Transitioning Seasons

Universally, once the calendar turns to March, we all start thinking of spring. Regardless of where you live, this time of year is marked by unpredictable weather and inconsistent temperatures. That leaves us either bundling up too much or not enough.

How do you combat this problem? You rely on the transition piece. A transition piece is a garment that can be layered and easily worn with any outfit in any situation. This item is a real workhorse, serving multiple roles throughout the seasons.

When shopping for such an item, there are a few fundamental requirements: it can be layered (arms and shoulders aren’t too snug); it’s lightweight, but still provides some warmth; it’s a color which you’re comfortable wearing any time of year; and its fabric is durable but also has some give to it. If you want the ultimate in functionality, choose something that’s reversible.

One of the best examples of a transition piece is a jacket that is either faux suede, leather, or a heavy knit. It can be a brighter, solid color, like pink or grey, and is loosely fitted in the front while still having some structure to it in the back. It can look like a traditional blazer or an open-draped jacket that easily pairs with pants at the office or goes from day to night with a camisole.

Overall, regardless of function, it needs to be comfortable and an item that you reach for often. Be prepared to spend a bit more, particularly since it plays multiple roles. When you do the math on the cost-per-wear, it will beat out most other items in your closet. Keep an eye out for this garment at your designer consignment shop as you can get higher quality for a lesser price.

Tammy’s Truism: The more functional the piece, the more patient you need to be when shopping for it.