Get your wardrobe weather-ready for the season
Illustration by Chloe Latour.
Do you reach for the same pastel colours and floral prints every year when the flowers start to bloom? Do you struggle to dress correctly for the weather between March and May, always finding yourself either shivering in the morning or sweating by midafternoon?
Well, I’ve been there before. I’ve lived in Victoria my whole life, and I like to think that I’ve learned a thing or two about dressing in the springtime. Here are five tips to reinvent your spring wardrobe this year and help you dress practically when the weather isn’t behaving the way you want.
Look for breathable fabrics
Rising temperatures call for lightweight, breathable fabrics so that you won’t get too hot and start sweating throughout the day. Check the labels on your clothing and look for fabrics such as cotton, linen, and bamboo. Additionally, dark colours absorb heat, so if you’re going to be outside for a long time on a sunny day, it’s best to go with lighter colours. You can also use these lighter fabrics together to create a unique layered look, which brings us to the next tip.
Choose light layers
Layering always makes for an interesting look as you’re able to mix different textures, colours, and patterns. The key in spring is to choose lightweight fabrics, especially for your inner most layer(s). Try starting with a t-shirt, then adding a light sweater with a jacket over top. You can take these layers on and off as needed since the weather is often unpredictable.
Temperatures in Victoria oscillate between 4.7°C and 11.6°C from March to May, so layers are absolutely essential when the mornings still feel like winter and the afternoons are warm like spring and summer.
Think outside the box
It was Miranda Priestly, fashion magazine editor-in-chief from The Devil Wears Prada, who sarcastically said, “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Perhaps she was a bit too critical, but she’s right — it’s been done plenty of times. For something different, try opting for pieces that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with spring such as metallic, sequins, bold prints, and bright colours. These might sound daunting at first, especially if you aren’t into looking like you came straight off a cat-walk. However, statement pieces can be easily integrated into any outfit when they are paired with neutral shades, and they are a great way to showcase your personality.
Accessorize
Accessories can take an otherwise plain, simple outfit and instantly elevate it by adding interesting detail here and there. Add a scarf on a cooler day to keep you warm, for example. When you’re planning to be outside on a sunny day, you’ll want to pull out a hat and sunglasses. Along with adding a stylish touch, they’ll protect your eyes from the sun. Other less practical but stylish accessories include jewelry and belts. You can also mix a few different accessories together to refresh an outfit you’ve already worn.
Have fun
Don’t be afraid to put together pieces that you normally wouldn’t — anything goes. Sure, some people might think your outfit is weird, but I personally can’t remember anyone’s outfit that I saw last week. Pairing clothes together that you wouldn’t usually can also make the transition from winter to spring easier.
Style should be about self-expression and it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. But with these tips you’ll hopefully be more practically dressed for the season and feel good at the same time. You might even find yourself wearing more of the clothes in your closet and buying less new clothing.
