Fall Winter Fashion Vs. Summer - In Retrospect - YouLookFab Forum

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Fall Winter Fashion Vs. Summer - In Retrospect

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

So all summer long I, along with other YLF members, seemed to agree
that it is difficult dressing for summer heat. Many said they were
going to make efforts to find a way to make it more interesting. Color,
jewelry, very light layering, belts, and shoes were all being used to
great advantage from what I recall. I saw some very interesting outfits
and was inspired nearly every time I visited.

Fast forward to now - late fall or winter for many - and it seems that
while there are still fantastic outfits, a lot of them are sort of -
well I'll just say it - sort of the same. Dark pants abound, as do dark
boots, sweater or button downs layered under cardigans. Lots of black,
dark blue, dark green, grey, and deep burgundy. It's almost like
everyone is wearing the "winter uniform" of dark on bottom, lighter on
top and dark topper with maybe a scarf thrown in for some color. Which
I know, should be fine and dandy but I guess I'm missing some of the
interesting silhouettes of summer.

Maybe these darker colors just don't photograph as well, but my
impression when I open the front Forum page these days has been that
maybe fall/winter fashions aren't necessarily more exciting than
summer. I'm kind of missing the linen, white, neon brights, pastels,
and other fun colors from summer. I'm missing all the interesting
sandals and the more creative shapes of some of the clothes.

Is it just me having pre-Holiday blues or something? I have been working a lot and haven't had much time to think about fashion. And I will admit I've
been lightening up my entire home decorating wise so it could just be
that I'm having one of those "I miss the beach" moments where I want
weathered driftwood tones and floaty spa like colors.

I'm going to make an effort to wear some lighter colors this winter. I
have the added advantage of mostly warm weather of course but it's not
like it doesn't freeze here. We already had two nights of hard freeze
temps and more are on the way as I type.

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Caro in Oz

rute

Veteran

I guess dark colors don't photograph so well, but for me the excitement is not on color, for me it's all about the fabric, the cut and the way we create an outfit.

Von

Veteran

I don't know, I think that in some climates, it's easier to share pieces from season to season. Around here, I can get by with summer shells under my heavy coat all winter long. It's not really cold enough to warrant me wearing layers inside, or warm footwear - as it rarely snows or dips into the 40s for daytime temps. Today I have on a sleeveless top and a blazer, and more than likely the blazer will come off soon.

I am a big fan of color, and I think that's not seasonal - it's just me. If I can put on something bright, I will. I have been looking for bright 3/4 length sweaters, but truthfully, It's still warmish here and I haven't been motivated to really jump to get any. I usually have a color in my head...and you know how that goes. It's usually the color no one is making that season!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tex, remember that members are taking photos in bad light - or no light. This affects the quality of the outfit. The days are very short in the north. In Seattle at the moment it's dark at 4.30pm. You have no idea how hard it is to fit in a photo shoot of my own outfits along with our schedules and rain.

Also, it depends on what you like. The layers and textures of Autumn and Winter are sublime for some despite the dark colours. And some people prefer dark colours. It's a very subjective thing. Sounds like you prefer Summer. That's fab too. xo

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Tex, I hear what you are saying. I have been thinking a bit about this, too. All dark can be very gloomy -- this is one reason Angie always tries to incorporate bright colour or light/ white into her outfits, I believe. Nothing but black and grey and navy gets depressing!

Also, for those of us with light hair, all dark means less cohesion. It becomes difficult to bookend. It bothers me.

But, at the same time -- the quality of light does make a difference. Here in the north the days are very short. It affects not only our photo -taking ability but also the colours that feel best to wear. This may not be true for everyone, but it's certainly true for me. I love cobalt in summer, for example -- but it doesn't look right on me in winter. Too harsh for me. In winter, I reach for more cranberry and raspberry, when it comes to colour.

Dark bottoms are also practical in our winter weather. Wearing white or off white or even light taupe is very tricky in rainy, slushy, wet conditions. So that's another reason people prefer dark bottoms. It can be difficult to deal with hose if you are wearing a skirt -- I need warm hose, which means that sheer nude is ruled out, so what colour can I wear on the bottom for a long leg line except navy, black, charcoal.

Skirts and dresses also become harder to wear in our colder weather. Shoes become less visible when we're wearing trousers. And often we don't photograph our coats -- which may be what people actually see us in most of the time. Speaking for myself - my coats are happy pieces that make me smile and do add to the outfit.

Having said all that, I am also trying to figure out ways to "bring the light in." And aim to start a post on that.

Anonymous

What Suz said

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Angie, yes, I guess I just didn't realize that I actually kind of like warmer weather dressing. Not necessarily the hottest part of the year, but the days when it reaches maybe 80. Something I don't like about all that "bulk" of layering and needing to keep warm, then going into a heated building or car and immediately feeling like I might suffocate! It's the opposite of the summer AC issue.

