What worked for Nthern Hemisphere Fall and Winter? - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Must Haves: Fall & Winter 2014

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What worked for Nthern Hemisphere Fall and Winter?

Sal

Veteran

March the 3rd here, and while it is still warm and humid, I am starting to think about looking at new season clothes.

There is little distinction between fall and winter clothing here, nor between fall and spring clothing. However trans seasonal clothing is very useful in my climate.

My needs are mostly in smart casual/relaxed work clothes. I see my gaps in trousers/jeans, a new warm sweater or chunky cardigan suitable for working at home or casual evenings in with friends, and a couple of long sleeved lighter weight pieces of knit wear that can be worn solo or with a jacket. I also want some new flat shoes or ankle boots. These must be comfortable to walk 2-3km in. I struggle with this area as my calves are muscular/chunky and I have become self conscious about this.

I doubt I will invest in skirts at all this winter but I am open to the right sort of casual dress or tunic that could be worn with leggings or ankle boots and tights. I struggle with winter dresses - especially with figure flattery. I need some sort of draping or shaping otherwise I look matronly......ahem.

It used to be the case that NZ (and Australia) were a season behind....but fashions move more quickly and fluidly than that now. And while I want to look modern, and am interested in fashion, I seek longevity not a one season wonder.

So what I am interested in, is what worked for Northern Hemisphere people this winter, and what are Southern Hemisphere people thinking about purchasing. Specific pieces won't probably help as buying and returning to the US or UK is hard work....

Thank you in advance!

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Dimity

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm...well, here we are still in the thick of a very, very cold winter with lots of snow still on the ground (and falling). So what worked for me was puffer coat and snow boots!

I think you'll get better advice from those in more temperate climes.

Having said that, a couple of items that truly refreshed my own wardrobe this season:

Cardigans. This surprised me because I tend to think of myself as a jacket person. But the newer styles felt fresh and they allowed me to wear some of my button front shirts more often; I especially liked my long, dramatic one. It worked with pants and skirts. It was a bit tricky under some coats (i.e. I had to choose a longer coat) but nonetheless, was a fun option to have.

A dress that I could wear casually as well as less casually. This one does in fact have some draping/ ruching. They are out there. It seems like Metallicus might be a good bet for you if you have it in NZ, based on Deb and Lyn's finds?

An oversized cashmere sweater: I confess I have worn mine mostly as loungewear, and worn it so much I am well and truly sick of it, but it has been a lifesaver. I don't have it in Finds; it was a J. Crew Collection sweater from last year bought on sale at end of season.

Banana Republic

Merino Wool Long Cardigan

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Banana Republic

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Longer cardigans, tunic length, were big around here, as well as a ton of ankle boots, most flat or with a at most 2" heel. Flat riding boots were still around but not as current.

Although our weather isn't cold enough to justify the really chunky wool sweaters I saw some of them. Fair isle and Aztec patterns were popular. Less waterfall cardigans, more grandpa style with buttons or open but straight across the bottom.

There wasn't that much variation in jeans, mostly skinnies, but I'm seeing a lot of slouchy trousers this spring and that would be a fun update if you don't need to wear tall boots.

Deborah

Veteran

Great post Kiwigal. My seasons are like yours so my needs are similar. I am keen to update my light sweater collections ie. sweaters that are not too heavy and a bit dressy to wear over skinny pants/leggings for work. And I think a long cardigan/coatigan could be a nice addition. Metalicus have a ice one in their new arrivals!!

Sal

Veteran

Yes a long cardigan could be a great buy. They tend to be more flattering on me than sweaters and I have had several versions over the years (red, two in shades of pumpkin orange and one in a soft grey)....but at the moment my only wintery cardigan is loungewear.

I like that dress Suz, and I remember loving it on you. I will need to just try several on and there will be one that works. Length can be an issue too as I am tall - although in winter with leggings or tights I will go shorter than I do in summer when my most flattering length is just below the knee.

Laura, I have no real need for tall boots, I have toyed with the idea of updating my one pair but stayed away. I wear waterproof tall rain boots for winter sports viewing, and solid ankle boots suffice the rest of the time, or sneakers with socks etc.. Shoes and boots are very expensive here in NZ, more expensive than Australia too, and of course the hardest and most important thing to get fitting correctly. So I tend to only update one pair per season unless we travel offshore, or maybe at a stretch three pairs per year.

