The fashion industry makes a very clear distinction between the seasons by rolling out new styles and collections for each one. In reality, though, the shift isn't as simple as a series of fashion shows or new spreads in a magazine. There'll always be that period in between seasons when the weather can be one or another, warm or cold, freezing or balmy. Believe it or not, there's a particular style for that time of the year too.
Layering Tricks
It's Mother Nature herself who'll be giving you the biggest challenge during that in-between season phase. Wearing clothes that are meant solely for one specific season is difficult because the weather is touch and go on most days.
Keep your thick, Sherpa-lined jackets and coats in the closet; chances are you won't be able to wear them for the rest of the season. Don't bring out your light cotton shirts and linen shorts just yet, though. For most men in the northern hemisphere, those pieces will only get comfortable around mid-March.
Lighter pieces layered over one another will be the style to master for getting through such a time of unsure clime. Not only will they keep you cozy on a bitterly cold day, but you could also reconfigure your outfit easily for the times when the sun suddenly comes out. With a layered look, you can stay fashionably comfortable, no matter what the weather conditions are for the day.
A light to medium weight cardigan is absolutely essential during this time, as it's one of those items that will look equally stylish over a distressed tee as with your new shirt and tie. In most cases, it can even stand in for a blazer. A sweater vest is a similarly versatile option. You should still get a lined blazer or suit jacket, though, both for more formal occasions as well as to layer over the knits.
Lastly, prepare a light or medium weight top layer, like a pea coat or car coat. A style from autumn would be closer to the ideal heft, since you have several other layers that will compensate in the cold anyway. You'll want one that's not too fitted because, in a worst case scenario, you'll be wearing it over one or two other layers. It's never stylish to have the layers underneath bulging out through your outerwear.
Fashion Forward
New style trends are spotted during the fashion shows and previews, many of which happen over six months before the season itself arrives. If you keep track of these developments, you should easily be able to apply the new trends even when the pieces or collections are yet to arrive in store. When it comes to trends, nothing says "fashion forward" like adopting a new style before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon.
It's a good idea to try out some of the upcoming trends during that in-between season not just because you'll look cool as an early adopter, but also because the demand is yet to drive the clothes prices up. For spring this year, for example, you can start by wearing bold color neckties, patterned pocket squares and small brim fedoras, all of which have been identified as up-and-coming fashion trends for men.
Of course, doing this involves quite a bit of effort since the pieces you need are also yet to make it to the store shelves. Some like the patterned pocket squares will be easy enough to find. Others that are more divergent from the classic style - the minimalist fedora and almost-neon neckties for next season - will be somewhat harder. You may want to also try browsing online retailers, whose selections are typically wider.
The in-between season, like puberty, can get awkward because it's a time of transition; you're rarely sure if you've stepped into women's coats the next phase already or if you're still riding the tail end of the previous one. The secret to weathering it successfully lies in playing around with versatile, season-independent pieces and early adoption of next season's trends.
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