Transitioning Into Fall
In the IRIS blouse, my favorite transitional piece from Charlotte Brody and jewels by Patricia Robalino
Ah the leaves, the colors, the pumpkin spice lattes….this is Fall in America….here in South Florida, not so much. Yes, yes, year round palm trees and perma tans are fab, but the soul needs a little Autumn (especially this year) to feel at least a sweet sense of renewal. Enter transitional dressing and my tips on how to achieve it, no matter where you live.
But first, what is transitional dressing exactly? It’s a fashion term for dressing for time in between seasons, or how what it’s known here in Florida, the time between October and March when it’s not 90 degrees. Its always somewhat hot here in Palm Beach, making full fall outfits feel totally out of place, and worse completely dysfunctional. However, a smartly planned “transition wardrobe” can have you feeling festive and seasonal, as well as being a buildable cornerstone of your closet.
Most people think of fall, and they think boots. I see people reaching for their boots as soon as the air is crisp, but realistically it’s just not practical. There is no place for boots when you live in a place that wakes at 75 degrees, is 89 by lunchtime, and maybe hotter in the afternoon. Hey, I’ve seen people wear Uggs to the beach. I totally get the idea of it and the desire to change it up, but I like using color and print rather than heavy shoes and furs as a way to bring fall vibes to your wardrobe.
These pieces by Charlotte Brody are a great way to add that fall color and texture while being functional in tropical and semi-tropical climates. They also have enough weight to transition into other seasons, and of course to pack if travel takes you to lower temperatures. The prints and colors are a propos of autumn without being gimmicky. One of the reasons I love working with Charlotte Brody is because of how thoughtful and timeless all their pieces are. I personally don’t buy anything (or almost anything) if I don’t at least intend on wearing forever. I find that this particular brand aligns with my shopping/curating philosophy as well as my desire to chose American-made, slow fashion.
Another great way to do transitional fashion is to layer up. With climate changed affecting weather patterns and temperatures fluctuating it’s wise to dress in layers not just here in Palm Beach, but everywhere. My favorite way to achieve this is by always keeping my closet full of pretty basics in great fabrics that don’t wrinkle. Top if off with your trusty blazer and you are good to go. While you are at it throw on a statement ring and great earrings to complete the look. If its super chilly ad a scarf and go easy on the earrings. They can get caught in the scarf.
My last suggestion for transitional dressing success is to think outside the box. Spring dresses over t-shirts; Socks and tights under platforms, slip dresses over turtlenecks. weird weather is the perfect time to try on those funky combinations you’ve only ever thought about. Remember that random vest you got a thrift store? This is its chance. The leather jacket, the jean jacket, your vintage satin scarf collection. Those bits and pieces all have a spot in between seasons.
Ok so now I know what transitional dressing is and what to wear, but now what? Well you can use some of this free quarantine time to get a little creative and do a little work. Go shopping in your closet and have fun putting together some outfits. If you think you wont remember take a picture and create a little archive. It’s so great to look at it when you are in a rush or packing. Once you get in the habit you will find that you will enjoy it and outfit planning and curating just becomes second nature. If all else fails. Just call Gaby!