Fall fashion, the siren song of rich colors, sweaters, and the latest denim. It’s easy to be seduced. The clothes filling the stores now have an unexpected benefit: it is a great time to shop for spring.

Spring? The basis for a wardrobe is layers, and the best time to buy layers is in the fall.

The thing that frustrates shoppers the most is going into the stores looking for something they need and not being able to find it. Or, if you are ordering online, by the time you get the correct sizes and coordinating pieces, the season has already shifted. Spring often brings months of wind and shivery chill, but what do you find if you go shopping in April? Summer clothes. There might be some pretty cardigans to go over dresses, but you are cold. Not cold enough for your winter coat or parka, but you are most likely wearing pants, not skirts. Plus, the weather changes throughout the day. You don’t need a coat but instead a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt plus a sweater that fits under a light jacket.

Of course fall jackets work for fall too, but, if you are trying to shop smart, think beyond the current season. You’ve probably noticed seasons aren’t reliably predictable anyway.

When it comes right down to it, our clothing needs change month to month, and the one constant is layers.

October is my month for reviewing what I own as I transition my closet. What did I wear often during spring/summer, or more importantly, what didn’t I wear at all? Can I repurpose it for a different season when it could get more use? Looking into my closet, I see a fitted dark wash denim shirt that has served me 10 months out of the year. On the other side of my closet are some new white linen pants I only wore twice and now need to put away.

 

It’s also a good idea to look through all my fall/winter clothes and remind myself what I’ve stored before in my excitement for something new I duplicate what I already own. We all tend to buy multiples of things we like, especially if it is a good price. When Quince started offering $50 cashmere I bought one in all my favorite hues. But like those white linen pants, their season is limited.

The photos illustrate how I layer my clothes. They were taken in the spring but all of the clothes were purchased last fall. I knew they would be too lightweight for winter but true winter is short and spring transition is long. The cream sweater jacket fits neatly under the cropped navy trench, perfect for travel. I’m sure there is climate variation where you live as I know I have readers in Minnesota and Arizona. Still, give some thought to your transition months when the weather is unsettled and shop smart.

Or, don’t shop smart. Fall in love with something and find a place for it. Don’t talk yourself into something because you think it will be useful. My suggestions are just a reminder that the beginning of each season is an opportunity to step back and assess. Then, dive in as you savor this beautiful time of year.

Join us at the College of Marin for a day-long class in Artful Personal Style.

Saturday, November 7, 10am-3pm.
For more information or to sign up: https://www.growingmorebeautiful.com/events/

 

 

Many thanks to photographer Deborah Parrish