Deborah, we do have a local Metalicus stockist or two and I will check out their sweaters or cardigans. Is this the one you mean? http://www.metalicus.com/colle.....black.html
(I think Metalicus should employ you to model their clothing, I feel that you wear and style their gear much better than the models on the website).

I am not sure where the equivalent US climate is - we are less rainy than the Pacific North West, not as hot and sunny as SoCal, and less extreme than most of the Mid West or East. Maybe similar to Northern California- with more rain?

Deborah

Veteran

Yes that's the one. It comes in grey also. I like that it looks substantial and has some structure to it. I am tempted to keep an eye on it and stalk it to sale. Keep you eye on Metalicus because I am sure there will be other options in the long cardigan look also. And while I know you have stockists in NZ, you can purchase on line as they will ship to NZ. Thanks for the lovely compliment:) I wish they would open a boutique where I live... they would have to give me a job LOL

Lucy

Veteran

I'll be following this thread with interest! A good planning strategy for us southern hemisphere ladies. My weather is not really cold enough for the chunky knits - it is better to wear a jacket, as it can still be warm in the middle of the day, while I always feel "stuck" in a chunky knit. But glad to hear of the return of the cardigan

Lucy

Veteran

And yes Deborah, I think Metalicus should send you free samples each season!
I'm quite liking the grey skirt with the kind of knotted front that is on sale there ATM, I'm thinking of ordering.

Joy

Veteran

We are still in snowy, cold and icy winter. I second Suz and Laura on long cardigans and ankle boots. I found that my more tailored fit sweaters looked frumpy and I needed something a bit more oversized. Love the ones with asymmetrical hemlines.
I also really enjoyed plaid...jeans, shirts, sweatshirt..they all felt fresh.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

If I lead a less casual life I'd have more to contribute. I live in N. California, low altitude mountains at 2750 ft, average daytime temps in the 50s in winter but this year in the 60s and 70s. Nighttime lows usually in the 30s, sometimes freezing or below. In past years I've needed winter coats but haven't used mine this year! Bulky cardigans are fine for evenings as well.

I've been wearing straight or skinny jeans, with or without distressing. Less distressing than in the past. Booties with a heel under 2". Oversized longer sweaters, whether a cardigan or pullover. Flannel shirts. My dressing habits have not changed that much over the past 3-4 years. I am feeling bored just writing this. Even though our daytime temps aren't that high, I still need layers because indoors aren't overly heated. I went to the dentist yesterday and it was 60 in his office.

I see more leggings when I go to the city. I haven't seen that many track pants, this may be more of a Spring item.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Metric conversions:
2750 ft = 838 Meters
50 degrees F = 10 C
60 degrees F = 16 C
70 degrees F = 21 C
Nighttime 35 degrees F = 2 C

AM

Veteran

Cashmere basics, Inspired wraps, ponchos, scarves. Long, sleek topper coats. Boots that you love.

Meredith

Veteran

Another vote for a fluid sweater - you might find it is more flattering than other sweaters you've tired. Worth a shot. Did you read any of the discussions (on Suz's and possibly other treads) about soft vs crisp layering shirts? I never sprung for flannel, but I do have some soft cotton button front shirts I layered under the pullovers. Great way to add a third piece without too much extra warmth. Sassy sweatshirts have been fun too. I've worn my tall boots to death, but wish I had a pair of flat booties to wear with skinnies. On days it's warm enough for boyfriend jeans I've enjoyed my slip-on sneakers. I bought entirely too much grey and black for the fall/winter and wish I had added more color.

shiny

Veteran

My list is similar to Suz's list:

I have three cardigans that have been absolute workhorses - only one of them is long. Two of them are drapey/cascading. I was off cascading cardigans for awhile, but weight gain + a long breather from them made them look fresh to my eyes again. Cardigans are better than jackets in the winter, because you can pop them more easily under winter coats. Also they are great for temperature regulation - you can peel them off if the weather warms up, or the heat is cranked too high.

