Life in D.C. means life in a northern city in the South, which at this time of year means that Mother Nature is kind of confused. The sun is hot, but there's a cool breeze in the air. So is it still appropriate to wear summer clothes or is it time for fall? This is a complicated and highly subjective matter because there are so many factors involved in answering this question.
Fabric is key. You can wear tweeds and corduroys now, but with limitations. Black corduroy pants are not appropriate yet, but a lighter colored cord, such as khaki for boys or mustard yellow for girls, are completely acceptable when paired with lightweight tops and accessories. The same rule applies for girls' skirts - lighter colored corduroy is fitting.
You can wear tweed as shorts or accessories like headbands, but stay away from larger tweed pieces for another month or so. At that time we will fully promote the wearing of tweed, for instance, as jackets for girls and suits for boys.
For those of you who can't seem to let go of summer materials, you should be aware that the end of September marks the deadline for seersucker and linen. These fabrics, while comfortable and classic, are not appropriate once the leaves turn.
When the sun is shining, feel free to wear (almost) any summer outfit you wish, but with rain come new rules:
-Rain boots are about the only boots appropriate for current weather conditions. The purpose of leather and suede boots is to keep your feet warm and to protect them from snow, but even suede requires weatherproofing. Since the average D.C. temperature in September is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, your Uggs probably shouldn't even be in the District yet.
-Don't wear white in a downpour. We all know the adage "no white after Labor Day," but we believe the old wives were a little off. Your white pieces are still appropriate until about October. However, there are exceptions, rain being the biggest.
-Just because it's raining doesn't mean you have to dress like it's November. Wear bright rain boots with plain shorts, a colorful blouse or top and a rain or trench coat. Plus, don't forget a fabulous printed or vibrant umbrella. If you really want to go the extra mile, wear a cute pair of coordinating knee socks that peek out the top of your rain boots.
Here are a few more rules for the transition into fall you should remember:
-Leggings shouldn't be worn with skirts or dresses yet. In general, we notice that the leggings are unnecessary. If it's hot enough to wear your flip-flops, it's too hot to wear your leggings. However, a casual look with an oversized top can be chic daywear.
-Moccasins aren't appropriate until the weather turns colder. Follow the same rules for mocs that you would for suede boots.
-We know you're all excited about lightweight scarves, but at 1 p.m. on a hot day, we also recognize that you are very warm. If your neck or any other part of you is sweating because of the heat, remove that scarf immediately.
- A beret is the chic girl's perfect accessory, but she acknowledges that the wool knit variety must be saved for November through early March. Only crocheted berets are okay at this time of year.
-Let's reiterate about Uggs: If you happen to own a pair of these formerly trendy and hip boots, at least wear them solely as slippers in the dorms, or save them for when you're actually cold. The anomaly that is Uggs and jean skirts or shorts is unfathomable: is it possible to be hot enough for bare legs, but cold enough for sheepskin boots? We think not.
-Guys should be mindful that if it's cold enough to be wearing a long-sleeve tee shirt, please put on pants. There are some exceptions to this rule, but they can be tricky to pull of. If you're unsure, stick to the basics and just wear pants with a short sleeve shirt. If you think you might still be cold, grab a cardigan or hoodie.
We'll be the first to tell you that clothes are meant to be stylish, but what's important to remember is that they must also be functional. This means dressing according to the weather conditions. Be sure to follow these rules along with your own personal style, and you'll definitely be chic and appropriate.
You can reach these columnists at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
