Hi, there,
Are you like me where you check the weather everyday so that you know what to wear?
I recently received this question on my blog from my client Wendy:
Hi Michelle,
With the microclimates in the different San Francisco neighborhoods and temperature changes within the same day (cold in the morning and very warm in the afternoon), how should I dress in the morning so I can feel comfortable throughout the day no matter what the temperature?
Thanks!!!
Wendy
I travel the Bay Area a lot. As Wendy mentioned, San Francisco has many different microclimates and as well as temperature changes from morning to afternoon.
So, Wendy, you’re asking the right person. I’m a girl who lives by the weather. I check it every morning every single day. I want to know what the weather is going to be like where I live and where I’m going. I always want to be sure that I’m comfortably dressed getting to where I’m going and then comfortable for that weather when I get there.
So the answer to Wendy’s question is: “Dress in layers.”
First I’ll share my top 3 layering pieces that you should own in your wardrobe, and then I’ll explain how to layer them. Find these items that work with your style Personality and you’re sure to make it through your day not only looking stylish but comfortable too, through any microclimate or temperature change.
Before I get into it, let me share a short story: Many years ago I used to crochet. It was one of the things I did to keep creativity in my life when I was no longer designing clothes. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love all animals, however, I am particularly fond of dogs. Right now, I am blessed to be the mommy of my little beloved Lucy.
One day, I thought it would be cute to crochet up a little scarf for her to wear during the winter. Now…unless you have one of those hairless dogs, most dogs don’t need scarves. But being the fashionista that I am, my Lucy needed one. So I picked out colors that matched her PC (Personal Coloring – really, I did! She loves bright colors – she’s an extrovert!), and began to crochet the tiniest of scarves.
Once complete, I tied it around her neck for a look-see. Lucy is a pretty happy girl but when she doesn’t like something, it shows all over her little face. ^ Did you check out the photo above? ^ The scarf looked adorable on her but her dislike of it was grossly apparent, so I took it off, gave her a squeeze and a kiss, and tossed it into my drawer.
One day, I was headed out the door when I noticed that it was quite windy outside. At that time I was carrying a small purse. As I perused through my stash of scarves (Scarves were my “style signature” for many years. If you don’t know what this is, leave a comment on my blog and I’ll write about it.), I realized that all of them would be too big to throw into my small purse. It was then that I noticed “Lucy’s scarf.” “Hmm,” I thought, “Why not?” I grabbed her tiny scarf and tossed it into my purse. Problem solved.
From that day forward I always carried a tiny scarf with me. (I made several more for myself) They were such a hit that I crocheted many more for all my girlfriends. They loved them as much as I did.
Which brings me to the 3 layering pieces:
- Keep a scarf with you at all times. I keep one in my purse or tote just in case. Because, let me tell you, when the weather at the end of the day turns cold and windy (If you live in the windy city of SF, you know what I mean), you’ll be so thankful you’ve got one handy. Scarves are meant to do double duty: They are a chic and classic accessory that will also give you warmth during those chilly mornings, and evenings. You may not have a tiny crochet scarf, as I do, but if you saw my video on “skinny scarves” now is the time to invest in one. They are the perfect size to wear during the chilly mornings, and then shed, roll up, and toss in your purse, as the day heats up. You will be amazed that by just wrapping your neck in a small piece of cloth how much warmth it will give you. Style Note: Buy one in a neutral and one in a pop of your favorite color.
- Invest in a pashmina wrap, cashmere poncho, or an angora cape. Find one that suits your style Personality. Do you like the classic look of a pashmina wrap or does your casual style call for a poncho? Or perhaps a cashmere cape which has the elegance of a pashmina and the ease of a poncho. I recently wore a gorgeous reversible cape, in a fall fashion show, that would suit any girl. I’m so excited about this piece from a local talented designer, Stella Carakasi. I’m wearing it in the featured photo and if you’re interested in owning it, all you have to do is click here. FYI: I’m not an affiliate; just a girl who wants to share some style finds with her girlfriends. Style Note: If you’re really into this look you probably have a few already in different neutrals or colors. If this is something new to your wardrobe I would stick with purchasing one in a neutral: Black, Brown, Navy, Camel, Gray, or Winter White, depending upon your PC.
- Own at least one tank or camisole and one perfect fitting white tee to compliment your PC: Whether you’re wearing a tank, a cami, or a tee, you want to be sure that it is something that you want to be seen in. 🙂 Meaning it is in good condition. (Really all of your clothes should be in good condition – enough said here.:) These layering pieces are not just for warmth or to relieve you from the heat when it’s warm, they are staples in your closet that you love, you feel good in, and work with your style Personality and PC. Style Note: Once you get accustomed to wearing this layering look, you’ll want to experiment with colors and prints, but for now stick with neutrals (White, black, gray, camel, etc.).
