Fall is my favorite season. I love the crisp air, the arrival of local apples, the brilliant colors of the changing leaves— and the chance to put layers of clothes back on.
Many people can’t wait to slip on their sandals in April. There is a certain type of man who enjoys parading bare-chested on the first 75-degree day in May. I’ve seen women in the supermarket wearing bathing suits with sheer muumuus over them. I even saw one woman at my local Hannaford who was barefoot, which I believe is against the law.
I don’t like to break the law—of the state of Maine or of the fashion mavens.
Although I enjoy the ease of summer dressing, I am often unhappy about the way I look in, say, shorts. I am relieved when I can return to long pants and sweaters.
This is a function of age, no doubt. I have a photo of myself at 16, stretched out on a towel, in a bikini. I had no hips and not much of a chest. I didn’t even look risqué.
Many years and pounds later, I am more self-conscious when I have to reveal my arms, never mind my belly. (Which may never be seen in public again. Just saying.) But there is no way of getting around some limited exposure, especially when I return to school in August, to work as a school librarian. Only one of our schools is completely air-conditioned; the libraries in two others are, but a third isn’t. Moreover, the one without AC is an open-space plan located in the middle of the building, which means there isn’t a window in sight. The only relief we can get is from huge box fans that roar at us but do little else.
Then there’s the fourth elementary school. It was built in the mid-1950s, well before we had any hint of climate change. That library is tiny and gets very stuffy and warm. There is a heat pump there, and it does the job, but too well. It is meant for a much bigger space. In the span of 10 minutes, we drop from 80 degrees to 60 in what feels like a mini-tornado. The children start shivering and off the pump goes, until we start melting again.
Sometimes I go from one school to another in the course of a day, which makes planning my outfits interesting. So, while I’ve been anxious to get into my flannel shirts and wool skirts for the past few weeks, I have had to take it slowly. One day recently I put on a favorite Irish knit sweater. Though it is cotton, I immediately realized it was too heavy. Drat!
I see others wearing boots. I love boots. I just don’t love sweating my head off because I’m wearing boots in a 75-degree room.
In fact, and this is highly unusual, I’m still wearing sandals. The reason for this is that I was able to find a stylish and comfortable pair this summer, and they provide the coverage I need for my unattractive feet. The toe box consists of criss-crossed strips of leather, so my tootsies stay cool in the heat but are protected should the temperature dip.
I think I need a whole wardrobe that fits that description.
The fashion trend of leggings is helping me bridge the gap between the fall I want (about 50 degrees) and the fall I’ve been getting (close to 70). Usually, I am eager to don my tights as my legs never, ever tan. Leggings allow me to cover up and still wear sandals. Bonus!
I know I worry too much about the way I look. That’s just me. This summer, I noticed several people wearing open sandals who really shouldn’t. I’ve got enough problems of my own. I didn’t need to see their bunions and hammer toes. They did notice my cute sandals, so maybe they later went out and bought some for themselves.
I also know I probably seem odd because I don’t like summer clothes. In the middle of winter, it’s true, I am grumpy about having to pull on snow boots, a hat and gloves before I even venture out into the backyard. But once I’m back inside, I relish lounging around in yoga pants, thick socks, and a big sweater. I am safe and secure and toasty. If there’s a fire burning in the woodstove, all the better.
Those chilly days will come before we know it. I’m not trying to rush things, just ready to move on a bit. I’m wearing scarves again. I’m wearing cotton cardigans in the mornings (and stuffing them in my tote for the drive home). One day I even wore my lightweight quilted jacket to work.
But I won’t be truly happy until I’m in my tights, skirt, turtleneck, sweater, scarf and boots--and I don’t feel too cold or too hot, but just right.
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