As winter slowly fades into spring, we’re hit with fluctuating temperatures and an inevitable wardrobe dilemma. This awkward period is marked by checking a weather app, stepping halfway out the door, second-guessing yourself, and risking it all with an impulsive outfit combo. Scarf, but no hat? Single coat over bare arms, or two cardigans?
“Who knows, I’m just going for it!” you think, caught in a web of your confusion. Well, here are some staples and strategies to help as the adjustment to the change of season gets more predictable.
The power of warm tights
If you have warm tights—and I don’t mean fishnets, but tights that trap at least some level of heat—you can get away with wearing a skirt or shorts. My personal favourite item to wear with tights is either a long, dark, wool tartan skirt (which gives off that ’90s witch vibe), or, if I’m wearing something extra cozy on top, such as a thick sweater, I opt for a grey or blue denim skirt. Knee socks or thigh-highs are a nice, warm touch if you decide to go legs out.
Turtlenecks: cozy and versatile
Turtlenecks aren’t just practical for warmth—they’re perfect for layering. A medium-weight turtleneck can stand alone, while a thinner one serves as the ideal base for layering with a cozy sweater. My favourite part of this classic combo is that the neck of the turtleneck pokes out from underneath your layered top, creating an optimal canvas for layering necklaces.
Layering made easy
Layering and delayering is most recommended in the form of easy-to-carry items. Scarves, hats, and gloves are easy to take off and put in a bag when no longer necessary, and if you can pick ones that match, it will bring your outfit together no matter what else you’re wearing. Basics plus one stand-out piece will also do the trick: a plain black scarf and black beret paired with a brightly coloured or patterned pair of gloves is stunning.
Cardigans and coats: strategic layering
One of my go-to tricks is layering a thin cardigan under a big (but not bulky) fur-lined suede jacket. This way, I can shed layers as the temperature rises without sacrificing warmth in the morning. This being said, if you need to wear a big, poofy jacket, here’s a pro tip for the inevitable afternoon sweats: carry a large tote bag or reusable folding bag and tuck the jacket away when you start to run hot. It’s annoying to carry, especially if you’re an art student like myself and drag around canvasses and sculpture supplies on the regular, but if it’s a cute jacket, it may very well be worth it. I’m thinking along the lines of a snuggly, long trench coat or a bulkier faux fur jacket.
Boots, boots, boots
Now’s the time to break out your boots—whether ankle-length or knee-high, heeled or flat, or somewhere in between. One of my favourite lower-half combinations is tights and a cute skirt with big, fluffy leg warmers layered over top of my platform Doc Martens. One of my dream outfits involves a pair of mid-calf leather cowboy boots and a knee length-denim skirt with ruffles at the bottom…
In the battle between winter and spring, flexibility is your friend. While you may still have to test the elements by sticking a leg out the door each morning, it’s all part of Mother Nature’s unpredictable charm. Once you’ve mastered the art of layering and keeping options in your bag, you’ll be ready to tackle the day—lip balm in hand.