Learn How to Pivot Between Seasons.
No matter what part of the world you're in or which city you reside in, the one thing we all have in common is that we all have to make that seasonal transition. Even though clothes play a vital role in that transition, it's not the only role. Areas of grooming, personal hygiene, and doing quality control on essential items are also crucial as we make that seasonal pivot. So, with all of that said, where should you begin? As with anything, it's always good to start with the basics. So, grab your coffee (iced coffee if you're in summer), and lets all transition together, shall we?
Out with the old, in with the new
One thing that we always need is essentials. Items like socks, undershirts, and briefs are the foundation of any wardrobe. But if we’re honest, those premium essentials are usually ignored and neglected. The proof is in our battered and damaged boxer briefs and worn-out socks that we seem to keep as unique souvenirs. I have a hard time myself parting ways with socks, no matter how disfigured they are (I guess I'm a softy at heart). However, a new ritual I've established has helped address this issue. At the beginning of every season, I take time to do profound quality control and discard any old and damaged essentials. For the record, the frugal side of me dies a little every time I'm forced to do this, but I no longer have to guess which sock has the golf-ball-sized hole in it, or worry about the undershirt that has the abstract coffee stain decorated across the front.
“At the beginning of every season, I take time to do profound quality control and discard any old and damaged essentials. ”
New Grooming, who is this?
Our grooming regimen is sacred and switching it up can seem intimidating, especially when you find a routine that works for you. But I promise this season switch is minor. Just as we need different garments to combat the changing weather, our body needs the same preparation through our grooming. Hot seasons, for example, may mean you need to change your moisturizer to something more substantial with a higher SPF protection. Different lotions that have a thicker base will help to protect your skin from drying out in colder climates. I'm not recommending you discard your entire medicine cabinet every three months; however, you should add or replace certain products as needed to help equip you for the season ahead.
Switching Scents
Smelling good every season is always the goal, but how that scent smells will vary. Now, the question you may have is, can you use the same cologne or perfume through any season? The answer is yes. I use my YSL L'homme fragrance once a week, no matter what season it is. However, similar to clothes, particular perfumes are designed to complement your scent during different seasons better than others. So, what fragrance should you wear for the hot and cold seasons? To give you the short answer, save the citrus fragrances for the warmer seasons and the woody, spicy scents for the colder months. Why? Fragrances that have warm and spicy scents, like Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, tend to be heavier, which enables them to last longer in colder seasons. With citrus fragrances, such as Bleu De Chanel, the scent is still strong but much lighter, which makes it a perfect pick for a spring or summer fragrance. Like I mentioned before, those are not your only options when it comes to cold and warmer seasons; there are plenty of neutral fragrances that are genuinely season-less and can be worn anytime. But, sometimes, it’s useful to have a signature scent to stick with for a particular season.
There you have it, three ways to transition into any season. Preparing for the new season doesn't always require a runway wardrobe; all you need is quality essentials and attention to detail.