Due to the more and more scorching climate, I’ve worn the lightest cotton tunics, pants and sandals just about all summer season, however I want a jacket to get me by the cooler climate. Those I have already got are fairly previous and worn, both too small or have enormous shoulders. What’s the reply? — Leslie, Redlands, Calif.
What you’re in search of is that elusive garment: the proper transitional jacket. This quest hits near house for these of us on the style present circuit because the season begins in New York with 80-degree climate and ends in Paris with wet, 50-degree climate.
The place to discover a jacket that may bridge a 30-degree drop is a conundrum all of us share — and one which local weather change and unpredictable climate patterns are prone to make extra widespread within the years forward.
To provide you with a solution, I made a decision to grill a few of my fellow trend vacationers for options. Their responses fell virtually uniformly into two camps.
One group favored the quick trench coat. Based on Samira Nasr, the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, a trench is now not only for rain however is good more often than not as a result of it’s gentle sufficient to put on over a T-shirt and roomy sufficient to accommodate a sweater. It might probably even be worn indoors belted over denims. (For a job mannequin of this technique, think about the designer Kate Spade, who was a serious proponent of the trench-as-dress look.)
“For anybody constructing a wardrobe of trendy fundamentals, a trench is vital,” Ms. Nasr mentioned. “Belted, it elevates any outfit.”
For choices, try Madewell, Ba&sh and, beginning Oct. 9, the following spherical of Goal collaborations, together with a two-tone tackle the traditional trench from La Ligne and a scallop-edged quantity from Kika Vargas.
Past the ditch, there’s the oversize blazer contingent, represented by Lauren Santo Domingo, a founding father of Moda Operandi.
As a garment, she mentioned, the large blazer “looks like outerwear however on the identical time is skilled and will be worn over a ribbed tank high with a chunky sweater tied across the neck like a shawl.” That chunky sweater can go beneath when it will get cooler.
Because it occurs, the runways this season have been rife with precisely these sorts of oversize blazers — Dries Van Noten did a very fetching model — which suggests they are going to probably trickle right down to labels that aren’t within the high-fashion value bracket. Whereas we look ahead to that to occur, good choices can already be discovered at the Frankie Store, COS and Zara.
Simply bear in mind one rule in relation to transitional costume, Ms. Santo Domingo mentioned: “If you happen to do fall on high, do summer season on the underside, or vice versa.” So put on open-toed sneakers with the jacket and sweater, or boots with the tank. Contemplate it seasoning.
Your Model Questions, Answered
Each week on Open Thread, Vanessa will reply a reader’s fashion-related query, which you’ll be able to ship to her anytime through e-mail or Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.
