Transitional Hours, Not Days

Ginger

I'll throw this out there: My biggest dressing challenge isn't transitional weather. You know, that time in fall and spring when it's cool but not cold, almost warm but never hot. (Actually, I don't know. I've never experienced it, but I've read about it a lot.)

My problem is transitional hours. Today, for example:

6 AM: 39F
11 AM: 61F
4 PM: 71F
(and least 75 in the sunroom where I work, with windows and door open)

How DO you dress for this?? I used to think it was just the bad luck of my working hours. Walking in from the car in the pre-dawn cold, leaving in the warmest hour with my coat over my arm. But it's almost as awkward at home.

My outfit from today: sweater dress, sweater tights, sweater boots, long hoodie, hair down. By 3 PM I had taken off everything but the dress, pushed its sleeves up, and bunned my hair; and I almost turned on the ceiling fan. But by 5:30 my toes were icy and I piled the layers back on. I've still got the door open and my hand is getting cold.

I'm just whining. It was a gorgeous day, but the temperature change is so extreme I can't just "set" my outfit for the day and not think about it again. I prefer that, and it works in either hot or cold weather. But today I had to keep thinking: Is it really getting hotter? Will I regret taking off the hoodie? Without the tights how soon will my toes get cold? Am I really starting to sweat in this dress? Should I turn the fan on? Is it really getting cold before the sun is down?

At least the HVAC didn't turn on both heat and cold today!

4 years ago

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from always trying

Anonymous

I tend to dress badly for this but your description is making me think that the answer might be to dress for the warmest possibility and then add on, so for example no t shirts that are so only wearable under sweaters, etc.

Pants are easier than dresses for me because I find tights too warm for anything but the coldest weather but don't like bare legs in anything but the warmest!

4 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i had to look up where you live. here in the frozen north, the extremes are 41 in the predawn to a high of 47 at 3pm.

i want your weather!

also, it's a bear to be prepared for such extremes. layers!

4 years ago

slim cat

Veteran

Big blanket - that's what I use when the temperature cools down in the evening. Hot cup of tea with honey helps too .
After long hot CA summer I'm kinda looking forward to cooler weather - even with big temperature drops.

4 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

Layers! And moving from room-to-room can help, too. We have two rooms that get really hot (provided it is sunny enough outside), and if I have overdressed, sometimes I have to pack up shop and move to a cooler room. I usually have the opposite problem. Freezing early in the morning, but by the time I add hot coffee and a shower, I am sweaty. Fast forward an hour and I am freezing again!

4 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Very tricky. Cardigans, dressy lightweight puffers and possibly leggings or hosiery to remove. Also light scarves.

I often find I am badly dressed at either the start or the middle of the day in these situations (but my range is smaller so it is easier).

4 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

We have this every day, year round. We usually have a 30 degree difference between morning and afternoon. It’s related to the humidity. The lower the humidity, the bigger the difference. What works? Layers, obviously, but I often wear a couple of light layers. For example, the other day I wore a very light top with a nanopuff vest on top. Today I wore a Patagonia better sweater in the morning, and them switched to a lighter layer for the afternoon. I would rather be a little chilly than be caught dressed too warmly. A big mug of coffee helps me stay warm in the morning, and a big glass of ice water cools me off in the afternoon.

4 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I hear you big time. It is more so since retirement , since we don’t keep house frigid in summer and there are some drafts in winter. Hence house temperature flexes more through the day, and I work outside in the yard/ garden at different times of day, and may go to grocery store or doctor appointment.
So I actually change clothes sometimes 3-4 time a day.
But for a given “ role”, I have to rely on layers. Outside that might include LS T and light fleece vest and gardening jacket. If reading indoors I might wear a jacket and have to use a throw in early morning and shed layers if doing chores.
I do some exercise in a.m. and may have to start bundled up to face getting out from under the covers, then toss off layers as I get moving , then add them back as cool down.
Our temps here are going from ~ 35- 40 to 55- 70, but cooling down further every week .
It has been affecting how I think about my wardrobe favorites. I like knots a lot and often like some medium- weight weaves, in cottons or blends, to wear in “ translation “ temps, but one problem is that these are harder to layer over/ or. what I mean is, they are slightly bulky so would need a loose jacket over
Mostly I pick a pair of pants that seems most likely to work over a range, and I do the on/ off adjustments with top layers, but if temps fluctuate a lot , I have to change those too.
I think it’s partly because I hate to be cold, but I will get hot and sweaty if I’m being very active and am overdressed, and I prefer feeling “ just right”!

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I know exactly what you’re talking about. I carry my coats is what I do, take them on and off, which is a big pain.

