How to Rock Transitional Fashion

Layer Cake – Transitional Tips For The Inbetweeners

We’ve all done it. Woken up in the morning and put on our biggest, furriest, no-getting-out-of-this outfit because we think it’s going to be freezing all day long. And by lunchtime we’re sweating across the office floor because “oh, hey, global warming”; it’s hot and sunny and we look like we’re about to board the Polar Bear Express. It’s a mammoth task (pun totally intended), dressing for those days that are not quite hot but not quite freezing either. Autumn and spring perplex even the savviest of fashionistas because you want to cater to the cool factor – both aesthetically and on the thermometer. These shoulder seasons can be tricky, sure, but there is one key ingredient in dressing for success: LAYERS.

Layers are your friend. Do it right and you’ll be able to switch effortlessly between climates, ensuring that you’re not only appropriately dressed, but chic too. There are, however, some guidelines when layering. No one wants to look like the Michelin Man all bundled and bulked. Transitional fashion is one of my favourite looks and I love pairing a vibrant silk maxi skirt with a neutral, loose-fitted tank and leather jacket. But there are so many ways to pull off a layered look, so let me show you how.

The biggest thing here is your fabric. Transitional style is all about combining lightweight pieces with one staple, heavier item that is easily removed in case of an invasion of sunlight and warmth. You want to layer lightly. This also enables you to take your look from day to night – an essential characteristic of any Sassy Girl. Slip dresses and silk camisoles are a great investment here (check out these ones from Grana) and are not only versatile but also incredibly beautiful.

You also want to style your switch using length and silhouette. Think about three-quarter (lightweight) sleeveless trenches with fitted shirts or ribbed turtlenecks and tailored trousers, or an ankle-grazing A-line skirt. Think of your outfit like you would a hairstyle – no one wants to be One-Length Larry. Variety is the spice of life, right? Create dimensions and play with volume.

Another helpful hint? Choose a colour scheme. Of course, this is also season dependent – autumn palettes will lean more towards your darker tones and neutrals, whereas spring will introduce you back to the world of pastels and pops of colour.

And don’t be afraid to mix and embrace prints and textures. This is easiest done when those prints are kept within a similar array of hues, so this is a great way to inject them into your wardrobe.

Accessories, accessories, accessories! This is the easiest way to manoeuvre between hot and cold. There is no rule against combining a playful printed scarf with oversized shades, and no one has a problem with sunglasses and beanies. The same rule applies to your make-up. I’m a huge fan of a statement lip, and this is an effortless and affordable way to bring in a new season before it even begins!

Read more about a bold statement lip and make-up tips from MAC’s Director of Make-up Artistry here. 

Most of all, HAVE FUN. You’re a hip chick, live a little. Fashion is so personal; there are very few ways to get it wrong when you’re wearing your clothes for you, and with confidence and conviction.

Here’s hoping that you’ll be ready to ascend into summer soon (please Hong Kong, I am running out of jumpers) and that these tips will have eased the pain of those in between days.