Deciding what to wear every morning was hard enough when you had your entire wardrobe to consider. But now, between the snow showers, below-zero wind chill and the early warning signs of the next ice age, you’re finding your closet depressingly limited to the box labeled “winter stuff.”
If you’ve been dying to get back into cute warm-weather clothing, but have avoided doing so in fear of, well, dying, rejoice in the fact that you can incorporate spring clothing into a working winter wardrobe. All it takes is creativity, resourcefulness and, in extreme cases, an inhuman resistance to cold.
Spring item: Peep-toe shoes Winter outfit:
When winter first came around, you were excited to be able to wear boots. Now, you’re waiting for winter to be over so you can wear those cute peep-toe Mary-Janes with the chunky heel or your favorite ballet flats that expose just the right amount of scandalous big toe. It is perfectly acceptable to wear peep-toes in a winter outfit with tights—this will look especially good with a fine tweed, herringbone or houndstooth pencil skirt. Just remember to tuck any exposed toe seams on the tights under your foot.
Spring item: Sundress Winter outfit:
As long as your floaty cotton sundress is solid-colored or emblazoned with a refined, season-neutral pattern (think stripes, not daisies; paisley, not tulips), it can work well in a warm outfit. Add a pair of tights (or layer two pairs for extra warmth), coordinating cardigan sweater and leather or suede boots. If the top of your dress is on the low side, don’t forget a scarf to protect your bare décolletage.
Spring item: Lace camisole Winter outfit:
You might have already tried wearing your lace camisole by layering it under sweaters and coats, but this defeats the point: no one can see the cami. The solution? Show off your favorite quasi-lingerie top by wearing it over a dark turtleneck. Make sure the knit on the turtleneck is fine, not chunky—a thick texture on the sweater will clash with the delicate camisole. Don’t even think about using a cable-knit sweater in this outfit.
Spring item: Miniskirt Winter outfit:
Bare legs are pretty much out of the question at this point, so how do you make use of your collection of last season’s minis? Tights are a no-brainer, but for extra wintertastic flair, wear it with a longer wool trench (just long enough to cover the skirt) and ballet flats. The result? Great proportions and enough leg to last until April.
Spring item: Sunglasses Winter outfit:
Who said you can only wear sunglasses in warm weather? Sure, the summer sun is bright, but so is the light reflecting off of last night’s foot of snow. Don’t feel bad about wearing sunglasses in below-freezing weather—your eyes need just as much protection from snow glare as they do from summer sun. Sunglasses add instant glamour to any outfit, so throw on your shades, add some snow boots and keep your sight until a ripe old age.
Winter quarter is dreary enough without an equally dreary wardrobe, so make your mornings brighter by incorporating spring clothing. Remember, there is a light at the end of the balaclava.