And I know you're right in how dark it gets in different areas. When I've been in the PNW on vacation on Christmas I was shocked at how early it got dark. We would be "ready for bed" like at 6 pm!

I know I have been really focused on buying for the warm weather season so my shopping lately has been limited to just a couple of items so I may just be bored with looking at things I know I shouldn't stock up on. Like sweaters and more jackets. Or boots or anything with any amount of wool in it.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Suz, Ceit, glad you two chimed in. I think it's just my ongoing learning process of what works for me, where I live. The light is such an interesting part of the fashion choice Suz - and I hadn't really thought of it consciously, but it is so true - certain colors just don't look the same on us when we are in a different lighting situation. Blue likely looks "bluer" in winter light - and probably does bring out different skin tones, etc.

carter

Veteran

I hear you on the need for color! I'm wearing a hot pink sweater and a red jacket today, so at least the top half is cheery. Bottom is dark skinnies and chocolate boots.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

And the shadows are really harsh at this time of year...which you'd think would make black tougher to wear (it does, probably) --- yet in another way, black and charcoal echo our environment, make us harmonize. Bare branches on trees, sharp contrasts...and the warmth we crave (in reds, cranberries....)

It's different for differently people, of course. I do agree that when I walk down an urban street here in the north -- any street in any city -- I could positively SCREAM at the sight of so many women wearing black head to toe. I find that I dislike it more and more. Even when I am one of those women myself!

As for layering, well, it is a fact of life up here. We have to love it. Texture and shine begin to play a bigger role in choices.

Emily

Veteran

Totally guilty of the low-light outfit photo. I try to incorporate colour and texture, but at this point it is dark when I leave for work and when I get home. I've been trying to post a collage of the pieces I am wearing so that you can imagine it with pattern/texture even if it looks all black

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That makes total sense, Tex. And you know what, I love Summer dressing too - as long as I don't need to combat a/c. I really enjoy dressing for the change of seasons. But I don't like below freezing temperatures for long because it's just too harsh on someone like me who really battles with the cold no matter how layered up with thermals I am. I will welcome the hot flushes I will have one day.

(It feels like 10pm at 6pm at night at the moment).

Like Suz mentioned, I wear bright colours and shades of white year round to combat the doom and gloom emotionally. I am positively affected by my happy colours. But I also like to wear inks and black. I like the change.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

My problem with summer dressing is that I can't get comfortable. 80 deg F is sweltering for me and I'll look like a hot mess in about half a second. I like the idea of light layers and bright colors, but no matter the outfit, I generally feel rotten.

When the colder weather hits, I can keep adding layers until I'm comfortable. It's much easier to feel chic when you're not distressed about temperatures. I also love jackets and scarves and dark colors, so I guess winter dressing is my cup of tea. I do try to inject bright colors because they are mood enhancers for me

deb

Veteran

I understand what you are saying and I think that is why I am gravitating to my colored skinnies. They make me happy in the gloom.

Diana

Veteran

Maybe this has to do with whether one is a maximal or minimal dresser. In summer, I get super bored because there's only so much you can do with one or two pieces and some shoes. When it's really hot I don't even like to have jewelry touching my skin. In winter, I have so many more options - jackets, boots, layered tops, scarves, jewelry, etc. Personally I think my silhouettes are FAR more interesting in winter.
Plus dark, saturated colors are my jam. =) I really have to work at white, for example, whereas I can match black with anything without even thinking about it. Honestly the "light" color in my summer outfits comes mostly from having bare arms and legs.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I apologize that I haven't been taking outfit photos, but I assure you that I am still wearing color - cobalt, fuschia, teal, red, purple, mustard - even on the bottom, including tights. Prints - leopard, dots, florals (but more "wintery" florals if that makes sense). And always a little bit of light mixed in - white, cream, silver or tan. I don't think my color scheme is much different in the cold months, a bit more muted but not much. If I do an all neutral outfit, it is usually in light to medium neutrals. I only wear solid black pants, jeans, or skirt once or twice a month. Not that there's anything wrong with dark bottoms or dark outfits - it's just that my whole office wears them all the time, every season and I get tired of it.

jayne

Veteran

I am with Texstyle, summer, whites, brights, is my love. And dresses, and sandals.

But winter is my major season and I so go for the dark bottoms and bright tops. I give the seasons a big thumbs up for giving me a reason to switch colors every season, try new styles, and shoes.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think I wear pretty much the same colors year round. I might trot out more black and grey in cold season and more white in hot but will wear either choice in any season. And you can see me wearing 'my' colors - berry, cobalt, olive and some red - any and every month of the year.
The biggest change for me is amount of material. Shorts and skirts for pants, tanks for sleeves, etc.
Here is Tahoe winter (1 and 2) vs the last month or two in FL (3 and 4) for comparison.

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E

Veteran

This seems like a happy realisation for you, since you live in Texas!

