Should You Pull Out Your Spring Wardrobe Now?

It's the weekend and I am still debating to bring out spring and summer clothing because of the crazy inconsistencies with the weather. For those of you living in cold weather states with a few months to go before you start experiencing balmy weather one day and freezing temps the next day, bookmark this blog and come back in a month or so. Spring will get there - I promise.

Back to me and my closet issues. Getting the weather update from my husband for the week brought me to a few quick conclusions. Although I am steadily working with clients on their spring clothing and in stores daily purchasing, I am not personally ready to give up my tights and boots, but I will agree to put away my heavy wools, warm weather sweaters and coats.

 

Here are some tips on transitioning for the next few weeks until Mother Nature decides to commit to warm weather:

• Plan your daily outfits for cold mornings and warming around noon or 1 pm by incorporating layers. This is the time of year also when not only is Mother Nature trying to decide how warm or cold it is, but your office or building administrator is also trying to decide if the heat or the a/c should be on.
• Start with a camisole, blouse and a jacket or sweater. By lunchtime, if the sun is shinning and the sweat begins to bead down your chest, begin by taking off the sweater and keep on the camisole and open the blouse and wear it like a jacket. I have even gone as far as to rid myself of the blouse and just wear the jacket or sweater with the camisole. Call me crazy, but I'm alway thinking that if my outfit is going to take on another look, I need to have a back up plan. So I generally plan to add a silk scarf or necklace if I am left with a camisole and an open neckline. Scarves are easily carried by tying them around a purse strap.
• Since I am all about making it really easy, I like to wear dresses. Many of my dresses are short sleeve or sleeveless. I may start with a coat, but again, carry a cardigan or a shrug and usually switch it out by late morning. Another crazy thing I have been known to do is wear tights and boots and once I have my first hot flash or urge to rip off the tights underneath my boots, I do. I may carry an extra pair of socks, so I don't have to go sockless with my boots. That would just feel icky, right?
• Go ahead and begin taking out of your closet any heavy pants, wool tweed jackets, corduroy, velvet items, heavy long sweaters, turtlenecks, long leather skirts and furs from your closet. Pull out any long sleeve blouse or tops that scream winter and you won't wear into the spring.
• Add heavy scarves and shoes to the list, as well. Suede shoes are still worn in the spring, especially the lighter colors like grey, camel or blue. Anyone besides me out there own denim blue suede peep toe shoes?

Keep these in your closet for now:

short height or ankle boots
cowboy boots - I so enjoy wearing them into the spring and summer
non-wool scarves, like the nice silk and linen ones we know you own
fedora hats
basic white blouse
jean jackets
short sleeve sweaters
short and long sleeve dresses
leggings
anything in lighter color palettes
poly, spandex, nylon, cotton model, silk layering items
basic black or neutral pumps
jeans, of course

skirts and jackets that are either lightweight tropical wools or unlined items.

winter white - keep and wear

 

So hang in there, and don't let this global warming get the best of us. Spring is right around the corner and stores are full and awaiting your arrival! This is a great time to evaluate your wardrobe needs for spring and begin budgeting for new spring items. In the meantime, be sure to read my latest article in Wake Living on Tone on Tone Dressing for Spring.

 

From my closet to yours,

Suzanne

Dressing For Our Weather, Really?

Ok, yes, our winter has been quite cold and not much fun. For some reason we will get a slight reprieve late this week and the weather will warm. For those of us in the Triangle we may even experience the mid to high 60's. I might even try my hand at playing tennis outside! So what to do about dressing? Here is a few tips to keep in mind. In the meantime, keep your winter duds close nearby.

1. Try putting the tights away and pull out open toe heels and neutral sandals.

2. Wear long sleeve tees and layer with vests and cardigans.

3. Cotton scarves are great for lightweight layering and transitioning an outfit.

4. Lastly, pull put a few heavier weighted sleeveless dresses and tops and layer with lightweight jackets and scruggs.

Keep in mind mother nature may decide in the weeks to follow to go back to the cold, so wait a while before converting your wardrobe!

Transitional Clothing Really?

It is the strangest thing. Last week we were bundled up with layers of clothing, hats, gloves and scarves. Later this week we will have the opportunity to shed the layers and bask in the mild warmth. What to do, what to do? No need to put away the winter wears, but just readjust.

Transitional Wardrobing Tips From Winter To Spring

Come early March, put away your heavy wools, flannels, puffy jackets, turtleneck sweaters,

and anything fur!

* Sort through your winter wardrobe and pull together your lightweight clothing items.

Examples: skirts, tops and pants

* Combine a winter basic with a summer basic and layer items.

Example: use a lightweight black tweed wool skirt with a long sleeve t-shirt and a

3/4 length spring patterned sweater.

* Heavy coats can be substituted with lightweight denim, tan leathers, suede's, and a variety

of trench coats in colors and styles.

* Lastly, adding a dash of color and layering is the key to transitional dressing. Use colors

like muted reds, mid range blues, greens and purples. Avoid pastels!

True warm weather is right around the corner!

From my closet to yours,

Suzanne