Faux Pas Fix with Anne Zeumer: Transitions

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Faux Pas Fix with Anne Zeumer - Every month in Arts and Lifestyle

By Anne Zeumer
Staff Writer


It’s that time of year again, the time when it’s hard to tell whether your summer wear is still appropriate even though it’s warm enough to wear it. That potentially troublesome time when we usually must resort to mixing our Summer and Winter attire into some hybrid appropriate for Fall weather. Just this past week, we’ve had days in the upper 70’s, and evenings in the 50’s. You wear a jacket to class in the morning, and by the time you get out, you feel like wearing shorts. This period of time doesn’t last long, as Fall all-too-briefly gives way to Long Island’s frigid winter. While it seems that, like the weather, anything seems to go right now, this isn’t the case. As hard as it is to put together weather-conscious yet season-conscious outfits, it is very possible if you follow a few guidelines.


I would be much at fault if I didn’t begin by mentioning the age-old “No White After Labor Day” rule. Don’t be scared, you can wear white after Labor Day, but to a more limited extent. Think autumn. The colors that are fashion-forward tend to coincide with the colors we’re surrounded by. Summer’s bright colors subside to warmer tones once autumn comes. White slacks and skirts are no longer really appropriate anymore. White tops are always fine, but what you wear from the waist down is what matters. With pants, the material also matters. A white pair of corduroys (because corduroy is a warmer, more cold-weather oriented fabric) is acceptable, whereas a pair of white cotton or linen pants no longer make any sense for the season. It’s not simply a matter of color, but rather a combination of color and fabric.


"It’s 73 degrees out, why not wear shorts and a tank? It’s cool enough!" I’m afraid this is wrong. If it’s that warm out in October, a skirt a few inches above the knee or longer, with a not-too-summery tank/tee is far more suitable. Avoid neon colors, or anything especially bright and summery. It may be warm enough, but it no longer looks right. The trees are going from bright green to warm browns, yellows, oranges, and reds. Store away your brights and make like the trees. (This is not to say that you can only wear shades of yellow and red, obviously.) It’s also time to put those toes away. The most exposure your tootsies should be getting is through a peep-toe shoe, at most. Flip flops are dead and buried, along with their other sandal counterparts. Loafers, ballet flats, and boots are in their prime. Take advantage! The flats that may not be warm enough once it gets really cold are begging to get out while they still can. The same general rules apply to guys too. If you love button downs over tees, which I notice many guys on campus do, put away your vibrant plaids and colors and settle for some more wintery ones. I hate when guys wear flip flops regardless of the season, but now is definitely not the time to wear flip flops, men, my biases entirely aside. Put your sneakers back on.


Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the weather, I love the colors, and the atmosphere puts me in a good mood. Plus, by the time fall arrives, I’ve grown sick of my summer clothes, and I’m ready to fully embrace a change of pace. Establishing a rotation of your wardrobe from season to season will keep you looking fresh and prepared for whatever will come your way. Enjoy the warm days and wear some tees and tanks leftover from summer. Just don’t forget to grab a sweater or a jacket to transform your look, flawlessly, to Fall.




Look for "Faux Pas with Anne Zeumer" each week in the Arts and Lifestyle section. For last week's column, click here .