Summer is over, but it’s not quite autumn yet…
The sun is shining but there is a chill in the air, especially in the morning and in the evening. It’s too cold for bare legs, but not cold enough for tights and dresses…
Fortunately, I have a fool-proof, easy-peasy formula for transitional dressing: light-weight trousers, a t-shirt / sweater with 3/4 length or long sleeves and a wool wrap.
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| trousers: Marks and Spencer 7 poncho: Marja Kurki / tote: Coach /shoes: Clarks |
It can be a bit challenging to find trousers that fit, though…
Fashion designers seem to think their average customer looks something like a rake-thin supermodel, so most trousers are just way too long for me (about half a metre…) and there’s no hope in hell I could squeeze my, err, somewhat sizable behind into them…
The problem is not so much that I have hips, but that my waist is significantly smaller (about 30 cm) than my hips. So, even if I manage to find trousers that can accommodate my hips, then the waist needs to be taken in, which means that I’d have to have the whole garment taken apart, totally restructured and put together again by a tailor… way too complicated for my liking.
But, lucky for me, Marks & Spencer understand that women have curves, and that some of us do not have long, lean legs. So, their trousers come in three lengths, and I seem to be just the match for the ‘regular’…
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| top: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania / poncho: Marja Kurki / sunglasses: Tom Ford / ear rings: Thomas Sabo |
I like my trousers simple, plain and neutral.
No wild patterns or colours, no ‘boyfriend’ anything, or other so-called ‘interesting’ cuts… a narrow (but never skinny) straight cut, wide leg or boot leg, and nothing else. I prefer to draw as little attention to the widest part of my body as possible. In other words, I need trousers that are the perfect neutral backdrop for more colourful or striking pieces.
This poncho adds just enough drama to a simple outfit.
I like this wrap so much that I have it in 3 colours: off-white, and two shades of red. A bit extravagant, I know. I have this bad habit of buying multiples of my favourite clothes. I considered showing you also the red wrap(s), but maybe I leave that for another post…
What’s your transitional dressing strategy?
Tiina
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Linking up with Sacramento, Rosy and Peggy Sue for Share-in-Style
Classic! I too have problems looking for clothes especially pants. I have skinny calf and thunder thighs, you know kind of neither here nor there.. so I ought to find a tailor as a best friend just to cater to my alteration need. On another note, a cashmere/wool wrap is a must. I live in Dubai and I have a few.. for God knows what reason
Oh yes, trousers, that's the worst… I usually spend a day looking for something that fits, and when I find it, I buy it in every colour I like…
Tiina, your weather sounds just like ours. Wraps are always perfect for that in between times aren`t they. I agree that pants can be so hard to find, I always have the same problem, smaller waist in relation to the hips.( the only plus is that at least it is a healthy shape).
Yes, i guess your spring is very much like autumn here… I love autumn, especially the early autumn when it's still quite warm.
Your beautiful wool shawl steals the show! Another gorgeous outfit. I find myself looking forward to seeing what you put together. You have a real talent!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Now I'm getting a bit stressed, have to live up to expectations… Just joking…
Dear friend !! You found the perfect solution for this time of year …. So clever !! I have also problems with the measures waist hip ratio … but my problem is the reverse of yours one … my waist is bigger and my waist is small … You look great today, so inspiring … Thanks for joining our little party!
Thanks, Rosy! Well, as a talented seamstress you have been able to solve that fit problem quite well, your outfits always fit so well.
You look fantastic in trousers Tina.You are such a big part of the Share-in-Style familyXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thanks, Sacramento. would you believe me if I said that I only have two skirts, and hardly ever wear them? But then I have so many dresses…
Ohhhh wool wraps! Such a gorgeous-ness! What an excellent idea to wear them right now – thank you for that! I don't think I have a strategy – I just play and something "happens" :))) I love light jackets/blazers, so I am eager to wear them now when temperature started dropping (still going to be 80 F today). I think that would be my strategy if I have to pick one. :)Do you read the blog Girl with Curves? She has a very dramatic waist/hips ratio and always, always looks fantastic! Her biggest tip is to look for fabric with stretch (jersey etc). Unfortunately, I lost my waist – it's not at all as it used to be, so I have no problems to fit into mass product pants any more. :)))
so, you're more a spontaneous dresser? Me, too, which is why I have pieces that can be mixed and matched according to my moods, that's my strategy. Thanks for the tip on Girl with Curves, will have to check it out!
A lovely color on you., Love the shawl. It has been warm here in Charlotte, NC. Waiting on fall as well. We usually see some of it Mid Sept. from the link upplease stop by, jesswww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Colours are so important, and an easy way to look better. It has been quite warm here, too, but it can change overnight, it usually does,,,
Trousers can be so challenging! Glad you've found some that work for you. Lucky you to be able to wear your shawl. We're in an indefinite heat spell here in Southern California.
Oh yes, looking for trousers is a nightmare! My strategy is to simply buy a pair of trousers that fit whether I need it then or not. I will most likely need it at some point…
Lovely outfit! I'm looking forward to wearing scarves, but it's still warm here. Trousers are so difficult. I have the opposite problem – thick waist. If I find a brand that fits, I stick with it.
I have a huge collection of scarves, for all sorts of weather. When you live in a cooler climate you need a set of basics for each seasons: trousers for summer and trousers for winter…
Well, I have the same problem with pants. Generally they are too long, but ok that's easy to fix. And often they are too wide on the waist. Same goes for skirts, but it is easier to be fixed on skirts then on pants. Depending on the price of the original piece, most of the time the additional money and hassle isn't worth it. But it means I am hauling half the shop in pants into the changing room when I go shopping.Btw, your bag is AMAZING!Alex – Funky Jungle
I know what you mean… Looking for trousers is a major operation: I think I try on almost every pair of trousers in the shop, and it always takes ages. But if / when I find something that fits, I buy it in several colours.
I am horrible at using wraps – they always feel like I am wearing a blanket around my neck even though they are great for transitional weather. I love how great this one looks on you and a great color that you can use it with most outfit. BTW, I host a weekly link up on Thursday and hope you can join me.Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com
Thank you! I know, some items of clothing just aren't a good match, personality-wise… I find both skirts and high heels tricky. They look OK, I just feel incredibly uncomfortable wearing them.