As the unpredictable weather veers from bursts of sunshine to wintry chills, Amy Norbury takes a look at that hero of transitional dressing – layering.
AUTUMN dressing can be a bit of a minefield. After all, it’s that time of year where we regularly see chilly downpours one minute, glorious sunshine the next. A hefty coat might seem like a good idea when it’s see-you-breath cold as you leave the house, but feels like a wardrobe fail when you’re sweating through the rush-hour commute, while bright blue skies can fool you into thinking outerwear is an unnecessary extra – until the heavens open, that is. And therein lies the conundrum; how do we dress for all weathers at once? The simple answer? Layering. The number one rule for having a great transition weather wardrobe is learning how to work layers to your advantage. Opting for a few light layers, rather than one bulky one, makes dressing – and undressing, in the case of a surprise midday heatwave – a breeze, whatever the weather. Once the epitome of granny chic, the cardigan has made a huge comeback in recent seasons for its stylish versatility. Cardis were a firm favourite all over the autumn/winter 2020 catwalks, with Miu Miu, Chanel and Gucci all showcasing the new knitwear hero. And when it comes to layering, cardigans are a key player; throw over a dress to keep the chills at bay, team with jeans and a shirt for casual cool or add under a lightweight jacket for an extra layer of protection against the elements.