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 Crocheted sweaters are right in style this season, with plenty of holes for built-in air conditioning. Cardigan, $79.95(US), H&M, hm.com. |
Dear Marilyn:
I am having a problem editing my closet because my clothes are too heavy for my new menopausal body thermostat. I would love to wear my summer clothes all year round. How can someone with a fluctuating comfort zone dress for the winter and not look out of season? - Fauna
Dear Fauna:
Hot flashes bring tropical moments to individuals, regardless of their surrounding temperature. Much like editing your wardrobe for any other circumstance, you must put together clothing so that you feel comfortable throughout your day and still look seasonally appropriate.
The solution is to set realistic wardrobe objectives so that you can solve your individual conundrum.
You may feel like an overheated furnace at times, but you can hide the effects by wearing clothes that wick away moisture or absorb it without revealing it. Items in printed and textured fabrics and knits will conceal the results of excess perspiration.
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Review your cardigans and jackets, as layering items that combine a light airy feel will help. Retain the ones that you can wear for all four seasons. Crochet and loose woven cardigans can be winterized, and anchored with tanks and shells in darker shades for underpinnings. You can eliminate things like turtlenecks that feel confined and heavy. Substitute these with cowl necks or tops with open necklines.
Items in blended fabrics with a rayon or cotton or viscose content will feel fresh and do the job, regardless of sleeve length, but avoid wool or cashmere anything. These materials are guaranteed to help you reach the boiling point.
Pair your tops with bottoms in dark cottons, matte jerseys, leather and suede which will relate to winter and deliver the comfort as you require. Underneath those, wear socks, knee highs and stay-up stockings as you require, but stay away from confining tights and pantyhose.
Make a light shawl part of your total dressing plan. It will add texture and colour to your ensemble, and when you overheat, makes it easy to pare down to your sleeveless shell and use it to cover your arms.
Around your neck, slip light-feeling scarves under the collar for positive effects without feeling warmer. If your outfit needs "neck fill", don't opt for a heavy scarf, but use jewelry instead.
A vest over a jacket will winterize and tailor your look, while keeping your temperature moderate. Wearing it sleeveless over a shirt or light long sleeve top will be cooler than most coats.
When the weather gets truly cold, consider an all-weather fabric anorak that can slip over anything from a shirt to a heavier jacket. You'll look bundled up, but in reality you'll only be layered as much as necessary for your comfort.
On your feet, avoid insulated fleece and shearling-lined boots that will make you steam. Leather-lined options will keep you cozy without reaching a boiling point.
Co-ordinate your clothes so they feel light, look heavy enough for the season and achieve your best look without forfeiting your comfort. Select well, combine as you require, and you will ultimately be in control of your personal thermostat as well as your message.
Take actions to make your clothes work for you in every way and enjoy the results of accomplishing your goal of a comfortable seasonally appropriate wardrobe, menopausal or not.
"Wardrobe Doctor" Marilyn Wetston is the owner of Marilyn's in Toronto's fashion district, the host of a weekly radio program and the author of columns helping people with their fashion dilemmas. Visit her site at Marilynwetston.com