Wearing the right clothes at the right time

Of the importance of TPO (Time, Place and Occasion), i.e. the art of selecting the right outfit for each setting.

Why is it that people are often reluctant to properly layer before going out when it's cold or raining outside?

The situation is not as bad today as it was 20 to 30 years ago, since mentalities have considerably evolved. But this reluctance is still a factor -and it is largely due to the fact that to a lot of people, properly adapting to the weather is often seen as overkill, cosplaying, or just a waste of time. 

I remember in the early 90's, when I was getting ready to go to school, my mother would chase me around the house to get me to wear my polar fleece pullover. I knew for a fact that my classmates would make fun of me for wearing this piece that was seen as too casual, slouchy, funny-looking or just out of the ordinary and I was afraid to wear it. 

                                                                                                                    Rocking fleece with confidence

We have come a long way since that time, and wearing clothes that fit the weather is more socially acceptable today. Yet, I still hear people telling me they don't need to wear a rain jacket "because they're not going on a hike", or they don't want to wear linen pants "because it makes them look as if they were on holiday".

This right here, is the myth I am trying to dispel with this article: wearing the right clothes at the right time does NOT look ridiculous and there are absolutely stylish ways of doing so!

Just remember one thing: the first time cavemen put on animal skin was because they were cold. It is only after that it became a symbol of social distinction.

In my humble opinion, clothes are function first, form second. Looking good is a must, but clothes must serve a purpose. We all wish we could wear breathable, light cotton all the time. But wearing nice cotton clothes and low-top summery sneakers in the rain will only make you miserable and soggy. You will then stop exuding confidence, and therefore stop being stylish!

HOWEVER, you can totally wear clothes that are stylish and functional at the same time: style and function are not mutually exclusive, and this will be the common thread of every article you will find in this blog.

This is why you should always consider what the weather is like and where you are going before thinking of what to wear. Check out the weather forecast and open the window. Once you have a clear picture of what the weather is like, you can start picking and choosing from your wardrobe to build the ideal outfit for the day (or the night). Is it raining? Pack your rain jacket. That's fine if you're running errands cycling, but if you're commuting to work and want to look elegant, throw on some sort of water-resistant trench coat and bring an umbrella. Windy? You don't have to wear a rain jacket. A windbreaker will be enough. Sunny outside? Get your sunglasses. Very hot? Breathable fabrics are a must. Think cotton, linen, etc.

Get it? The questions you should ask yourself should always be:

• What's the weather like?

• Where am I going?

• What do I have in my wardrobe that fits this situation?

In that order.

Have you ever layered too heavily, feeling excessively warm or not enough and felt very cold as a result? Yeah, it is not the best place to be. That can impact your mood and ruin your day. Worse than that, it can affect your health and disrupt your plans. So think wisely before stepping out of the house.

How do I go about this you ask? Simple.

Either start with the shoes, or the jacket (if you need one). I personally tend to start with the shoes (formal/informal, water resistant or not). Then the jacket/coat (water/wind resistant, insulated, chic, etc.). This choice informs the fit and nature of the midlayer and the base layer. Then I choose the pants (light/thick, quick-drying or not, dressy or casual). Finally, bag and accessories.

This is obviously a lot easier in the late spring/summer, granted you don't forget accessories such as hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Have you ever spent extended periods of time in the sun with no proper hat on? Very bad idea.

The key is to always dress intentionally and never be solely driven by what you want to wear. Let the weather and the occasion dictate your choices. Then start playing around with the best options you have at your disposal and style them in a way that feels personal!