[ photo credits: 1 | 2 | 3-5 :: glamour (US), january print edition featuring Kelly Osbourne ]A few images that have been inspiring me while I consider how to transition my closet from the winter of 2012 to the oncoming spring of 2013.
It seems that as soon as the holidays are over, winter loses its charm for the rest of the northern hemisphere. The fluffy white snow becomes sodden gray slush, and suddenly all attention is focused on the languidly approaching spring - something I've always found amusing, given that we're only a few weeks into the official winter season. The early invasion of spring style is looking to be even more significant this year, given that bright colors failed to fall into their traditional hibernation for winter. The iconic status of many California based style blogs doesn't help, either.
Although the fresh start of the new year is the perfect time to start considering the transition of your wardrobe from winter to spring, it's important to do so with grace and style. A pop of floral here, a flash of neon there; something to beckon spring closer but acknowledge that, yes, it is still winter. I'm certainly not an advocate of following antiquated rules of fashion that dictate exactly what can be worn when, but part of being stylish is being current and appropriate - and a lace boho mini dress is neither when it's 12 degrees outside.
Some ideas for making the move from winter style to spring trends:
- Lace: Wear a military jacket atop a lacy blouse or dress to add dimension to your look. My dad's fatigue shirt from his Air Force days magically goes with everything.
- Fluorescent Denim: Layer a thick cardigan with a wintery print over a silk blouse and bright skinny jeans. Wear it with ankle booties now, then lose the cardigan and switch to sandals when it warms up.
- Florals: Slip into that pastel floral print skirt you've been dying to wear, but anchor it in winter with a dark hue up top. Skip the basic black - pull on a jewel tone (like 2013's it color, emerald) blazer or cardigan.
- Superbright Tailored Suits: They flooded the Spring 2013 runways and I can definitely see their appeal - but it's not spring yet. Opt for wearing your two-piece
crayonsuit one piece at a time until the equinox (like a mint blazer with a black skirt, or tangerine trousers and a navy cardigan). - Paisley: Shaping up to be one of spring's it prints, paisley is also one of the easiest to wear year-round. Choose a piece with warm shades (like rich browns and golds mixed with navy), then pair it with a solid garment in the print's darkest color.
- Bright Lips: A quick way to add color to an otherwise dreary day, bold lipstick can be tricky to pull off in winter, when your complexion might be washed out and/or splotchy from the cold. Apply foundation to even skin tone, add some neutral blush or a light bronzer to warm things up and keep your eye look clean. Bubble gum pink and light plum are two of my favorite lip shades for spring.
- Wispy Frocks: Floaty hemmed dresses are one of the things I love the most about spring, but a bit less than realistic (or rational) for January in Utah. Winterize by layering a velvet shirt or chunky sweater over the dress and adding some thick, dark tights; belt your waist and carry a structured bag for ladylike appeal.
Two and a half months remain until the official start of spring - how will your style cope? Any killer tips you'd like to share with the rest of the class? Take a moment to check out this Pinterest board for some inspiration, then share your ideas (or questions or a link to your own list) in the comments.
