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How
to dress during the transition from spring to summer
By Daschell M. Phillips
Wondering
what to wear during the transition season in Chicago? The solution
to this problem is all about choosing key pieces that span the
seasons and look right in any kind of weather, according to some
online fashion advisers.
Diana
Pemberton-Sikes, fashion consultant and publisher of Fashion
For Real Women.com and Chris Rovny, fashion correspondent
for AskMen.com, offer their advice
on how to dress appropriately during this erratic weather.
Diana
said:
- Start
with year 'round fabrics.
These include favorites like jersey, cotton, silk and
denim in weights that are appropriate for your region.
- Buy
year 'round colors.
These are the basics in your "best colors" like black,
brown, navy and gray. Mix and match with other pieces in your
wardrobe.
- Keep
neutrals handy.
Use your taupes, camels, creams and beige's generously this
time of year. They work well with both seasons.
- Layer
for maximum versatility.
Always include pieces that you can add or subtract as the day's
temperatures rise or fall. Opt for classic styles in neutral
colors.
- "The
key to success is flexibility," Pemberton-Sikes said. "While
you may be tempted to show off your new season wardrobe, don't
be so quick to jump the gun. Nothing looks sillier than wearing
the wrong season's clothes, even if it's just a few weeks off."
Chris
said:
- Keep
your lighter, long-sleeve sweaters handy and make sure your
spring/fall jacket is in tip-top shape.
Our
experts also gave advice on what the current trends in fashions
are this summer.
Work
Her: Stripes, ruffles, anything black and white, neutral, linens
and long skirts.
Him: Casual clothing in earth tones.
Casual
Her: Pastels, western and denim, prairie looks, capris and petal
pushers.
Him: Designer jeans and an "original" top.
Night
life
Her: Flowers, halter tops and peasant looks.
Him: Denim wear is still present everywhere.
Formal
Her: Ruffles, flowers, bold stripes, black and white.
Him: Stick to basics -- classic suit and tuxedo.
You
know that @Chicago
is always looking for the best bargains
so, Pemberton-Sikes and Rovny gave us some tips on how to shop
on a budget.
Diana
• Buy
quality, not quantity. If you buy the best fabrics you can afford
in classic styles,
you can literally wear them for years until they fall apart.
•Spend
the most on the basic pieces you'll wear all the time, like
skirts, jackets, pants, shoes, and handbags, and always remember
the "rule of three": Never buy ANYTHING unless it
goes with at least three other things in your wardrobe.
•Mix and match your basic pieces for maximum versatility,
and add interest and variety with trendy, inexpensive accessories
like scarves, pins, or ties.
•Shop
sales whenever possible. The best sales are after 4th of July,
Back-to-school,
after the holidays and in late March/early April.
•Shop,
seconds stores like Loehmann's and TJ Maxx, and high-end consignment
shops.
Chris
•Shop for bargains and buy trendy clothing at the end of
the season when it's discounted. Chances are they'll still be
"in" style the following season.
•Buy
classic styles.
•Learn
the art of mixing and matching.
•Shop
around, don't buy on impulse.
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