The new seasonality: wear now, AND later

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

For most of the country, Spring dresses and shorts hit the racks long before the temperature makes them wearable, but come June the same pieces will be in heavy rotation. The old ideas of "Fall" dressing in dark colors and thick fabrics, and "Spring" being comprised mostly of cotton floral prints make sense, and seasonality is steadfast.

image:S.Whittle for Style WyldeHere is San Francisco things work a little bit differently. With average temperatures in January and February often out pacing June and July, it's not unthinkable that you'll be wearing the newest Spring styles long before your previous Fall coat has been given a workout. But then come August, when the tourists flock in, San Francisco women will need to pull out those Fall coats to brace against rain, fog and 50 degree temps. This leads to stress in dressing, (and possibly the impression given to all those visiting tourists that local women are "behind" in their trend adherence. After all we're just getting to wear our coats almost a year after they appeared on the racks!)

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

Thankfully at the Spring 2012 collections during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, a welcome trend emerged: darker colors and layered looks that could be worn now and later in our counter-climate.

Some of our favorite executions of the more fluid seasonal trend included:

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

 Richard Chai (Pictured top Left) Florals were abundant throughout the collection, but deconstructed in a photo-negative style and paired with heavy khakis, and stripes they were given a new weightiness. Overall the pieces really felt like a natural fit as is warm January days, or layered together for cooler June events.

Four Corners of a Circle (Pictured top Right) The minimalist Japanese fashion house showed neon hues paired with somber knits and tweed neutrals, for a look that was perfect now, or later paired with opaque tights and cashmere wraps.

Nicholas K (pictured lower Right) Truly masterful with outerwear, Nicholas K never fails to deliver luscious layers, and Spring 2012 was no exception! Lighter colors, and softer fabrics than seen in Fall gave the pieces a fresh feel without sacrificing an air of coziness.

Rachel Comey (pictured middle left) Dark plaids, and caramel leathers, and inky navy prints made surprise appearances among the summer weight sundresses and swimsuits, for a surprisingly eclectic but totally cohesive collection. Bay Area style prediction for 2012: With so many options that feel made for San Francisco, every woman in town is gonna go wild for Rachel Comey's collection!

For more images from the Mercedes Benz New York Spring 2012 runways check out the Style Wylde Galleries.