Any genuine fashion enthusiast understands that when the F/W collections debut on the retail floor, the credit cards tend to dwindle. The most awaited collections of the year begin to grace the storefronts around August/September, and every girl will affirm that winter fashion garners much more excitement than summer collections, simply due to the sheer delight of layering outfits, accessorizing with scarves and gloves, and those marvelous autumn/winter jackets and coats. Certainly, we all cherish a floral summer dress, linen shorts, and sun hats, yet somehow the concentration shifts more towards the season itself instead of styling.
For me, it all commenced at the age of 12, during our annual family vacation in Monaco. As usual, by late July-August, my mother began taking us for our fall/winter shopping, but this year felt uniquely special to me. I was set to buy my shoes at the adult shoe store, which meant I could potentially get some heels to flaunt in front of my friends. Did I mention not all of them had the privilege of wearing heels yet? We visited the Metropole Shopping Centre, and in I went… I walked out with five pairs of boots and shoes, two of which were actual heels. I still vividly recall those khaki-colored, matte leather, distressed army-combat style boots with a sturdy block heel measuring around 7cm. I was literally in bliss… it felt as though I had secured the most significant deal on Earth and soared to the moon and back. Yes, I was already a devoted fashion aficionado. While I can’t precisely remember the brand of those boots or the other four pairs I purchased, I can only recall that once we arrived home, I styled all of my new boots with the winter garments we’d acquired earlier. Wool midi skirts and turtlenecks, jeans with hefty buckles, which, coincidentally, are making a comeback this year, open-knit sweaters, shearling jackets, and gilets, at least those are the pieces that linger in my memory. I was simply so thrilled, mentally picturing myself in all my impeccably styled outfits. Little did I know then, it would be another month or two before I could wear them. Let me tell you, the anticipation was torturous, and it still is.
As an adult, not much has shifted for me. Perhaps the perception of time has altered somewhat – a month no longer feels eternal, but living in a place like London, September can be quite warm, making it excruciating to see those new knits or thigh-high boots lingering in the corner, waiting for the weather to align, which would likely be by mid-October at the latest. And once more… little did I know… fast forward a few years. I find myself in Cyprus. A stunning island, no argument against that. But this is where winter fashion goes to die… For someone with the aforementioned background, this was a cruel twist of fate. The summer season here stretches all the way into November, and I can assure you that I had forgotten what the term ‘boots’ even represented during that period. Utterly disheartened and uncertain how to adapt to this new reality, I resolved it was time to think creatively.
Normally, I found it rather absurd when I saw a girl strolling around in tall boots during the spring/summer months, but how else do you incorporate F/W collections in 30 degrees Celsius?! Sporting a pair of boots with a t-shirt and shorts can not only satisfy your desire for your newly acquired fall/winter piece, it also adds a certain edge or finishing touch to your outfit. A personal favorite of mine is pairing a silk summer dress with cowboy or biker boots. The look may be deemed cliché by some, yet it serves as a fantastic implementation of fall fashion in hot climates. This can also be adapted to a more formal appearance if tall boots are donned with an elegant evening dress.
A crucial tip to maximize your F/W wardrobe before it’s marked down is by layering your purchases. An essential aspect of layering is recognizing the fabrics; to wear knitted items effectively, one must layer them appropriately over silk and cotton, and this can be perfectly coordinated if the right materials are chosen. For instance, mohair knits should always be paired with silk or satin, be it in a dress or a top and skirt; unless worn solo, mohair will shed fibers on cotton, denim, and virtually any other material. If mismatched, when you remove your top layer, you’ll find yourself covered in tiny hairs, due to the nature of this beautiful knitwear. It can be hot but just breezy enough to get away with a stylish cardigan; I wouldn’t recommend otherwise, as a cardigan is open and more fitting for October in Cyprus.
Jersey, cashmere, and cotton blends are excellent fabrics to combine with denim,
