This year the chagim are all later than usual. While families face the logistics of figuring out when to put up the sukkah, having Sukkot begin further into fall also means different wardrobe concerns. Since it is not quite the coolness of deep autumn, but definitely not a warm, late-summer Sukkot experience, dressing for climate success can present challenges. As everyone throws their hands up in sartorial despair, The Jewish Link comes to the rescue, with timely tips from neighborhood experts on how to dress weather-appropriate and still look great.
Savvy dressers look for what are often referred to in fashion as “transitional outfits,” ways to rework clothes as they bridge the gap between the changing seasons. Fashion stylist Betty Gulko suggested making use of wardrobe staples. “Bomber jackets and women’s blazers are both basic pieces that can serve the dual purpose of an extra layer of warmth, but fashionable outerwear,” Gulko explained.
Layering is often key to dressing for the fluctuating temperature, whether it is the difference between a cool morning and pleasant afternoon, or going from a warm shul into a cool sukkah. Wendy Borodkin and Alene Brodsky of Carly’z Craze know this dilemma well and have prepared to help customers of all ages. “Wrap-around shawls, long open cardigans, ponchos, furry sweaters and vests made out of cozy, soft fabrics will make you look forward to the cool weather,” they suggested.
Dassie Fuchs, owner of Petit Chic children’s clothing, echoed the layering recommendation. Vests are still wildly popular, as are sweaters and cardigans. Fuchs commented that many parents were challenged by getting their kids to wear coats in the fall, but this year “blazers have been very popular,” Fuchs reported. “The boys look ready for shul and feel great about their look, and the parents love the crisp outfit that also provides a light coat for fall.”
Footwear can be modified too. Fuchs and Gulko both advised girls and women to consider booties for their feet. Worn with tights, or without (“with socks in the bag, just in case,” suggested Gulko), booties give the outfit the look of cooler weather, and can still be worn to shul and over yom tov.
With the threat of rain during the fall months, finding a way to enjoy being outside without the worry can be difficult. The men’s fashion experts at Emporio suggested finding a warm hat to wear. Either a waterproof cap for the rain, or a felt hat that provides warmth, or in some cases, a hat that can do both—complete with earflaps that can be tucked underneath in mild weather, or brought out over the ears for the real cold. In the event that someone does get stuck in the rain in their newly cleaned suit, “Don’t rush to send it to the cleaners,” said Emporio’s suit expert and store manager, Gerard Rivera. “Chemicals are too harsh for constant use on suits. If you really need to do something to your suit, ask them to gently hand press rather than clean.”
For those who wear a sheitel, rain is the ultimate disaster. Sari Friedbauer offered some helpful tips in the case of unexpected precipitation. Friedbauer recommended removing the sheitel and letting it air dry on the wig head. “Especially with curls, it’s best to keep it on the short wig head so the curls don’t fall,” she explained. Also, Friedbauer advised not to use a blow dryer or a straightener on the wig when it is wet as this can fry the hair.
While Sukkot this year may be chilly, the Fashion Link hopes these tips can help prepare everyone for whatever the weather brings.
By Jenny Gans
