Thinking Transitionally

It’s one of those odd times of year – it’s transition time.  It’s not still summer but it’s not yet fall.  Getting up every morning is an exercise in balance and flexibility.  So here are my thoughts on how to get the most out of the next few weeks before the frost starts to settle in.

If you’re anything like me, you’re ready for fall by this time of year.  The combination of summer dressing and summer sweating, while welcomed with open arms in May has gotten to be a bit of a bore by now.  I’m ready to put the linen into storage and to pull out the flannel for a fresh steam.  The other day Chicago was cool enough for light-weight flannel trousers and I admit I got a little giddy when I saw the weather report.

But the impulse towards full on fall and winter aside, this time of year provides a lot of great options for dressing and living in general.  First off, the light is getting softer and colors that would have looked washed out or too dark a month ago are just coming into their own.  Loden green, dusty burgundies, and golden oatmeals seem refreshing after months of light-blue, white, etc.  You can of course go for the tweed and suffer through a the heat, but accessories like pocket squares, neckties, and socks all give you small ways to inject some foliage-inspired color into your clothing without working up a sweat.

Layering is another obvious outlet.  This is the time of year when the temperature will swing twenty or more degrees from morning to midday and back again by evening.  No use being stuck in a turtleneck all day when it’s still going to hit 70F around lunchtime.  Cardigans, middle-weight jackets (8-12 oz, maybe), and non-winter scarves are all practical options.

It’s not just our clothes that change with the weather though.  That rich woodsy cologne you had to shelve as the mercury rose – start spraying again.  The peaty whisky thats been collecting dust in favor of a cold beer – pop the cork and sip away.  Before we know it fall will have come (for real) and gone, and winter will be upon us.  So enjoy this time of year and think transitionally.