Once upon a chilly morning, when the bed was warm, and the air outside was decidedly less so, a familiar question arose:
What on earth shall I wear?
Autumn has arrived, and Mother Nature seems to have developed a rather mischievous sense of humour. One minute, she sends a chilly breeze down the back of your neck. By lunchtime, she has the sun shining and everyone wondering why they wore quite so much wool.
Sound familiar?
Fortunately, there is a simple answer: layers!
Think of getting dressed as a little adventure. Start with a soft wool sleeveless shirt and leggings, then add socks and a long-sleeved shirt, and maybe even a turtleneck when the morning calls for it. Finish with a warm wool sweater and leggings when the temperature really begins to tumble.
You needn't wear the entire contents of your wardrobe at once. (Although we all know someone who thinks a little extra wool never hurt anyone!)
The secret is to have the right layers ready, so you can add or remove them as the day unfolds.
Start close to the skin.
A soft wool/silk or wool tank or sleeveless shirt makes a wonderful first layer, helping keep your core comfortable without adding bulk. On cooler days, leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, maybe even a turtleneck, add another welcome layer of warmth. And please, do not underestimate the socks. Cold feet have a remarkable ability to turn a perfectly pleasant outing into a negotiation about going home.
Our Hocosa and Engel base layers offer lovely options in merino wool and merino-silk blends, whether you prefer the warmth of pure merino or the softness of silk blended with wool.
Then, add a little more.
A favourite sweater and a pair of wool leggings can make all the difference when the temperature drops. Reiff has lovely pieces to add warmth for morning walks, school runs, muddy adventures, and everything in between.
Follow your own weather report.
Some of us run warm. We walk briskly, work in the garden, chase children, or simply seem to generate our own personal sunshine. Others feel the cold more readily and are happiest with an extra layer or two.
Children are much the same. The ones who climb, tumble, and race about may need fewer layers than those who like to stop, observe, and investigate every interesting leaf along the way.
Pay attention to the person wearing the wool, not just the number on the thermometer.
As the days grow colder, bring out the leggings, reach for the turtlenecks, and keep those warm socks close at hand. No need to rush the season. Just be ready for it.
Because the best kind of autumn is one spent outdoors, with rosy cheeks, warm feet, and no urgent need to rush back inside.
And tomorrow morning? Well, who knows what Mother Nature will have up her sleeve.
Wherever you go, may your wool go with you.
