NO JOY IN SPRING JUST YET... BUT IT’S COMING!
THE CONSTANT SWING of fashion’s pendulum means we are often presented with collections way ahead of season, so this week’s harsh cold winter weather has been juxtaposed with fashion’s current, effervescent mood. Still, new collections give us something to dream about – even if many are not wearable yet. The recent snow and ice make it more difficult to bid farewell to darker, heavier clothes that feel tired after a long winter.
Spring’s optimism, however, does at least inspire us to balance temperamental Irish weather while incorporating lighter and more colourful transitional pieces into our closets. It’s tricky but workable and simply requires thinking more creatively when getting dressed.
For me, the imminent struggle is London Fashion Week – how to survive the cold, running to and from shows while still embracing new season staples? The same style conundrums apply to all women before they invest in new pieces, some of which don’t serve a purpose in our wardrobes until April or May. Dressing for cold weather, remember, is a constant juggling act, no matter what you do. It requires keeping warm while accommodating the various elements of your day – commute, office, a school-run and/or after-work event or dinner. Irish women traditionally tend to surrender via their heaviest outerwear – it’s a generational way of dressing, instilled in us by mothers and indeed our grannies. Mine still persistently tell me to ‘wrap up’ lest ‘I catch my death’.
Heavy coats aside, we still need to keep warm and layering is really your saving grace between seasons. A long chunky cashmere knit – Ganni at Arnotts, & Other Stories – over a turtleneck tucked into a pleated midi skirt – Mango and Finery at Brown Thomas – with tights and over-the-knee boots, pulled together with a biker jacket – if you haven’t got one, try root out a vintage one at Harlequin Vintage or Siopaella – is fashion’s perennial classic when it comes to layering. Switch up your skirt for high-waist trousers and your biker jacket for a belted trench-coat and you have a whole different look, elevated with heels for after-office hours. Over-the-knee boots paired with a midi dress and a chunky cardigan is also nifty trick, especially handy for those of us who don’t love wearing tights – although this week I wouldn’t advise stepping out anywhere with bare legs.
Our most common misconception is that cold weather heralds the absence of colour. Surviving chilly temperatures is all about choosing your fabrics wisely so there is no reason why a punchy patterned coat or a pair of colourful wide-leg trousers can’t be welcome additions to your wardrobe now along with waist-length faux fur and teddy bear jackets in mustard, red, forest green and pink.
“THE RECENT SNOW AND ICE MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO BID FAREWELL TO HEAVY, DARK CLOTHES”