How To Wear Layers:
Three is the magic number. So what do I mean here? Layer 3 pieces. Yes, 3 pieces. I know it sounds like a lot but hear me out. Whenever I’m going to be in several different microclimates or I know I’m going to be out early in the morning and I’m not getting back home until late in the evening, I usually wear lots of layers. Layers that I can remove and add back on as I see fit, according to the weather conditions.
This is how I stack them on: Over my brassiere, I will wear either 1) a silky tank top or a modal or cotton/lycra wide strap (to cover the bra) camisole, or a perfect fitting tee. Then I’ll toss on 2) a blouse, shirt, or a lightweight pullover sweater or cardigan, and end it with the final piece being 3) a trench, blazer, denim jacket, or a #2 in this list above, depending upon your style Personality and your day.
Or I might wear this combination: 1) Blouse or shirt with 2) a cardigan or pullover sweater on top of the blouse, and top it off with 3) a trench, jacket, or cape.
During the chilly mornings, I’ll have on all 3 layers. And as I begin to get warm, I’ll discard one of the layers depending upon the look that I want to achieve. Believe it or not, a scarf becomes my 4th layer if necessary. If this feels like too much to you, discard one of the layers and make the scarf your 3rd piece.
These are 3 options of how I change it up during the day when it begins to warm up**:
- When wearing a tank, I will remove the 3rd outer layer piece (trench, jacket, cape etc.), and keep everything else on.
- Or when wearing a tank, I will remove the 2nd layer piece (blouse or sweater, etc.) And put the trench, jacket, cape, etc. back on over the 1st layering piece; a silky tank, cami, or fitted Tee. This look is great for work if you still want that professional put-together look, but want to lose the warmth of the sweater. If you know you’re going to be going out after work, I would make sure that my 1st layering piece is a silky tank. This is a great look to transition to if you’re headed out to dinner and want something a bit dressier and a little sexier.
- When wearing a 1st layer blouse under a 2nd layer sweater, I will discard the 3rd layer trench, jacket or cape. Or I might discard the 3rd layer trench, jacket or cape, and opt for keeping on the 2nd layer sweater.
The layering look with a scarf: Depending upon the weight and size of the scarf it can work with almost any of the above combinations. I find that even if I lose the 3rd layer trench, jacket or cape, and the 2nd layer blouse or sweater, I can still toss on a scarf with my 1st layer silky tank, and be warm enough, with plenty of style, while I’m sipping on wine with dinner.
**As the day cools down reverse as needed, and start piling on the layers.
Style Note: To keep it simple and easy to layer, have 1 of the 3 pieces be in a favorite color or print, and have the other two items in the same neutral or two neutrals that work well together (Black/Grey, Brown/Camel, etc.). If you toss in a scarf it can be a complimentary color to your favorite color or print, or it can be one of the two neutrals. If you’re adding a scarf play with a neutral or a color and see which looks best.
You’ll want to plan this layering technique the evening before so that you are sure that it works in the morning when you are getting dressed. Don’t be afraid of showing the layers. Let your silky tank, cami or tee show beneath the hemline of your blouse or sweater.
It is also perfectly acceptable for your blouse to peek out of the hem of your jacket. Experiment and have fun!
Once you find a few of these layering outfits, I guarantee you they will be your go-to outfits. I have several that I wear and I never have to think about it. And I’m comfortable throughout my entire day no matter which way the weather swings.
As a great reminder, because believe me you will forget how you layered things up, take photos of your layering outfits!
Girls, these tips will help you no matter if you’re living in the Bay Area or living in areas that are unusually warm or cold. Dressing in layers is always a smart move. I’ve traveled to Southern California and Las Vegas during the summer time and have frozen in the air-conditioned restaurants because I didn’t bring a wrap or a sweater. I’ve also felt uncomfortably overheated in colder regions because I wore a cashmere or wool sweater and had nothing underneath to dress down to when I went from a cold area to a room that was too heated for my liking.
And let’s not even talk about flying. I don’t even know how many times I’ve flown in an airplane and experienced controlled microclimates as I was traveling from one place to another. I’ve learned my lesson – I never fly without lots of layers.
Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you. Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.
If you have a question also post it in the comment section below. I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.”
That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!
Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.
Blog me.
Love,
~Michelle
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