Fall is my favorite time of year and I just love sweater weather. Nothing beats a crisp, bright, sunny day in October in New York. The leaves have just started to change and you can walk through Central Park and show off your shiny new Fall boots that you’re thrilled you sprung for in August when it was the start of back-to-school shopping even though you’re a full-fledged adult and haven’t been a student in more than ahem, thirty years. You’re rocking a fresh haircut and it looks great today because the humidity is hovering in the 30% range finally after a brutal summer of haze that had your limp locks longing for dryer days. You’re sporting a just heavy enough but not too heavy sweater that exudes casual confidence and screams, “My outfit is on point, bitches!” Yes, it’s Fall.
And what generally happens in New York in Fall is that many folks are completely confused and have no idea what to wear because it’s sunny, but cool. Many men I know opt for shorts on these days. Sun means hot to them. Oh, no. These same men are known to wear raincoats during the summer when the temps are hovering close the 90-degree mark. Rain means cover up to them. Oh, God no! So I think it’s time that we share the never before published guide regarding what to wear when. (Yes, it’s the abridged version as this blog is quippy and short.) So let’s jump right in.
It’s all a matter of degrees and knowing your internal body temperature. For instance, I know that if it’s above 55 degrees and I’m meeting Phyllis in the park, I’m fine in short sleeves because I’ll be moving constantly and that’s sort of the low end of the temperature gauge for me to be in shorts too. So Tip One is: Know your range.
But If I’m just running errands, 45-55 degrees means a medium heavy fall jacket over a long sleeve something and pants. Above 55 degrees is jean jacket with a short sleeve shirt territory or a light sweater with no jacket and possibly a scarf. Tip Two: Delayering is critical in case you get hot. Conversely buttoning is encouraged in case the wind picks up. Once we’re in the 65 degree and above section I can do either a long sleeve shirt with shorts or a short sleeve tee with capris. Seventy-five and above is shorts and a tee with no jacket necessary, unless it’s super windy and I know I’ll be in the shade. Tip Three: A windbreaker can be a lifesaver. Precipitation does not change these basics. Tip Four: If it’s raining, you substitute a raincoat only if you’re in the 55 degree and below section of the chart, or else an umbrella works just fine. What did I tell ya? See? Easy!
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