After my last two posts (In Transition and In Transition Encore), I just wanted to add a few words on why I’m exploring this topic. I mean, it’s enough work to come up with seasonal wardrobes in the first place— now we have to mix them together?!

Every year I have the same struggle with getting my summer wardrobe together: why should I invest a lot of money, time, and effort into hot-weather clothes that in all likelihood will only be worn for a few weeks out of the year? (This applies to clothes that are bought, as well as ones that I make myself.) Well, as I’ve been finding out this year, the key is in planning. If I put more of the up-front effort into strategic planning, it should not only save shopping time, but also the time I might otherwise spend later in either returning items that don’t work, or in taking them to the thrift store. Not to mention whatever it takes to replace those rejected pieces!

So here’s the deal, and granted, it’s pretty general, but I think you can take this concept and apply it to your own wardrobe: think in terms of trans-seasonal fabrics and colors. Translation: if you stay away from extremes, e.g. very dark or light colors, very thick or very sheer fabrics, you should have good opportunities for mixing and matching your seasonal pieces.
The heavy linen I used for my trousers (see In Transition) is a good example of versatility in both weight and color; even though the main color is a pale green, the darker side stripes (which happened more or less by accident, or really out of necessity— see Closet Confessions) really help the trousers to work with the darker fall pieces I’ve paired them with. And the vibrant oranges in my cotton knit dress (In Transition Encore) blend beautifully with the gorgeous greens and browns that we typically see in fall color palettes, don’t they?

To be honest, I didn’t actually think that far ahead when I was making these trousers and summer dress. (Oops.) But now that I’ve started focusing on planning ahead (what a concept!), I’m sure I’ll do better when spring rolls around again. Meanwhile, I’m still having fun mixing my summer and fall pieces— hope you are too! I’d love to see your cross-season outfit ideas!