3 styling ideas for chilly early Spring

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Are the early Spring blahs a real thing? They might be in Spring 2018! Some parts of the country are already full bloom with dresses, shorts and sandals de rigueur. For much of us however it is snowing right now as I write this post. Hardly tank top weather!

How’s a girl supposed to feel like it’s Spring in this? Even when it’s cold, I argue that it’s possible to inject some Spring into our outfits when it still feels like Winter outside. Below, my top 5 styling ideas for chilly early Spring.

START WITH AN INTERESTING PATTERN OR COLOR.

This is the time of year when color is most welcome in our outfits. Pastels all the way to vivid and saturated hues await us! I might top an outfit with a grey or black wool coat, but underneath it’s a promise that if it’s April I’m wearing color or pattern to cheer me up!

I often start my outfits with dresses this time of year. For example, who could resist the charming appeal of polka dots in a wrap dress? If that doesn’t make you smile you may want to get your smile checked out by a professional. Then we have the modern take on gingham plaid topping the post in the Ruffles and Bow Dress ($119). You can tone down the pattern if you like with a blazer or cardigan over the dress, or opt for the solid blue or light pink traditional gingham versions instead.

Sometimes a nice bold stripe is all it takes; other times texture like a faux suede dress does the job. Any detail or pattern that makes you look at a dress twice is good. So is a color that makes you smile. For work, all it takes is the right layer over these cheerful frocks to ensure they aren’t too loud.

 

NEXT, LAYER LAYER LAYER!

Layering is a foundational part of my preppy chic aesthetic. I’ve talked layering for Spring before and given you some cardigan guidance. Let’s revisit this with some easy ideas to inject warmth into your work and casual looks that remain practical.

Plaid is your friend.
I was too young for the 90s plaid trend, yet I’m sure for some it’s quite weird to see plaid back. Then again did it ever really disappear? While the menfolk have been wearing plaid to my casual office environments for years, recently I’ve noticed more women joining me in doing the same. A long-sleeve plaid shirt is an excellent middle layer between a dress, or pants/top combination and an overcoat.

Just last week you saw an OOTD with me utilizing plaid in an elegant work outfit, and later today you’ll see another take! Plaid can be both warm and colorful — often in Winter colors to be fair but not always. As a matter of fact this pink-and-white based plaid top is quite Springy, as is this teal-based top with lines of pink in it. They’re easy styling ideas for chilly early Spring.

Motos make it happen.
I absolutely love motos as an outfit’s top layer. They add an instant modern edge. You can wear them over dresses for work or weekend. You can make them the finishing piece to a casual outfit. In fact, they can even add a bit of glam to an evening look!

When it comes to motos as styling ideas for chilly early Spring I might want black to tone down a colorful outfit. I could be hunting for a lighter color to pop an otherwise neutral look. Else, a deeply colored jacket can be the jewel of a look.

Look for motos that hit right at your waist. Belt details can be fun for extra visual interest. You can go monochrome, especially in Spring colors like light blue, pink, or lavender/lilac. The main thing is balance between your foundation layer and your middle and top layers.

Also great for layering? Denim jackets, blazers, field jackets, and of course, cardigans. I’ve got a bit of all of those to shop below.

 

 

FINALLY, MAKE YOUR ACCESSORIES POP.

Even if your outfit has to be neutral, you can still add a Spring color pop via your accessories! I find that colorful shoes and bags can add character to my outfits quickly and easily. Uniquely, when it comes to shoes the color doesn’t have to be anywhere else in the outfit. With bags, I like to have the color or at least a shade of it somewhere in my look to keep things cohesive.

As much as I love a good neutral shoe often color is called for. Luckily there are so many vivid options out there right now! Also, you’ll find more subdued colors that complement a colorful outfit.

Want even more shoe inspiration? The promo in this post has expired. Regardless, the shoe picks are still on point. And here’s a guide to athleisure sneaker shopping sure to make your closet pop on the way to the gym or just around town. Then, you’ll also get some tips in this trend post on the shoes I’m already seeing everywhere for Spring.

Additionally, a colorful bag or one with interesting texture is one of the most brilliant and easiest styling ideas for chilly early Spring. Bags instantly add character to an outfit! Right now circle bags are very trendy (I was way out in front of that one, much to my delight!) Crossbody bags too are making a strong showing this year. Above all, whatever color you want you’re sure to find a bag that fits the bill.