Cheating the chill

At no time - even at summer's height - is it possible to disregard that outer layer in southern areas. Jude Hathaway stays warm.

The awful weather this summer has meant more than the usual tenacity has been required when packing for holidays or organising outfits for outings.

Checklists for the past month have read something like this.-T and K's Wanaka wedding: For ceremony beside lake - new strapless splashy print dress, low red cage sandals (and take cream heavy-cotton dress blazer in case it's cold).

For reception and dance - replace sandals with red killer heels, add black lace bolero (better also take blazer in case it gets really cold - what a bore.)Afternoon birthday barbecue at L and J's in Dunedin: New black skinny jeans, new sleeveless stripe top, black patent jandals (take off-white, lightweight, bomber jacket and, darn it, the long-sleeve fine merino black top to throw on if it's cold.

This weather's a pain!) Cafe meal and clubbing in Dunedin with B, B and T: Deep-blue printed ruffle skirt is a must; so is white sleeveless top with silver motif and silver sandals (take cropped denim jacket in case it's cold).

Dinner with M, Dunedin: Little black dress, car-to-table patent heels, lacy black cardie bolero and think about the tuxedo jacket - it could be a chilly night).

Let's face it, even in summer an outer layer is essential unless there's a heatwave.

The comforting aspect is that New Zealand designers have things pretty well nailed.

There would not be one of note who does not include a form of jacket or dressy cardie or bolero within each seasonal range.

They all do summer outer garments well.

They have to really.

Local retailers, too, have nous.

For Amanda and Diann Waugh, of top-line Dunedin fashion store Waughs, summer jackets and other outer layers are an important aspect of every season, including summer.

"Even if the outfit they're buying for a wedding or party is sleeveless, our customers usually want something in the way of a jacket or dressy cardie-style top. This will keep them warm if it gets cold and it will also simply cover their upper arms, which many of our clients become self-conscious about as they get older," Amanda says.

She regards the buying experience before every season as invaluable.

"This is the chance to talk over the designers' ranges with them first-hand. We learn how they've developed a jacket style to be teamed with numerous garments to create various outfits. We can pass these styling ideas on to our customers so that they buy the jacket knowing its versatility."

Today's more unfettered approach to styling is good for the budget-conscious, as are the many trans-seasonal jackets and fine-knit dressy cardigan-style chill-cheaters.

This summer's cooler temperatures have also impacted on the younger fashionistas, who usually ignore lower temperatures for the sake of a cool look.

"An outer layer is really necessary this summer whether it's for the wedding, the barbecue, or just to throw on when that chill sets in after a day in the sun," says Erin Williams, of Hydro Surf, in Dunedin, which specialises in an array of urban fashion labels.

Gorgeous feminine jackets sit alongside the traditional denim jackets that are once again enjoying the fashion spotlight.

"Denim is being worn equally well over a pretty dress or skirt as it is with casual shorts or jeans," Erin points out.

"There are many options."

And, if all else fails there's the winter parka, which has been permanently stowed in the car boot until at least the holidays' end.