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Fall is big temperature swings in Colorado. In the morning and evening you have low temperatures, the lowest first thing in the morning. Right now highs are above 70 F but lows may be below freezing. Layers are key. I start dressing with a sleeveless shell or tank but add at least two layers to that. A lot depends non if you are in the sun. It is hot and high altitude. For a dog walk I today I got too warm in the sun in a heavy sweater/ coat.
I had to remove that layer down to an open knit sweater and tank. Socks with booties felt fine. We saw people in puffers with shorts,,a little of everything..

4 years ago

Liesbeth

Veteran

Man that's hard! I would probably not dress too warmly in that situation and put a blanket over my legs and a big scarf on top so that those are the first (non-clothes) layers that can be removed. And wear cardigans you can close or open depending on the heat at that time. Sweater dresses are reserved in my home for days I know will be spent reliably cold.

4 years ago

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

It is NOT easy! I find it very tricky to create any kind of "outfit" when you don't know which layers are going to stay on or off....how an outfit looks with the scarf or jacket may be very different without. My current problem is that when I get home, I remove my shoes....and the current rage for wide leg crops means that my lower calves are all drafty and chilly without my boots on! And wide leg crops look REALLY STUPID paired with the slippers that I wear in the house. So.....that's another thing. No solutions here, just also whining!

4 years ago

Minaminu

Veteran

oh dear, this is worse than here in the UK!!! I think you dressed very cleverly, layers may be the only solution for this type of weather!
It must be quite difficult to have a seasonal wardrobe, how do you cope with it?

4 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

This is tricky and for me having a quick outfit change is easier than feeling too hot or cold for part of the day.

4 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I end up transitioning back and forth through about three different sets of clothing per day. Morning dog walk involves puffer, vest, overpants. Peel those off and find the exercise leggings and tank underneath. And then the rest of the day is what's comfortable inside, although that varies from room to room because my office is cold. Afternoon dog walk involves coat and draperies.

4 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

I am definitely not alone in this!

Phoebe, dressing for the warmest and adding layers is the best overall strategy I've found, too. It can get awkward when the warmest is really shorts weather! But aside from that, it tends to work best.

bj1111, what you have now is what we had last week. Last Tuesday the high temperature was 41! But yeah, layers are how it works.

slim cat, I definitely pulled out the blanket last week. And I've had enough hot tea to float away sometimes.

nemosmom, I was tempted several times during the summer to pack up and move to the cooler dining room on the north side. I've got a pretty good setup and I use all of it, so I just toughed it out! But I can handle heat better than cold. Heat just makes me tired; but cold is distracting and makes me cranky.

Sal, oh, don't tempt me to get more puffers! I love how warm and light they are. I really hate feeling badly dressed, and uncomfortable for it.

JAileen, it's definitely related to humidity. Last week it was horribly unpleasant, raining/drizzling for four days, one day barely into the 40s but not much colder overnight. Layers work pretty well, though my extremities are very cold-sensitive. It's super annoying to be almost sweating and yet have icy fingers.

4 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

unfrumped, I could have written your response!

"I think it’s partly because I hate to be cold, but I will get hot and sweaty if I’m being very active and am overdressed, and I prefer feeling “ just right”!"

Yes! I want to be "just right," erring on the side of too warm. But being hot and sweaty because I'm overdressed is so aggravating.

When I'm working at home, I'm sitting at a computer for 10-11 hours. There's not much activity to be done and I already run pretty cold. A walk through the house or around the yard is nice but doesn't really warm me up for long.

And then the struggle of having to choose only pieces that are good for layering. Too bulky or clingy or cut big and it's not worth it. And I tried wearing pants some over the weekend, but honestly, I still get pretty cold in them. Leggings and tights feel warmer.

I hear you!

4 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like what we have been experiencing in the desert! Layers, and sometimes an afternoon change from a long sleeve top to a short sleeve one, have been my solution. But I know you are partial to dresses and skirts. I think the strategy of dressing for the warmest part of the day and layering accordingly is a solid one.

4 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

rachy, oh gosh yes. Carrying coats, off and on with it, awkward to carry it sometimes but feel stupid to be walking around with it hot. And being in the sun/shade makes such a huge difference in these temperatures, too.

Joy, Colorado does sound similar to this at the moment. That's the kind of extreme layering I'm having to do at the moment. Except I don't even have the excuse of exercise.

Liesbeth, those are smart tips. I have a love/hate relationship with blankets and scarves - I love the cozy look and feel, but I struggle to keep the blanket tucked in and have to keep unwinding myself when I need to get up. And scarves keep rearranging themselves and can actually make me overheat. I do have a variety of sweater dresses; yesterday's was pretty lightweight.

Jessikams, you made me laugh! But I agree so much. "how an outfit looks with the scarf or jacket may be very different without." Oh yes. It's a LOT of thought to come up with something that I like at all layers. "And wide leg crops look REALLY STUPID paired with the slippers that I wear in the house." LOL preach!! I end up with some totally ridiculous-looking stuff, especially when I strip down for really warm temperatures and then need to start bundling up again.

