bingo plus How to wear autumn trends in a tropical country like the Philippines
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We all feel the call of fall fashion when the ‘Ber’ months roll in. But in a country like the Philippines where humidity reigns half of the year, embracing these trends can be a challenge.
The inconsistent weather (sunny mornings giving way to sudden afternoon rainfall) makes traditional autumn styling tricky. And while trench coats might turn heads in Manila, they’re hardly practical in tropical heat.
But fear not, as there are several ways to incorporate autumn trends, from color palettes to lightweight pieces.
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Statement bags in autumn hues
Embrace oversized bags in classic fall colors like brown, black, or burgundy. Woven textures or suede can add an autumnal touch while remaining practical enough to carry your laptop and daily essentials.
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Local brands like GVN The Label are leading this trend, though you can never go wrong with other timeless leather pieces.
Sweaters sans the trench coat
Sweaters in the fall season—groundbreaking, right? While Miranda Priestly might not be impressed, the reality of living in the Philippines makes sweaters surprisingly practical. With most public spaces cranking their air conditioning to arctic levels, carrying a sweater has become less of a fashion choice and more of a survival strategy. But why not make necessity fashionable?
An off-the-shoulder sweater can add some style to keeping warm. Photo from Madewell
Level up your sweater game with off-the-shoulder woolen pieces that show off a little skin. A light cardigan can also transform your outfit on cooler days—even when outdoors. To protect yourself from the freezing mall or sub-zero office temperatures, pair a turtleneck with a blazer to add an autumnal sophistication to your wardrobe.
Tweed is also a great way to embrace Western autumn trends, whether you opt for a classic tweed jacket, a structured skirt, or go all out with a Chanel-inspired ensemble.
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Boots! And practical footwear
I have always supported wearing boots in the Philippines. It just makes sense, especially with our unpredictable rainy season, when we often find ourselves tiptoeing through puddles. Practical footwear is essential and while sandals might seem like the tropical default, they’re not always the most sensible choice for long walks or sudden downpours.
A sleek pair of leather boots with pointy heels offers both style and functionality, so don’t hesitate to break them out of your closet.
Wear pointy-toed boots in a light hue, like these taupe Jimmy Choo ankle boots, to keep your look fresh. Photo from Net-a-porter
As a boot lover, I am familiar with the comments people make about wearing boots on sunny days. For those self-conscious about showing off their boots under shorter hemlines, you can pair them with long skirts or over skinny jeans for a more comfortable, covered-up feel.
Cowboy boots have also been making a comeback; they’re great for excursions out of the city where you expect to get down and dirty.
And on days when the full weight of boots just feels like too much of a commitment, a pair of elegant flats can be a great way to incorporate fall’s sophisticated aesthetic while staying comfortable in our tropical climate.
The classic fall color palette
This season’s fall fashion colors range from a spectrum of deep mahogany and understated browns to sumptuous wine-red burgundies. These classic autumn shades are versatile enough for our tropical setting.
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Try pairing the rich colors with crisp white pieces like a simple top and miniskirt. Denim blues work beautifully with this palette, too. Consider pairing your favorite jeans with a light cashmere shirt for that effortlessly chic fall fashion look.
Also in this season’s Pantone selection is the popularity of warm, reddish tomato cream colors and darker, woody forest greens. These earthy colors work particularly well in our climate, creating the essence of the fall fashion aesthetic without feeling too heavy or out of place in the tropics.
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