Any genuine fashion enthusiast understands that once the F/W collections debut on the shop floor, the credit cards often take a hit. The most awaited collections of the year begin to show up in stores approximately around August/September, and any girl will confirm that winter fashion garners more excitement than summer collections, simply for the sheer delight of layering outfits, accessorizing with scarves and gloves, and those stunning autumn/winter jackets and coats. While we all adore a floral summer dress, linen shorts, and sun hats, the emphasis feels more on the season itself rather than styling.
For me, it all began when I was 12, as my family was vacationing in Monaco, as we did yearly. Towards the end of July-August, my mom took us for our fall/winter shopping, and this year felt particularly special for me. I was purchasing my shoes from the adult shoe store, which meant I could potentially select some heels to flaunt in front of my friends. Not all of them were allowed to wear heels yet, mind you. We headed to the Metropole Shopping Centre, and in I went… I bought five pairs of boots and shoes, including two pairs of actual heels. I still recall those khaki color, matte leather, distressed army-combat style boots featuring a thick block heel approximately 7cm tall. I was practically in ecstasy… it felt like I had just struck the greatest deal on Earth and soared to the moon and back. Yes, I was already a fervent fashion lover. I can’t quite remember the brand of those boots or the other four pairs I purchased, but as soon as we arrived home, I styled all my boots with the winter clothes we had bought earlier. Wool midi skirts and turtlenecks, jeans with heavy buckles—which, by the way, are making a comeback this year—open knit sweaters, shearling jackets, and gilets are at least some of the pieces I can recollect. I was just so thrilled envisioning myself in all my perfectly styled outfits. Little did I know then, it would be another month or two before I could wear them. The wait was excruciating, and it still is.
As an adult, not much has changed for me. Perhaps the passage of time has slightly shifted – a month no longer seems like an eternity, but when you reside in a place like London, September is pretty warm, making it torturous to watch those new knits or thigh-high boots languishing in the corner awaiting the weather to catch up, likely to be worn by mid-October at the latest. And once again… little did I know… fast forward a few years. I find myself in Cyprus. A beautiful island, no doubt about it. But this is where winter fashion comes to die… For someone with the previously mentioned history, this was a cruel twist of fate. The summer season here lingers all the way until November, and I can assure you I forgot what the term ‘boots’ even meant during that time. Utterly disheartened and unsure how to navigate this new reality, I decided it was time to think outside the box.
Normally, I found it rather absurd to see a girl wandering around in tall boots during the spring/summer months, but how else do you sport F/W collections in 30 degrees Celsius?! Wearing boots with a t-shirt and shorts can not only satisfy your craving for your newly acquired fall/winter items but can also add an intriguing edge or finishing touch to your outfit. A personal favorite of mine is pairing a silk summer dress with cowboy or biker boots. Though some might call it cliché, it serves as a fantastic way to incorporate fall fashion in hot weather. This can also extend to a more formal look if tall boots are matched with an elegant evening dress.
A significant hack to maximize your F/W wardrobe before it’s discounted is by layering your purchases. Of course, an essential aspect of layering is being mindful of the fabrics; to wear knitted garments, they must be layered properly over silk and cotton, which can be done effectively if the right materials are utilized. For instance, mohair knits should consistently be paired with silk or satin, whether in a dress or a top and skirt; mohair, unless worn solo, will shed fibers onto cotton, denim, and practically every other fabric. If mismatched, removing your top layer can leave you coated in little fibers, due to the nature of this exquisite knitwear. It’s warm but just breezy enough to get away with a chic cardigan; I wouldn’t suggest otherwise, as a cardigan is open and more fitting for October in Cyprus.
Jersey and cashmere and cotton blends make excellent fabric combinations.
