Summer fashion ranges from overly warm to extremely casual, with little room for outfits that provide both style and comfort.
The sultry sun melts off layers of clothing until we are peeled of our adopted extra skins and exposed, slave to the rays. The sky is out, thighs are out. Sun’s out, guns out.
In summer, we shed fashion.
Typical outfits include a worn-out high school club t-shirt thoughtfully paired with running shorts (worn yesterday to the gym) or a baseline tank top/jean shorts combo. Frankly, options are limited when sweaters and scarves are hibernating.
Even those of us who spend the summer mostly in air conditioning, fear the long treks across steamy parking lots. It’s impossible to find an outfit that simultaneously suits sweat-your-ass-off outdoor temperatures and teeth-chattering indoor temperatures.
But have no fear – it’s finally jean jacket weather.
Wave (arms unashamedly all the way up) good-bye to constant pit stains on your blazer. Swap out versatile sandals for a variety of boots and other closed-toe shoes. Yank puffy vests from the deep corners of your closet. Top your flat hair with a knit hat, then blame your flat hair on the hat. Place your flannels in an easy-grab location, because everyone looks good in a flannel, and I mean EVERYONE.
Though others may disagree, I believe that autumn is the most ideal season for fashion.
First, clothing colors darken and orange-red leaves serve as a beautiful background to your daily fall ensemble.
The crisp 60-ish degree air provides optimal temperature for layering. It is not so cold that a planned outfit is completely concealed beneath a heavy winter jacket. Snow won’t soak through shoes (fingers crossed).
Autumn is the time when a light jacket and boots are an important component of a complete look instead of only necessities.
Additionally, the temperature indoors tends to closely mimic the outdoors; no more bringing a light jacket to wear in class then stuffing it in your backpack to walk outside. Your outfit can easily be comfortable outdoors as well as indoors with little to no adjustment.
Beyond that, there’s something about being bundled up; it’s like you’re in a constant months-long hug.
And let’s not forget another important bonus of fall clothing: the ability to hide calories. Grab another Tanner’s apple cider donut. Sneak a bag of clearance Halloween candy. Take a second round of Thanksgiving turkey. The temporary solution to those extra pounds you didn’t want is just a baggier sweater.
Fashion choices can tell a lot about a person, so utilize this fall season to be your most stylish self. Be bold or basic in what you wear, but make sure you cherish this short time because before long you’ll be trudging through snow in clunky boots and a minimum of eight sweatshirts.
All in all, embrace fall. You don’t have to be a pumpkin spice latte lover or apple orchard enthusiast to appreciate the comfort and fashion opportunities fall brings.
