Are You Playing Seasonal Style Roulette?
How holding fast to Chill, Modern, Classic codes will help shape your style through the seasons.
As fall approaches, fashion publications relentlessly roll out trend forecasts declaring what’s in for the season, the colors that “everyone” is wearing, yadda yadda yadda. But what often goes unaddressed is how the shift of a season can evoke emotional responses that challenge our personal style, prompting a reassessment of what we wear and how it reflects who we are as individuals. These emotions are often complex, rooted in your experiences and the things and people you hold close to your heart, and it’s crucial to pause and have a conversation with yourself about what it is you want to communicate with your visuals entering this next season before you introduce new pieces into your summer-to-fall wardrobe. Perhaps you can relate to feeling optimistic in the spring, carefree and jovial in the summer, followed by a wave of nostalgia and reflection in the fall and winter months. There’s no sudden switch of feelings during these times, and if you aren’t equipped with the right sartorial tools to carry you from one season to the next, you can quickly find yourself feeling frustrated and disconnected from your wardrobe. So, if you, too, have felt like your wardrobe during the transitional months becomes a spinning wheel of “I suddenly hate all of my clothes,” then it might be time to take a beat and rethink your approach to dressing for in-between seasons.
When Amy reviews a new collection, she often opts for neutral colors, wearing nearly all Fundamentals for a week or two. This practice helps her clear her mind and connect with the emotions that the season evokes, ensuring that the collection’s mood remains relevant when it launches months later. I’ve discovered that this approach is also quite beneficial as the seasons change, allowing me to ground myself in clarity and focus while I settle into the emotions that this new season will bring. Taking inventory of our emotions is not a casual exercise, and it takes time. Holding fast to your Chill, Modern, and Classic codes will be key, providing a versatile canvas that is anything but basic, allowing you to thoughtfully and responsibly layer on new seasonal elements without losing yourself in the process. For the sake of representing our daily lives, let’s take a look at some examples through the lens of Play, Dinner, Work.
Few combinations are as timeless as a white t-shirt and jeans, and lately, I’ve been loving the addition of a navy v-neck sweater. The Washable Cashmere Easy V-Neck strikes the perfect balance between cozy and refined, pairing seamlessly with the Classic Wash Denim Sid Jean. To modernize the look and keep it functional, the Baby Rain Boot and Nylon Baseball Cap add just the right touch - preventing it from feeling too preppy. While this outfit evokes a playful vibe, it’s effortless and thoughtful at its core, allowing you to move fluidly throughout this season of your life, feeling like yourself. And with the simple swap of a pant and shoe, you can take this look to dinner and work, as well.
As the seasons change, social events like dinner parties, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations often increase, calling for a mindful approach to dressing. You want to feel present and appropriate, without being distracted by your outfit. The key to navigating event dressing in-between seasons is to rely on versatile pieces that serve as year-round anchors. For instance, a classic white t-shirt can add a fresh touch when layered under the Washable Cashmere Oversized Easy T-Shirt you love on chilly Sunday mornings. Pair this with a Ring 3 nylon pleated skirt, a metallic knotted bag, and distressed leather boots for a look that combines textural interest with comfort and practicality. On days when you need to shift gears, simply swap the boots for the Seth Sneakers and trade the statement earrings for simple hoops, and you’re ready for anything the day (and weather) brings.
The second New York temperatures hit below 70 degrees, my Tropical Wool Liam Blazer comes out and stays out. This is my tried and true, ride-or-die blazer. Sometimes the outfit that just feels the best during this limbo season is just a good suit. Pairing it with the Ring 3 t-shirt and brown Dwayne sandals adds depth while keeping the look office-appropriate and ready for happy hour with colleagues later. And on those humid days when you can’t be bothered to style your hair, the Color Wheel Scrunchie is the perfect solution to maintain a polished vibe without any effort, while letting your personality shine through.
So, as we navigate this next season, try to remember that style is personal - it’s a valuable tool to communicate who you are, and has the power to help you move through life’s transitions with ease. Shop responsibly and prioritize those pieces that will anchor you - winter, spring, summer, fall, and everything in-between.
Stella!! This was so well said! Very enjoyable. I am thinking I need to try the “Fundamentals Fast” for a couple weeks before switching to full-on fall dressing. Thanks for the reminder!!👍🏻