I've really enjoyed reading all of the comments on this thread, especially the ones about how the light changes and affects how colours are perceived. My own penchant is for muted colours (whether light or dark or in between), and they always seem to look best on overcast days or under a fall/winter sun. I've also noticed dressing for photos is different from dressing for regular life, as to what shows up via the camera. Textures seem especially tricky to capture well unless there's plenty of natural light involved. I'm enjoying everyone's outfits though, even more than in summer, because I love layers!

Gaylene

Veteran

OK, I'm going to chime in with an alternate view because I love the change of light that accompanies a northern winter. I like the starkness of black clothing juxtaposed against the greys and whites of a winter background; to my eye, it's like a black and white photograph. After a summer of brilliant technicolor, I'm ready for the introspection and subtlety of film shot in black and white.

I love wearing my red winter jacket on a sunny winter's day when the sky is a brilliant blue and the ground is an optic white. But, on a grayish day, when the light is filtered, it sometimes just seems right to stay with the gray/black/white palette, pull out my dark charcoal coat and black boots, and limit my shot of color to a pair of burgundy gloves.

rachylou

Veteran

Interesting! I went and had a look at The Wall, and... yes, I can see what you're talking about. I *do* think there's an effect of photography and presenting on a screen, colour and light effects, going on. I mean, you can make a used paper cup into art by mounting it on a big white wall. The contrast makes things sharper and more vivid. One could do that with the blacks, greys, and navys of winter.

But I also think winter is a subdued time of year. The beauty is found in quietness, stillness. It's literally not as lively and always a little forlorn. No doubt part of why the social season is winter and we break it out at the bottom of the year with big celebrations.

pil

Veteran

Based on this thread I just went and changed out my scarf to a brighter one for today's black and brown outfit

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gaylene, your approach sounds like mine, actually. I, too, like to keep to my greys and charcoals and muted tones on the overcast days and add a brighter colour in the sun. So I don't think we are opposed. I definitely gravitate towards more reds in winter than in summer, too.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

It's so interesting reading everyone's take on this. Again, I really thought fall and winter were my favorite seasons. And maybe that's just it - they *were* my favorite seasons in years past. Now, maybe I am gravitating towards spring/summer because I've finally come to terms with the fact that this is my life for at least 7-8 months of the year. YLF has taught me that buying for my dominant season and focusing on it is important.

And I should say that I still love dark colors. I wear a good bit of black and dark navy and charcoal myself (even in summer) but never really "all black" - at least not on a regular day basis.

I do agree with the bright color coat or other pop of color against the gray sky and winter white backdrop - or even against a bright blue winter sky. It's a beautiful way to brighten up winter.

Lisa

Veteran

An interesting observation and spot on too. I find my personal wardrobe has many darker colors for colder months and part of that reason is it is much easier to purchase darker colors in the stores. Also it often feels odd to wear a super bright outfit when it's cold out. Although I do have a yellow wool coat, and that really stands out in a sea of black. Also my WIW photos are a real hassle right now, because I cannot find a good photo spot for the lighting. I leave it's dark, I come home, it's dark. WIWs are always easier for me to take in the summer months.

Astrid

Veteran

My fall and winter outfits aren't as interesting as my spring and summer looks, I agree with you there. We don't really have many nice fall days here before it gets cold and rainy, so quickly practicality and comfort come first. That unfortunately means a uniform of a kind - pants and boots with the odd skirt thrown in. I definitely want to work on the fall/winter part of my wardrobe to get more interest and choice there too, but I find it more difficult. Not to say it isn't possible.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You can wear white and cream in the rain and slush all Winter long. I am living proof of that.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm finding myself not as enamored with cobalt and pink at the moment. Doesn't seem to fit my environments or me. I'm never going to be an all neutral palette, though, so I'm searching for navy, burgundy, rich teal --- all very saturated, but strong colors.

Not sure why I'm experiencing this shift. I'm not even sure I like it yet!

FlorenceFearne

I wear primarily black all year round, and I think a lot of the interest in all black (or very dark colored) outfits is in the texture, and the draping, and the movement. Those qualities are unfortunately very difficult to photograph even in the best of light, and on gloomy days it's all a big blob in a picture. Add to that the fact that often times the choice is look cute and freeze to death, or put on those ugly snow boots AGAIN, and I suppose you're probably right in saying that many winter WIWs are pretty blah looking.

All that said though, this is the time of year I like best, because it's the time when everyone moves to my color palette.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Really interesting post.

I wear the same neutrals all year - grey, ink/navy, whites & black. I only have black because I can't find the styles I like in my other neutrals. To me they feel dramatically different because of the tailoring, fabric & the colours I put with them.

My preference for winter clothes it is more to do with fabric type, the ability to layer &, most importantly for me, tailoring. The more dark & monochrome my outfit the more texture comes into play too