Minaminu, thank you! At least this doesn't last that long. Last week it was damp and cold, and it may go back to that next week. Not as pretty but easier to dress for. For a seasonal wardrobe... honestly, I just have a lot of clothes, and I keep them out (almost) year-'round. That way I have the heavy cardigans available to layer with lightweight dresses.

Bijou, a quick change is worth it sometimes. Today is supposed to be almost 80 so I suspect I'll have to do that.

UmmLila, that does sound like you have a good strategy. It is complicated!

4 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

Janet, layering works, except when the warmest part is actually hot. Today should be close to 80! I haven't figured out a way to layer shorts, and bulky slippers and cardigan look silly with a semi-sheer linen dress! :p

4 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ginger, I hear you. Sometimes the only answer for real comfort is an outfit change!

4 years ago

Anonymous

This is my worst nightmare. I HATE feeling hot and dishevelled, and when I've overdressed in the morning and the day turns warm, it can absolutely throw me off my game for the day. I'd rather be a little chilly than too warm any day of the week . Layering is the obvious solution but I still don't get that right all the time.

4 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

lisa I can deal with being hot purely from a temperature standpoint - but I hate being hot because I'm overdressed! It's uncomfortable and like you said, dishevelled. It's really, really hard to get the right combination of layers.

4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ginger, pants seem a more practical solution because you don't need to commit to hosiery. So what Phoebe said.

At home, I'd change my outfit. Also blankets and HOT tea in the morning!

For work, I'd keep a heater at my desk in the morning, and a fan in the same place in the afternoon. We have a Dyson that does both.

I'm wearing this knitted jacket as I type right now. Very cosy. It will come off later as our office warms up.

Boden

Clarendon Knitted Jacket

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Top Pick

4 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

Hi Angie, thank you for the suggestions! Pants are honestly a bit sensitive for me. They've been a major source of anxiety ever since I was teenager. I know where to order and return tall sizes now, and how to alter them so they fit okay, but aren't part of my style. I just got two new pair of jeans (getting the true-waist styles while they're available). I like having jeans for days when I'm up and around, running errands or doing physical work. But they're not warm enough or comfortable for 10+ hours sitting. (Same with denim shorts, which I do love! Just not for workdays.) I've got lots of sweater tights, basically like looser leggings with feet, so I don't have to find matching socks. :p

I have lots of tea! I'm glad that it's cool enough to enjoy hot tea again. I make a whole pot and drink several cups throughout the morning. Though I need to buy a tea cozy now! I'll be working from home into 2021, so at least it's easy to change clothes when I need to. I had a heater at work, but didn't bring it home with me in March. I'm eyeing a super cute Vornado one that will live in my airy, breezy bathroom when it's not in my office space!

That is one adorable jacket! The bishop sleeves are so cute and look comfortable, and the fuzzy collar seems like it would be cozy.

4 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I tend to dress for the projected high temperature on any given day. I do, however, throw on layers over it as needed, so I can shed them as the day wears on. For me, that actually looks weird:
On my way to work-hat and scarf and gloves and jacket or coat.
First hour at work: coat, scarf, gloves are gone. Only my ears are covered.
Afternoon: sweating my buns off, even though I dressed for the projected high temp.
Menopause is a nightmare, and I'd rather be dressed in clothes that are a bit too light for the weather, because hot flashes make all clothes miserable

4 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Sorry to revive an old thread, but just wanted to add my two cents:
Like a few others here have mentioned, I find layering to be key (the days are often much hot here in Hong Kong, with high humidity, but when it gets cold there's no central heating to keep things consistent). But, more importantly perhaps, is to layer with breathable fabrics.

I find silk to be great at keeping you cool when it's warm & warm when it's cool. So if I'm not able to peel off all my layers in time, at least I don't end up sweating profusely as much as if my undergarments were made of, say, polyester. I've also started buying more cotton tops & wool outerwear for similar reasons. Hope that helps!

3 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I agree with Zaeobi about silk. One of my best pieces was a quilted silk jacket. It always felt just right. I also find that cashmere can be warm but not too warm. It is very light weight, but is more likely to be too warm than silk. Denim can also work because it is heavy but stands away from the skin.right now it drops to below freezing at night but can get quite warm during the day. Humidity is almost always low.

3 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. That’s funny. I find silk cold when it’s cold and hot when it’s hot! I’m so weird! Lol. But I do find wool fairly well thermoregulating... I can wear it up to 75 degrees (!)

3 years ago

always trying

Veteran

You are not in Colorado. I complain because in southern California on the coast temperature is 20 or more difference between morning and afternoon. But worse is going a couple of miles inland it is 10 to 20 degrees warmer.

3 years ago

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