Warm tights make summer shorts work for fall. If you're Kate Moss or a teen, that is.
(Erika/Mom) Perhaps we’re taking this “economy-is-bad-use-everything-you-have” business a little too far. Still, Lizzi and I agree that keeping a few of your favorite warm weather pieces in circulation through fall and winter is a good thing. They extend your wardrobe, and they remind you while your fingers are freezing off that the cold weather will pass and warm, sunny days are ahead. So now let’s see what Lizzi has in mind for the younger set, then I’ll chime in on what pieces might work for us boomer moms.
(Lizzi/Daughter) Well, fall has finally arrived after a long summer vacation and winter is not far behind. After all the summer shopping trips you took these past few months, you probably don’t feel like spending any more money on clothes. So, don’t let those denim shorts and colorful frocks go to waste; wear them in the cold weather, too!
I know all you moms who are reading this right now are thinking, “What?! I can’t let my delicate child wear shorts in the cold weather! She’ll freeze to death!” You need to chill out–or should I say warm up–to these stylish layering ideas that pair summer favorites with winter insulation. (Mom’s right behind me on this one… no, literally, she’s sitting right behind me!)
A good place to start is with your tank tops and camisoles. From plain white to neon pink to patterned, anything works as long as you have the right clothing items to pair with your tank.
Let’s start with something simple, like this white cotton tank. I’m sure most people have a white tank somewhere in their closet. To make it work in winter, pair it with a simple black blazer, acid wash jeans, and motorcycle boots. If you want a softer look, try a pair of legging jeans in a neutral color like black or gray with a pair of over-the-knee boots and a cozy cardigan.
LOOK 1 ; LOOK 2
Look 1
Splendid tank
Blazer from maruione.jp
Topshop acid wash jeans
Giuseppe Zanotti motorcycle boots
Necklace from kirnazebete.com
Look 2
Splendid tank
DKNY wrap cardigan
Current/Elliot legging jeans
Chloe over-the-knee boots
Christopher Kane fingerless gloves
Pair a more colorful or exciting tank with a high-waisted skirt, black leggings, a black cardigan, and some black flats (or any other neutral color)
This Look
Tiger tank from mytheresa.com
H&M skirt
Vince shrug cardigan
Sass & Bide leggings
Black flats from peacocks.co.uk
Knit beret from newlook.co.uk
The next summer piece you should save for fall is a pair of denim shorts. They’re super easy to wear with some tights or leggings underneath.
Katie Holmes, Lily Allen, and Kate Moss rock the tights-and-shorts look:
For a tougher look, wear distressed (not too distressed… just enough to make it look edgy) denim shorts, black tights, motorcycle boots, and either a leather jacket or boyfriend blazer. For a softer, cuter look try a pair of more tailored and clean denim shorts with a pair of bright tights (for instance, red or purple), black flats, and a long-sleeved top like this:
Helmut Lang Wool Sweater
or
Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Blouse
Finally, don’t even think about packing up those cute dresses from the summer! Dresses are easy to pair with both tights and leggings, so try looks like these….
LOOK 1
LOOK 2
LOOK 1
American Eagle dress
H&M tights
Charlotte Russe Lace Shrug
Oxford flats (going clockwise) from lagarconne.com, urbanoutfitters.com, and Christian Louboutin
Monica Vinader earrings
LOOK 2
Dress from dorothyperkins.com
Sass & Bide silver leggings
Flats from moonson.co.uk
Forever21 shrug
Jessica Simpson Belt (zappos.com)
Bangle from fantasyjewelrybox.com
Mom, how would you wear your summer items in fall and winter?
(Erika/Mom) It’s me again. And let me start by saying there ain’t no way I’d leave the house in shorts and tights. I’m laughing just thinking about it. I also won’t touch anything white–memories of white flats worn well past the east coast deadline in the 80s, and the mortification that ensued, prevent me from pushing the envelope on that one.
So I’ll stick with layering, using a favorite sheer top. Think of a top that has some volume to it, so you can layer from below. For example, look at this beautiful sheer blouse I found on Flickr:
Wouldn’t it look great paired with a very sleek black stretchy top underneath? I’m almost thinking ballet leotard:
Find a nice-fitting pair of black jeans:
And you’re in business! This doesn’t work well with all summer tops, so experiment. And trust me, don’t experiment 15 minutes before you have to be somewhere. If you have a style-conscious 12-year-old in the house, so much the better. She won’t be shy to tell you just how right on (or far off) the fashion mark you are.
13 Going on 47 