Transitional Dressing

Noul sweater (similar)
Mavi jeans (c/o)
Jonak mules (similar)
Les Composantes tote (similar)
Anine Bing sunglasses
Keltie Leanne Designs ring (c/o)
Madewell rings
Urban Outfitters earrings (similar)
Location: The Mall-Plaza – Winnipeg, Manitoba

Summer arrived abruptly this year. When I say abruptly, I mean that a few weeks ago, it was three degrees Celcius on Monday – and thirty degrees Celcius by the time Thursday arrived three days later. In March and April, I spent time planning my transitional outfits for spring while looking forward to the arrival of warm temperatures. Ultimately, I’ve had the opportunity to wear two of them.

Am I complaining? Not at all – not even about the sticky, humid heat that seeps into the allegedly air-conditioned halls of our building. (Luckily, the air conditioning in our apartment is powerful, which means we’re cool and dry as long we’re indoors.) The thing is, transitional dressing is one of those fashion conundrums I’d really prefer not to have to bother with. Sure, it can force you to stretch your sartorial creativity. And yes, I admit that there are a few coats in my collection that can only be worn between seasons. But no matter how cute a turtleneck sweater looks with sunglasses and open-toed shoes, there is nothing fun about needing a coat in the morning only to find yourself sweating as you carry it home with you in the afternoon.

Transitional style is, above all, about trying to maintain your style at a time of year when practical dressing is just as much work as choosing to ignore the weather, wear what you want and accept the consequences. Basically, it’s a pain no matter what option you choose.

It’s true that days when I might have worn my leather jacket came and went in a blink. (I think I pulled it out twice this year.) And that I still usually have to take a sweater everywhere I go, because the temperature in air-conditioned grocery stores, restaurant and movie theatres often feels like it’s below freezing. But I don’t care. This will be the one and only time I talk about transitional style this season. And I’m thrilled! It’s summer, which means pool days and silly tan lines and chilled rose from the south of France (with popsicles in it, on days when I’m feeling extra fancy.) It’s everything I spent all winter waiting for. I’ve packed away my coats and unpacked all my favourite summer pieces; kimonos, shorts and sandals, here we come!

Years ago, I promised myself not to dwell on the weather in this space. And when I said not dwell on it, I meant not talk about it at all. No one cares how cold it is outside. An account of how many days its rained in a row is equally mundane. But I’m giving myself a pass today because this isn’t dwelling – it’s a celebration! I survived my first winter back in Winnipeg and early summer will be my reward. I admit, I’ve been a bit over-enthusiastic about its arrival and pressed check out on one more of my imaginary online shopping carts than I probably should have, but that’s part of the fun of the season, too. Summer is the most carefree time of year and that, along with the fact that I don’t have to wear closed-toed shoes for months, is my favourite thing about it.

And as for all those transitional outfits I planned? I’m saving them for our trip to Italy this fall, so it wasn’t a wasted effort. Especially since I know they’ll look even lovelier against a Tuscan backdrop. Somehow, everything just looks more stylish in Europe… at least to me.

Has summer arrived where you live? And if so, how are you celebrating the season?