For the last couple of days, I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time contemplating whether I should wear this or whether I should wear that.
I think it’s the transitional weather that’s confounding me: it’s too soon for cashmere sweaters and wool skirts, but too cool for light cotton dresses.
Indeed, for me, seasonal transitions are the most difficult times of year in which to dress. While I can usually write a transition that moves an idea smoothly from one paragraph to the next, wearing a transition is a different narrative, so to speak.
And I think it’s fascinating how strong one’s reactions to previously acceptable clothing can be. Just this morning, for instance, I took a camel-colored cotton tulip skirt from my closet, hoping to pair it with something, but the lightweight feel of the garment led me to fling it onto my bed in annoyance. This was a perfectly good skirt a couple of weeks ago.
That irritated feeling was the same one I get in early spring, when I’m caught on a warm day in a wool blazer. I have to peel it off, roll up the sleeves of whatever I’m wearing underneath, and tie up my hair immediately so I don’t feel the winter weight of my clothing.
So what did I wear today? Skinny black cropped trousers, three-inch black patent lace-up oxfords with silver thingies that the shoelaces weave through, scoop-neck tee, and an Elie Tahari plum-velvet, fitted, short jacket, with same-thread paisley embroidery all over.
But no socks. Actually, I can’t abide socks with cropped trousers (unless I’m looking at Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face). Nor do I like boots with crops. I think that the charm of cropped pants is that they saucily show off one’s bare ankles, and they lose their insouciance when paired with socks. (Yes, I’m lucky that my day job permits me to forego conventional foot furnishings.)
As a line from one of my son’s favorite films goes: “Whether the weather is cold, or whether the weather is hot, we’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not.” (Little Bear)
I think it’s the transitional weather that’s confounding me: it’s too soon for cashmere sweaters and wool skirts, but too cool for light cotton dresses.
Indeed, for me, seasonal transitions are the most difficult times of year in which to dress. While I can usually write a transition that moves an idea smoothly from one paragraph to the next, wearing a transition is a different narrative, so to speak.
And I think it’s fascinating how strong one’s reactions to previously acceptable clothing can be. Just this morning, for instance, I took a camel-colored cotton tulip skirt from my closet, hoping to pair it with something, but the lightweight feel of the garment led me to fling it onto my bed in annoyance. This was a perfectly good skirt a couple of weeks ago.
That irritated feeling was the same one I get in early spring, when I’m caught on a warm day in a wool blazer. I have to peel it off, roll up the sleeves of whatever I’m wearing underneath, and tie up my hair immediately so I don’t feel the winter weight of my clothing.
So what did I wear today? Skinny black cropped trousers, three-inch black patent lace-up oxfords with silver thingies that the shoelaces weave through, scoop-neck tee, and an Elie Tahari plum-velvet, fitted, short jacket, with same-thread paisley embroidery all over.
But no socks. Actually, I can’t abide socks with cropped trousers (unless I’m looking at Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face). Nor do I like boots with crops. I think that the charm of cropped pants is that they saucily show off one’s bare ankles, and they lose their insouciance when paired with socks. (Yes, I’m lucky that my day job permits me to forego conventional foot furnishings.)
As a line from one of my son’s favorite films goes: “Whether the weather is cold, or whether the weather is hot, we’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not.” (Little Bear)
8 comments:
OK, I"m loving hearing about these great outfits but, seriously, they'd have so much more punch in photos. I realize you are secret agent incognito, but you could wear sunglasses! :-)
Socks and cropped trousers is also one of my pet peevs. I guess I should be grateful that our turn of season doesn't require to much thought.
I've read that Audrey Hepburn was adamant about not wearing socks in that scene. However, she was talked into it and said later it was the right thing to wear. But she's the only one who could pull off that look. *sigh*
If I recall correctly, I believe that Audrey wanted black socks, so as not to break up the line. But the director wanted white socks, so you could actually see her feet! And as Sarah notes, Audrey agreed, and the dance is history!
I am feeling the same way Miss C - frustrated that it's mid-October and still too warm for fall wear, hurling garments around in the morning in exquisite frustration.
And I second K.Line's request: Photos please. Neck down works, you know.
I, too, hate the fashion problems weather causes. Yesterday, it was 45 degrees out in the morning (and accordingly, I wore tights and a cashmere sweater), but this morning it was 65 degrees out, and I wore a thicker summer dress, bare-legged with wedges. I must admit, I never leave home without knowing the exact temperature outside.
I'll wear socks with cuffed jeans, but only because it's very '50s.
I like crops with bare ankles best, too.
I'm having the same troubles with my transitional wardrobe. Yesterday, it was 97. Today, it was 72. What's a girl to do?
I'm having a similar problem only in reverse. Your outfit details/description is so fantastic. I almost want to dress just like the way you did. I wouldn't get to you see you in pictures tho would I? I just have do with my imagination?
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