Reverse the Season ... Wear Your Fall/Winter Buys in Spring (If You're Living In The Southern Half of The World)

The first week of September is yet to end but the October issue of VOGUE Australia is already available in major bookstores.

Like a messenger of the Australian fashion world, the October issue of Australian VOGUE heralds the exultant arrival of spring in Down Under with a host of great finds from the major runways. But when I mention the major runways, I’m referring to the current fall/winter collections that are selling like hot cakes in stores now.

So, the question is: How do you wear fall/winter runway pieces from the likes of Prada, Gucci and Hugo Boss in the middle of summer? Although you can always opt for the spring/summer collections conceived by the Australian, New Zealand or Chilean designers, wearing fall/winter in spring is considered sensible since the temperature is more or less akin to the winter, but tad milder.

However, would you be able to imagine yourself in Chanel’s furry jumpsuit walking around Sydney in the extreme heat of summer? Oh no, God would certainly forbid that. But as always, the key to wearing fall/winter in spring without being seen like an alien is by taking certain factors into measure such as colours, materials, patterns and silhouettes. Compared to the previous seasons, fall/winter collections today are much more colourful and laden with versatile prints.

Miu Miu felt dress with metallic flower appliqués in lively neon colours, collegiate sweaters and shorts in summer harvest hues by Balenciaga and Etro’s kimono dresses with obi belts are among the ideal fall/winter pieces that could work effortlessly in the southern spring and summer, largely due to their animated colour scheme and characteristic prints, as well as the non-cumbersome materials used.

If you’re thinking of adding knits and leathers, which are fall/winter’s de rigueurs for this year, choose the light ones instead of chunky or heavy. And say nay to furs, even though they’re faux, because furry pieces, be it full or partially trimmed will make you like an Eskimo who lost his or her way in Sao Paulo!

As for shoes, peep toes, pumps or strappy sandals in neutral colours with drape effects are great to be paired with accoutrements in buttery leather. Need more inspiration for your southern spring/summer wardrobe? Just scroll down and take a look at the inspiring spring/summer-friendly fall styles.

Row 1: (L-R) Bensoni, Alice+Olivia, Balenciaga

Row 2: (L-R) Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta

Row 3: (L-R) Calvin Klein, Halston, Christian Dior

Row 4: (L-R) Dries van Noten, L.A.M.B, Dolce & Gabbana

Row 5: (L-R) Marc by Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, Prada

Row 6: (L-R) Proenza Schouler, Emilio Pucci, Sophie Theallet

Row 7: (L-R) Emilio Pucci, Zac Posen, Versace

*Photos by style.com and vogue.com.au

The styles featured above are on sale now at their respective standalone and flagship stores, selected fine department stores and multi-brand boutiques worldwide.