How to navigate the strange September weather

Suffering through the September weather is a staple at St. Thomas University. (Caitlin Dutt/AQ)

September in Fredericton is confusing. You wake up to crisp fall air, the kind that wool sweaters and tall boots were made for. By noon, you want to take a dip in the river just to cool down.

With the autumnal equinox behind us, the summer sun just won’t quit. But if you don’t want to be shivering in your shorts in the morning or drenched in sweat in the afternoon, here are some easy fashion tips to control your temperature.

Layer, layer, layer: The oldest trick in the book. Layering. Throw on a sundress, a tank top or a T-shirt in the morning and top it with a cardigan or stylish jacket. You’ll stay warm in the morning but have options for the afternoon, while also looking great.

Transition pieces are your best friend: The clothes that keep you sane in the back-and-forth weather of September are a necessity. Consider adding to your wardrobe a pair of harem pants, or a jumpsuit. Button ups are a great go-to because you wear them open over a t-shirt in the warmer weather, and button them up with a scarf for chillier days.

Neck scarves: You might think the weather is too hot to break out the scarves, but the 2017 fashion scene says differently. Neck scarves are the latest accessory trend, and they’re perfect for this time of year. Pair them with a denim or bomber jacket in the morning, and for the afternoon, they look great with an over-sized T-shirt or off-the-shoulder top. It’s the perfect substitute for your favourite blanket scarf while you wait for the temperatures to drop.

The classic sneaker: Sneakers never go out of style. A pair of canvas shoes pair perfectly with shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses and any other summer ensemble. Even better, when you can finally start bundling up, they still go well with scarves and jackets.

Booties vs. boots: When you want to rock your new fall boots but can’t handle the heat, break out the booties. A shorter pair of boots are the hottest fall style that won’t leave you burning up. You can pair booties with anything, skirts, shorts or jeans, and when the leaves finally start to change and the chilly air rolls in, you can add your favourite sweater.

Be prepared: Nothing’s worse than getting caught in the rain while walking to school. To combat those random bursts of rain of September, invest in a small umbrella you can keep in your bag and consider purchasing rubber boots. They may not be the most fashion-forward but they keep your socks dry.

As for those who love the brisk autumn air of the mornings but also the warm sun in the afternoon, be prepared to manage all types of weather and always remember to dress the way that makes you the most comfortable because comfort is a necessity when sitting through a day of classes.