From The Straits Times    |

The weather has been unpredictable and erratic lately; one minute we’re subjected to heat stroke-inducing thermal conditions and the next, we’re caught in thundery showers and braving gusty winds.

Jackets or sleeveless tops? Trousers or mini skirts? Are peep-toe shoes a bad idea? These are just a few of the many questions we ruminate on in the morning.

We no longer wish to sustain this whole ‘guess and check’ practice with the forecasted weather – ergo, we’ve devised the perfect 5-step styling strategy to help us tackle these volatile conditions.

 

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 Wear a cardigan as a top

Massimo Dutti Cardigan, $165; Zara Suede Skirt, $89.90; Bimba Y Lola Boots, $360; Massimo Dutti Belt, $75

 

A cardigan of lightweight fabrication can be worn as a top by itself to conquer unpredictable weather conditions. We’re opting for open cardigans such as this one from Massimo Dutti that we can belt up at the waist for a slimming streamlined effect. This cardigan, when teamed together with commute-friendly sock boots and A-line skirts, will give these edgier separates a professional polish.

 

Bring out the maxis

Zara Dress, $89.90; Massimo Dutti Boots, $225; Massimo Dutti Dress, $225; Massimo Dutti Loafers, $175

 

When in doubt, bust out the maxis. This springtime outfit which speaks of dainty flou doesn’t sacrifice warmth and has an added comfort bonus: Our limbs can stay warm without having to feel constricted in pants. We’re all for flowy chiffon options and T-shirt styled maxi dresses that can be paired with chain-linked loafers and high heeled boots to make for a chic errand outfit.

 
Invest in tunics

Zara Tunic, $119; Bimba Y Lola Jeans, $240; Charles & Keith Block Heels, $79.90

 

Long-lined tops are the ultimate investment piece to make during this time of the year. They can be paired with tights on slightly breezier days, or even be worn as a dress; the choice is entirely up to us (ok, not entirely – the weather has a say in it too). Come rain or shine, tunics will have us covered.

 

Match T-shirts with blazers

H&M Jacket, $74.95; Mango T-Shirt, $15.90; Bimba Y Lola Trousers, $375; Massimo Dutti Mules, $225

 

Classics are classic for a reason. Take a white t-shirt for example; it’s an essential staple in every woman’s closet due to its timeless appeal. We’ll be taking our plain white tees out for a couple of spins during this transitional weather by teaming it with a pair of high-waisted suit trousers and a well-tailored blazer. Blazers are behooving for brisk mornings, and can be worn off-shoulder should temperatures start to climb.

 

Turn to sleeveless knits

COS dress, $135; Charles & Keith Boots, $69.90; COS top, $115; Zara Mini Skirt, $69.90; COS slingback pumps, $190

 

Sleeveless knitwear literally offers us the best of both worlds; it wards off lingering chills while keeping us sweat-proof at the same time. An understated ensemble, like this desaturated cerulean knit dress and laced up boot pairing is just the ticket for a classy outfit. When we’re feeling preppy, we’ll simply tuck a sleeveless turtleneck top into a plaid skirt and finish off the look with slingback pumps.