Think in layers, not in outfits
One heavy coat is hard to adjust. Three lighter layers are easy: you add one when it is cold and take one off when you warm up or walk into a heated room. This is why layering works in changeable weather.
The three layers
- Base layer: the piece against your skin, such as a tee, shirt or fine knit. It should be comfortable and breathable.
- Middle layer: the warmth, such as a sweater, cardigan or fleece.
- Outer layer: the protection, such as a jacket or coat that blocks wind and rain.
Cold days
Add warmth in the middle layer and make sure the outer layer stops the wind, which makes cold feel colder. Cover your head, hands and neck, and wear shoes with a closed, comfortable fit.
Wet days
Choose a water-resistant outer layer with a hood or take an umbrella. Shoes that cope with wet ground matter as much as the coat, and a dark trouser hem hides splashes.
Hot days
Light, loose clothes in breathable fabrics keep you cooler than tight ones. Light colours reflect heat, and sun protection for your head and shoulders is worth packing.
Windy days
Wind is easy to underestimate. A closed outer layer and securely fitting clothes work better than loose, flapping pieces.
A few fabric basics
- Wool insulates well and keeps working when a little damp.
- Cotton is comfortable and breathable but slow to dry.
- Linen is light and cool in the heat.
- Synthetic blends dry fast and are common in rain and sports clothing.
Check the hours, not just the high
A forecast high does not tell you what the morning or the evening will feel like. Look at the hours you will be outside and dress for the coolest or wettest of them, with a layer you can remove.
Planning around the forecast in WearDrobe
Add your city and WearDrobe plans around the forecast, so the day you will actually have shapes the outfit. Choose an occasion and your stylist builds the look from the pieces you already own.