My clever brother tells me spring in the mid-west suffers from bi-polar disorder. One day it's 75 and sunny, the next it's 40 something and rainy. So how in the world are we supposed to know what to wear? That pretty floral print scarf I just bought . . . should I wear it with my winter jacket? That doesn't sound right. Or how about jeans, boots and a turtle-neck sweater in May? That sounds ridiculous, but hey, that's exactly what I had on just a few days ago.
As a seasoned wardrobe advisor, this is what I do and this is my best advice. Keep the calendar in mind, but dress for the weather. It's the smart and stylish thing to do.
I also recommend some classic closet items that come in very handy this time of year:
- a trench coat in a light neutral color with a removable lining.
- a colorful sturdy umbrella.
- a cotton pullover or turtle neck sweater.
- a pair of closed toe pumps and a pair of closed toe flats.
- a tropical wool-blend suit in a light grey or tan color for work.
- a cotton short sleeve or sleeveless top.
- a cashmere or marino wool cardigan sweater.
Layer, layer, and then layer some more. And be sure to bring along a good size tote bag everywhere you go. With any luck, as the day goes on, you will peel, peel and then peel some more.
And last but not least, try wearing a big bright beautiful smile no matter the weather. It will boost your mood and lend a fresh vitality to anything and everything you wear.
And everyone you meet will enjoy seeing you, too.
Look, Mom . . . spring is here!