Winter Woollies - Wonderful

Winter is here, and I hate to say it, but I for one am delighted.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the heat and I appreciate that everything looks better when the sun is out.  My problem is summer clothes. 

I reckon people are split into 2 camps:  winter and summer.  I like nothing better than wrapping myself up in woolly knits, boots and a scarf.  I’m not partial to cold weather but I relish the change in the air that tells me autumn is approaching – must be something to do with school and the approach of a new academic year I think. 

Summer just seems like such hard work.  As you age, bare legs just don’t have the same appeal.  Saggy knees and varicose veins don’t look attractive however much self tan you apply (and we all know that excessive sun bathing is a no-no).  Unprotected feet mean massive blisters, and hobbling, rather than sashaying, in high heeled sandals doesn’t have the same effect.  There is the dilemma of depilation.  We all know waxing is better for long terms results, but who wants to show off hairy pins in the interim?  Wobbly upper arms are another source of discomfort.  Sweating under long sleeves isn’t a pleasant option for us older women.

What about work?  In the US, legs without hose are considered a major faux pas and the women who dare to bare are considered to be the bottom of the heap in terms of promotional prospects.  Sandals, toe cleavage and skirts worn above knee level are considered ‘tarty’ so no respite there either.  So do we continue to sweat away in our corporate suits and pray for fierce, air conditioning in our offices and cars?  Looking at some office workers, I suspect not.

How envious I am of those women that look great in skimpy tops, flip flops and floaty skirts.  They seem to have radiance and an ease about them that I can never match.  Summer people often tend towards the natural and have no need for protective makeup to look fresh and dewy.  Compare that with us winter types who couldn’t move without our face on and consider the beach a nightmare unless waterproof foundation and lippy are in place. 

Summer also seems to bring out a different side to men.  Normal dress codes suddenly disappear, giving way to displays of bare flesh - beer bellies, bum cleavage and all.  Can they not see that this is not always attractive?   Perhaps they too want to rid themselves of the constraints of warmer clothing to feel freer in the process.

I will reiterate the good news for ladies reading this who hated this year’s summer trends of those ‘Little Bo Peep’ smocks that mimicked pregnancy.  Neat tailoring and cinched in waists are back so we can show off our assets in a covered-up way.  If you feel the need to hide your body, you’ll find oversized sweaters and jackets (borrow your man’s) and huge necklines may fit the bill.  To divert attention, large bags and bling may be just what you need.  Skinny jeans are out and wide legs are in, as is the higher waistline – comfort for all of us with a tummy to hide. 

Not such good news for the men though.  A key trend is the short legged trouser, with hem ending at ankle level.  I can’t believe this will catch on, though some men I know have been wearing their trousers like this for years!  Combat gear and geeky glasses are also headlining, alongside quirky combinations of tuxedo and bovver boots.  An interesting mix but something for everyone this time around.