My workhorse work or casual dress is a midi-length dress in a very comfy fabric. It is just fitted enough to be flattering but not too body-con. I put fleece leggings underneath, pop my shorter cascading cardigan on top, and wear with booties.

My favorite cashmere sweater is fluid fit bordering on oversized, with asymmetrical cut and zippers on the sides. It's lightweight, packs to nothing, but also super warm.

To add to Suz's list:

Skirted leggings - not sure I'd wear them to work, but I've been wearing them to death on weekends/casual outings. Once I figured out that I could layer fleece leggings underneath. I'll continue to wear them without the fleece leggings as the weather warms up.

Cognac accents - footwear, handbag, belts. I'll probably be retiring these as we move into the Spring. Cognac reads "fall/winter" to me, regardless of the temperature. These additions were invaluable.

You mentioned needing flat shoes (in addition to booties): cognac monk straps is what I added. Didn't get as much use during winter due to too much snow.

Now may be the best time to hunt down your best booties. It seemed to me this was "peak" bootie season and selection was ample. From Angie's recent post, it sounds like next year we'll be awash in tall boots, so if you want to add a pair of booties, do it now.

Neutrals in general. I really enjoyed this fall/winter's trend of combining neutrals together - navy, black, grey, cognac - became core to my wardrobe. Works fantastic for me since I travel so much: makes packing super easy. For spring I'm continuing on this neutral theme, but I'll add more white, and my accent for the season is light blue. I'm all over light blue right now.

Trousers or pants in a trendy shape or pop of color. For example, I added EF drapey pants and the Jcrew Maddie's in red.

Puffer coats. They were everywhere this winter, riding the super lux trend. Good to stock up now - I have a feeling that next winter it'll be all about the wool coat again and puffers will be more difficult to find. This year I added a short puffer in a pretty shade of blue-gray.

Don't forget to add a scarf or two. Every season I add at least one new scarf. Easiest & quickest way to update my wardrobe and feel like everything old is new again. This winter my addition was a BR wool scarf in a windowpane patter of navy and cream. For spring I just added two light blue scarves (similar in color but different in weight - one for early spring and one for late spring/summer).

A lux leather backpack may be a good addition, if you are so inclined.

Hope that helps!

Lyn D.

Veteran

Great post KG!
I am reading with interest, and already have a new long cardigan to wear when the cooler weather arrives here.

Sal

Veteran

I will keep you all posted...I am definitely hoping to see some colour in the shops soon, rather than all dark. I love a bit of black but got a real lift from a few ivory pieces in the closet in winter 2014 (scarf, woolen hat and crepe top).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I love that Mettalicus cardigan! I had a similar one a few years ago and adored it; wore it all the time. Actually wore it out. The structure is a really nice element.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I added knits last winter so I'm okay there. I've tried on a couple of long cardigans but I'm not sure I like them enough (for me). Still looking for another pair of pointed toe booties but I think we are a little behind when it comes to great footwear - I may need to go to Melbourne The only thing I'm looking for is a dressier coat & my HEWI pants suit.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Do come to Melbourne Caro
I have already added three knits-
an asymmetrical short sleeved tunic for layering,
a funnel-neck cross-over vest
and a longish cocoon cardigan.
Have you purchased anything yet Kiwigal?

Sal

Veteran

Only one item, a black boyfriend style blazer, it is quite boxy but I think will look great with straight or skinny jeans. It was from an upmarket thrift store where the prices are normally in the $40-$80 range but there is a great selection of brands. It cost me $45 and is made of a thick textured silk, but it is definitely day wear not evening wear.

I did also buy the black dress I wore in my last WIW as my addition to my evening capsule. This is not really a winter purchase though.

I am treading cautiously. We have a son about to get braces, an upcoming house renovation and so I cannot afford a lot of new items. So I need to buy items where I will appreciate them the most. My list has not changed from above although I realised I may buy less knitwear and get a chambray or denim shirt instead of one of them. This would work with my jeans, a pencil skirt I enjoy wearing, and could even work as a cover up in spring over tanks with shorts.

I have been keeping an eye out for the flat boots or shoes with no success as yet.

Dimity

I'm looking for a long grey maxi cardigan and a pair of loafers plus a white skivvy. I already bought culottes and wide leg pants. There are lots of these things about so it's a case of finding the right one for me.