Flipping through the April issues of fashion magazines on a blustery late-winter afternoon can deliver a bit of a shock. Bare skin, flippy dresses and bursts of color jump off the page. Models gambol outdoors in gorgeous sunshine, their long legs ending in open-toed shoes. Meanwhile, I'm still bundling up in a scarf and hat -- and pulling on my knee-high boots at the news of 30-degree weather.
In the real world, spring doesn't arrive all at once. There's a limbo period between seasons when gray-and-gloomy flirts with warm-and-sunny, and it makes dressing well a challenge. Not just because the temperature fluctuates, but because the barometer of what's appropriate shifts as well. Show up on a bright March morning wearing a full-on summer outfit -- hot colors, light fabrics, delicate footwear -- and you risk feeling embarrassingly out of sync because you've changed, but the rest of the world hasn't changed with you.
The Simply Chic approach is to ease into spring slowly without a major style overhaul. I've never been one for rotating in entirely new wardrobes each season. It sounds lovely, but who has the money, closet-space, or time? I have a core wardrobe of medium-weight slacks, button-down shirts, thin cashmere sweaters and knee-length skirts that work well from mid-season to mid-season, at least until extreme heat or cold calls for special garments.
What helps my clothes bridge the seasons? First, changing the footwear. I substitute a sling back, a streamlined pump, or a ballerina flat where I used to wear boots. If wearing a skirt, I may not go hose-free yet, but I definitely switch the opaque or patterned tights for nude stockings.
A lighter shoe means I have to lighten up the feel of the whole look. Any "cozy" texture or heavyweight fabric now seems wrong. Chunky or fuzzy knits get packed away and thin cardigans or sweaters come out. Special note: spring is a perfect time for a twin set because you get two layers-just make sure it's a bit fitted, not frumpy. Button only the top button on the cardigan and pull your hair up so it's more "Audrey Hepburn" than "school librarian." You can play with unexpected shades-I love the idea of a chartreuse twin set if your skin tone can carry it off-or go for classic, understated colors like camel.
Meanwhile, coats and cuddly wraps also get stored and tailored jackets come into play: a modified Safari jacket in a light neutral like beige, khaki or navy is a super-smart item to wear over a crisp shirts or fitted top. (Note: Dry clean your winter coats now, and hang them in garment bags. Come the first cold morning of fall, you'll be happy that your outerwear is clean and mothhole-free.)
Finally, accessories. I'm known for my love of silk scarves. These are the ultimate 'bridge' accessory and I have a whole collection of different colors and patterns. They can give your look a sophisticated, Chanel-type finish or a twist of '50s-cute. Tying a long, thin silk around your neck not only defends you against those pesky April breezes, but it can be a wonderful expression of spirit. It says, the winter woolens are gone, I'm ready for something more sensual -- let's bring on the summer!
1. But the thing is that it may likes the other peoples too. Any guess why??
Gina at 5:45AM on Mar 24th 2007