Barbara Reid of Maison Monique maisonmonique.co.nz

Welcome to the October edition of Fashion Focus and the beginning of daylight saving. Spring is definitely with us and with this season comes the unpredictable weather.

There is confusion at this time of the year knowing what to wear; it is cooler in the mornings and by afternoon the temperature has risen. Most ladies think layering is only about tunic style dressing, which many do enjoy.

Another way of styling, however, which gives a freedom of mixing and matching with layering, is a well cut and good fitting woollen jacket, which can be worn with a lighter fabric skirt or dress and can create a stylish, but warmer combination.

It's acceptable to wear a woollen garment with or over a lighter fabric. Fine merino through to heavier chunky woollen blends works extremely well with lighter fabrics for mixing and matching, plus it enables you to extend your wearing through the trans-seasonal times of the year.

Once upon a time we would never mix woollen garments with lighter fabrics such as silk, but this now has become fashionable and is very practical. Several of our leading New Zealand designers and manufacturers have been making these changes in both winter and summer ranges. Step outside your usual dressing pattern and have fun experimenting different weight fabrics, reintroducing classic pieces with new season garments.

The more you experience creating these mix and match fabrics, styles and colours it will not only open up a whole new fashion trend, but help you to maximise your wardrobe and meet your individual needs through the different seasons.

So until next month, look great, feel great.