Spring Forward - Layering Tips
It’s here, that weird seasonal transition period when stepping out of the house in the morning leaves you unsure whether to dress for the arctic tundra or a bright and sunny spring day. Spring in New England is known for its fickle weather, but transitioning from winter to spring doesn't require a total revamp of your closet. It's all about layering your existing pieces to adapt to the changing weather throughout each day. Think of it as tweaking your favorite outfits by making a few simple swaps. Here are three methods that make it easy to put together stylish and practical transitional looks to navigate the unpredictable weather.
1. Lots of Light Layers
The key to surviving this transitional season is layering. And the trick to great layering is starting with lighter, thinner pieces that layer without being uncomfortable or creating bulk. That means swapping out those heavier winter pieces like nubby knits and puffy jackets, for thin knits and lighter outerwear pieces. Consider light cardigans instead of chunky knits, and chic blazers or leather jackets (layered with a scarf and gloves or a hat) instead of that bulky winter coat.
Peruse your winter pieces and pull out those lighter items like cashmere sweaters, light wool coats or trenches and boyfriend blazers that can be used to lightly layer. Then bring your light summery pieces into the mix. Summer pieces are inherently light and therefore easy to layer. Summer dresses, favorite tees or chinos are great choices. For example, above is a white tank, under a cardigan, layered with a blazer, and topped with a light spring coat. As I move through my day I can remove layers and each look still stands alone.
Top Tip: You can modulate each look using color or cut to find the feel you want — for example trade in darker denim for a lighter wash modulating from dark, to medium to light as the weather warms. Or use cuts and move toward “less coverage” like a crop jean with a bare leg to lighten the look as summer nears or a tank instead of a tee.
2. Incorporate Spring Colors and Prints
Winter pieces in lighter colors or more summery palettes are a perfect way to create looks that will keep you warm and give a nod to the warmer weather. The camel cardigan above has a lighter feel than the same sweater in say, burgundy or black. Even the blazer with the light background feels lighter than a deep forest green.
Mix in summer pieces in bright colors or summery prints. A black cardigan with a summery flower print tank or bright scarf will instantly make your outfit feel spring-ready with minimal effort.
Start embracing the spring color palettes and slowly ramp up as the weather warms. Swapping out like with like but in a spring hue or print makes a huge difference in making your outfit feel more ready for the new season. Swapping out dark wash or black jeans for lighter washes or creams is a little swap with a big impact. Don’t forget that shoes count! Below the shoes move closer to spring… from light boots, to white sneakers and finally a yellow sandal.
Above a burnt orange tank keeps the look more wintery on cool days, while the white has a lighter more summery feel. Yellow sandals take the jeans further into spring. The blush sweater keeps the look light and springy on a cool morning, even with a blush winter boot. At the other end of the spectrum, be sure to pack away any prints that are full winter like snowflakes and reindeer!
3. Mix Your Seasons with a Strong Opposites
Transitional seasons are one of the best times of year for wearing everything in your closet all at once. I love the contrast and interest of a big bulky sweater paired with a cute pair of shorts or with a sandal. In the same way a light summer dress paired with a chunky knee boot and bare leg is a fun and unique look that works best when it’s not too cold or too warm. So have fun with the unique combinations that you can create during this in between season.
I find the easiest way to try out this method is by taking a favorite outfit and swapping or adding a single piece. For example a leather jacket over a summer dress or a nubby cardigan with a skirt and combat boots. Pair that favorite olive leather jacket that you can’t say goodbye to with a summery tee and light grey denim. While not necessarily a “strong opposite”, a simple switch from short boots to sneakers takes any winter look a step closer to spring.Above I stretch out the season of my burgundy leather with bright pants, and a light tee. A turtleneck looks lighter when paired with light wash denim and white sneakers. A white summer dress makes and early appearance when paired with an oversized sweater and knee boots.
And remember, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel with every transitional look. Use the tips to modulate your existing looks as the weather changes. For example, I have worn this leather jacket with long sleeves in fall, short sleeves in spring and tanks on summer evenings. In cooler months I wear a short boot to add a nod to winter and on warmer days swap to sneakers. Small adjustments have a big impact on the overall look and feel helping you to find the perfect balance of style and comfort!
Create layered spring looks from your existing wardrobe.
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