by Esther Adams

With November’s dipping temperatures turning us—and our closets—over to cooler climes, it’s time to address that annual dilemma: what to wear through winter and beyond? No one wants to bankroll a complete wardrobe revamp or rid themselves of suddenly insubstantial summer staples (the beloved any-occasion shorts, the diaphanous elongated skirts), so Vogue asked a cross-section of New York designers to pluck a transformative piece from their resort collections, starting to hit the stores now, that will not only play a pivotal role within a winter wardrobe, but cut a dash next spring.

Vena Cava Resort 2011 

“We love seeing this dress paired with a dark turtleneck, tights,  and flats, or with dirty old boots for a more casual look,” say Vena Cava designers Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai. “Bright poppy-red looks so good with dark, wintery neutrals!”

Jason Wu Resort 2011 

“My animal-print dress can be worn anytime,” Jason Wu says. “It looks relaxed under a parka and with flats and then instantly becomes dressy under a luxurious wool coat with vampy heels.”

Alexander Wang Resort 2011 

“This trench is one of my favorite pieces,” says Alexander Wang. “I love it because it’s both classic and seasonless.”

Rag & Bone Resort 2011 

“The bright-red Carmel dress is a perfect layering piece,” say Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville. “It works alone or under a chunky sweater for winter—plus, it flatters any body type.”

Thakoon Resort 2011 

“You can’t beat this curtain-pleated trench—it’s a cover-up that really stands out,” says Thakoon Panichgul. “It looks best when everything else is simple: a sweater worn with either a long skirt or skinny pants.”

Derek Lam Resort 2011 

“A suede skirt is a fantastic transitional item,” Derek Lam says. “The natural color lightens up a darker winter wardrobe.”

2 years ago  |  62 notes

#Vogue#Fashion#Style#Resort 2011#Alexander Wang#Derek Lam#Jason Wu#Thakoon#Rag & Bone#Vena Cava