One of the biggest challenges of living with seasonal changes is the complete 180 your wardrobe has to make to accommodate the weather. Though this winter has been unseasonably warm, there’s no denying that the shorts and gladiator sandals look is simply out of the question. Beauty knows no pain like a good frostbite, but before you go out to brave the cold in summer style or, to the other extreme, pack up your sundresses until the first beach day, take a look at these tips for using warm-weather pieces all year round.
1. “Winterize” your dresses.
At the end of the summer, I bought a gorgeous dress from the less well-known but fantastic line Audrey 3+1. This dress has longer sleeves so it was easier to transition it to winter but you can still get the gist. Just swap cool sandals and lighter jewelry for boots, tights or leggings, and a peacoat and this dress works all year long.
For a bolder sundress, slightly different guidelines apply, but it’s the same principle. A delicate pair of tights in a solid color will offset the busyness of your dress while providing warmth, and fitted blazer will give your flowy frock more shape. Not a fan of blazers? Try a light jacket to stay warm without the businesswoman feel. Here are a few examples:
Top-left: Multi Pleat Ww Jacket, warehouse.co.uk, $56 (sale); Bottom-left: TRASPARENZE Angie Seam Lace Tights, pret-a-beaute.com, $17; Top-right: Audrey 3+1 Double Crossed Crochet Dress, tobi.com, $30 (sale); Bottom-right: Chinese Laundry Women's Lannie Booties, amazon.com, $35.98
L to R: Draped Pocket Boyfriend Blazer, witchery.com.au, $80 (sale); Flower Journal Dress, modcloth.com, $18 (sale); Monsoon Yellow Cable Tights, monsoon.co.uk, $6.23; N.Y.L.A. Teodor Ankle Boot, nordstrom.com, $160
2. Dreary weather does not mean dull colors!
One of my pet peeves about winter fashion is the misconception that it doesn’t include vibrant colors. While having style does not always mean standing out in a crowd, it’s no fun to blend in with the gray skies and snowy ground every time you leave the house. Try incorporating one bright summer piece such as a pencil skirt or camisole with an otherwise neutral outfit so the color statement will really pop. You’ll be eye-catching and stand out without taking it over-the-top.
3. Layer it up!
I love cardigans. They come in virtually any length, can be button up or zipper, and are available in pretty much any color you want. This seemingly basic fashion staple is the key to staying warm in your summer best. I am a huge fan of strapless shirts in the summer and always find myself with a pile of new ones I’ve acquired by the time winter rolls around. Living in Boston, there’s not much use for them alone after August or September, so I’ve been really drawn to throwing on a cardigan to stay warm. Granted, this completely alters the look of the tank top, but it’s cozy and nails that oh–so elusive “effortlessly put together” concept.
Top L to R: Allude Marine Cashmere Cardigan Anna, veryeickhoff.com, $300; Ribbon Aztec Toggle Cardigan, bankfashion.co.uk, $30 (sale); Camile Flower Cardigan, peopletree.co.uk, $86 (sale); MILLY Purple Chain Embellished Cardigan, stylebop.com, $290 (sale); Bottom L to R: Rodarte Hand-knitted Merino Wood Cardigan, theoutnet.com, $1,115 (sale); Vintage Horse & Horsewhoe Wool Cardigan, americanapparel.net, $66; CRUCIANI Juniper Cashmere Cardigan with Shawl Collar, stylebop.com, $525 (sale); Rust Chunky Knit Boyfriend Cardigan, desireclothing.co.uk, $25; Mango Relaxed-Fit Knit Cardigan, houseoffraser.co.uk, $14
4. Reality Check.
As a final point, I just want to remind you that it is still winter. I’m the biggest supporter of anyone for breaking conventional fashion rules, but try not to go overboard. Some articles of clothing are simply not practical for the winter (ahem, bandeau tops) and should not be taken out until the warmer weather hits. If you are planning on bringing back summer style in the winter, one final tip is in the details. Accessorize with scarves and faux fur and skip the feathers-they’ll blow around in the winter wind or get wet with snow. Also, consider dying your hair a shade darker or getting lowlights and, whatever you do, DON’T GO TANNING! No one will buy the bronze glow and we don’t even need to go into the irreversible health hazards it causes.
I’m sorry, but you can’t pass this off as a vacation in Cancun.
Well, I think that’s it! So go grab your sunglasses and let’s see a little summer in January.
Posted by Afrin on January 31, 2012 at 09:08 PM EST #
Posted by vegechip on February 01, 2012 at 02:33 AM EST #
Posted by Chandra on February 01, 2012 at 01:19 PM EST #