Fashionable in Unpredictable Weather

CEBU, Philippines — The local weather has been quite confusing lately. The days go swelteringly hot and then a downpour occurs late afternoons or at nights. Curiously, the weather bureau explains that it’s the high daytime temperatures that bring on the evening rains.

It’s not only at late afternoons and at nights that it rains, though. There are also sudden rainfalls on broad daylight, which people take to mean that the rainy season is already approaching. What is odd is the fact that the days continue to be fiercely dry and hot.

It seems that the weather has gone berserk lately. And it’s not only people’s sense of comfort and public health that are at risk. The unpredictable weather also affects people’s fashion sense.

The website https://jiacollection.com shares some tips for fashionably dealing with fickle weather:

1. Layering your outfits will save you from this crazy weather. If you have on enough layers you can cool down by taking some off and stay warm by keeping them on. Scarves, cardigans, capes are good layers.

2. Carry a big bag for all your essentials like tissues, hand cream, Chap Stick, gloves etc.

3. Carry a small collapsible umbrella in your tote and a folded plastic bag to put the wet umbrella in.

4. Carry or wear a scarf. It can be used to wrap your cold hands in or to cover your head in a sudden downpour.

5. Wear comfortable closed shoes that aren’t too warm but will protect your feet.

6. Wear versatile pieces that can easily transition from cold weather to warm weather.

Barbara Stone, over at http://anewscafe.com, agrees that layered clothing is a great way of dealing with weather changes. She cautions, however, but the layers of today are not like those of one’s mother. Gone is the hoody over the sweater and t-shirt – today’s woman can be stylish and accommodate her active lifestyle as well.

Starting with bottoms, Ms. Stone says that lightweight wool trouser or heavyweight linen can be worn this time of year. Also, she adds, dress jeans and polyester rayon blends are good for wash-and-wear gals. For the most contemporary look, she suggests skinny pants hemmed at the ankle.

Skinny pants, Ms. Stone adds, can be worn with a flat loafer for work or a wedge for a dressier look. Paired with a man’s shirt and a lightweight cardigan, one would look polished and professional and feel comfortable no matter what type of weather. She points out to just be sure the legs of the pants are in proportion with the rest of the wearer’s body. For the bigger gals, she says a stove pipe leg actually evens out the figure and gives the illusion of a “skinny” leg.

For the top, Ms. Stone says a tank top is a good first layer for those who want to show their arms. For those who like to cover up, she recommends a short or three-quarter length sleeve; it’s practical. This layer can be lightweight linen, polyester, silk, or stretch cotton, she says.

Over this layer, a jacket made from cotton, denim, linen, or even lightweight wool, is good to have. And jackets, too, can have elbow or three-quarter length sleeves, she says. There are jackets with sleeves bunched up at the elbows and stitched in place so the wearer gets the scrunched look without having to constantly fuss with it.

And, yes, accessories can really finish off a look. There are carves for a finished look on a particularly cool morning. And necklaces layered with a jacket or blouse can add glamour to a work outfit, and appropriate for an after-dinner drink with friends.

For women who aren’t comfortable on tall and either spiked or chunky heels, flats and wedges are still in style and can go with different wardrobes, along with colorful bags. A really great printed bag with a pair of colorful shoes can dress up even the most basic business suit. To a good extent, it takes only some tweaking of available pieces of clothing to put together a look that’s fashionable – and, hopefully, comfortable – no matter the weather.