect for pairing with that cap-sleeved cotton summer dress or that jersey-knit skating dress, tights are the ‘it’ item for that transitional faze. It is also a relatively inexpensive way of styling your outfits because it means you can retain clothing from the warmer seasons by simply adding hosiery.

If you want to avoid looking too much like a school-girl, you can find a wide-range of patterned tights (polka dots and all) in most department stores. I would recommend looking at Leona Edminston’s range of vintage-inspired tights stocked at Myer stores.

1. 4. Leggings

Before you all tell me that leggings are for the lycra-loving tweens or gym-junkies only, I have a proposition to make. You know that bright kaftan you thought was only suitable for lazy afternoon cocktails at the beach? Well don’t go putting it away in your wardrobe just yet. Let the colours speak for themselves and wear them with a plain black pair of leggings – ankle-length. Then pop on a pair of patent nude-coloured heels, and ta-da, you have an outfit solution for the cooler-month cocktail parties!

If you don’t really like the idea of exposing your booty in some hip-hugging lycra, try a longer length kaftan (cue the exotic kaftans of Camilla Franks).

1. 5. Lightweight pants

For a long time, I was a sceptic. I was one of those people that just hated wearing pants. No matter how many pairs I tried on, they were the wrong shape or embraced a pattern that reminded me of my PJs.

But just this summer, I found a pair of 100% viscose, cream and black patterned pants from Forever New. They were comfortable but with a tailored-edge, lightweight and to top it all off, on sale. I have worn these pants numerous times over the summer, but they are also the type of pants that I know will still be suitable for the upcoming months.

So start looking before all the heavier pants dominate the stores – you won’t know how good they are until you find the right ones!

By Laura Parr

24 Feb 2011, 4:30pm Blog Fashion by admin
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