Summer wardrobe vs winter wardrobe

For years I maintained that my favourite time of the year to dress for was the colder months that make up autumn and winter. At the time, I had more cold weather appropriate clothes than those suited to warmer temps hanging in my closet and so this opinion was only natural. Over the past year or so however, a shift has occurred (thanks in large part to successfully filling in some of the glaring gaps in my wardrobe that I chatted about back at in January) and the balance now veers more towards spring and summer.

I'm not bothered by this shifting of the scales, I just find it fascinating, as it may very well be the first time (at least in my adult life) that such has ever occurred. Beyond the garments themselves, I catch myself thinking about how, as winter's wrath looms ever nearer, it will soon be bitingly cold and fearfully snowy once again, which means that more vintage outfit posts will need to be snapped indoors (or in outdoor locations that are sheltered from the elements - though, lest you just want to see my winter coat time and time again, indoor posts will become a must).




{The November-y vibe of this beautifully illustrated autumn 1947 cover of Town and Country magazine looks a lot like the view outside my window right now, and is what got me thinking about the topic of today's post. Image via mikeyashworth on Flickr.}



While I have a lovely collection of summer dresses, skirts, and even a few more pairs of shoes than I started 2012 off with, I won't be running around town in the same outfit all fall and winter. My beloved cardigan and lightweight knit collection is a cornerstone of my wardrobe that comes into play no matter the season, and of course staples like my Freddie's jeans and overalls, as well as my heavier weight skirts, blazers, and dresses are already springing back into action.

So the question becomes, which half of the year (because, let's face it, the old joke about their only being three seasons in Canada - winter, summer, and hockey - rings true more often than not) is my favourite to dress for these days?

Truth be told, I'm not sure. I think that I'll be better able to answer that question when spring 2013 rolls around and I've had a winter of putting together outfits with my current, expanded wardrobe under my vintage belt. I see the pros and cons of each, and have reasons why I adore each one.

Summer means sheer stockings or bare legs, toes poking out of cute wedge heels, feather light fabrics, crisp white blouses, and hair that never needs to worry about being squashed by a hood or toque.

Winter on the other hand however, brings with it the return of sumptuous, tactilely pleasing fabrics like velvet, suede, and cashmere. It never bats an eye when you but a cardigan over a blouse over a cami, tucking the trio into a wool pencil skirt after you slip into an opaque pair of tights. It's cosy and familiar, and in some ways easier to dress for if you're not one (and I'm certainly not) who likes to flash an abundance of skin.

Ultimately I see it less as a question of summer vs winter and more about the enjoyable challenge of making as many pieces in my closet work for as much of the year as possible, just as I know many of your stylish gals do, too.

Though, I'm sure, come the end of February I'll be champing at the bit to slip into a short sleeve, super airy cotton dress and little more once again, for the time being, I'm utterly content that fall/winter is here and am genuinely excited about dressing for the freezing cold season (must be the Canadian in me talking!).

Inquiring minds would love to know where you weigh in on this topic? What season, or half, of the year do you most like to dress for more, my dears?