How To Spice Up Your Mid-Season Wardrobe

Five ways to mix it up with your winter wardrobe

It’s February.

Not the beginning of the season, not the end.

The holidays were six weeks ago and Passover and Easter are still months away. The new clothes you couldn’t wait to wear in October have long since lost their luster, and it seems like an eternity before the new season rolls around.

So what’s a gal to do when she finds herself bored and floundering in the middle of season?

Why mix things up a bit, of course! By reaching into your out-of-season arsenal to add some sizzle to your standbys.

Now I’m not talking about walking around in full July-type attire just yet – unless, of course, you live in the tropics and wear the same types of clothes all year long. No, you DO want to stick with your current weather wardrobe for appropriate coverage and maximum effectiveness with others, but you can “go outside the box” a bit by dipping into your off-season stuff. Here’s how:

1. Add A Splash of ColorIt’s winter above the equator, which means that black, brown, navy, and gray are all too ubiquitous this time of year. For something fun and fabulous, add an unexpected touch of color.Dress head-to-toe in black, for example, and add a bright fuchsia or turquoise scarf. Or trade that standard white issue blouse you wear with the dark jacket for a cherry, peach, or lavender sweater instead.

   For all my readers Down Under who are in the middle of summer, try adding some of your lightweight winter staples for a needed change of pace. Pair a light gray jacket with your pink floral dress, for example, or top an all-white ensemble with a snazzy black sweater. Remove went the temps start to climb.

2. Layer, Layer, LayerLayers allow you to regulate your temperate AND wear some clothes year ’round. Love your emerald-colored sleeveless cowl neck? Wear it under a jacket, v-neck, or cardigan. Wish you could wear long sleeves all year long? Transform a button up shirt into a jacket any time for a comfortable, relaxed look.Remember: just because you bought pieces to go together doesn’t mean you can’t put them with anything else. Mix, match, experiment and try new things and you’ll be shocked by what you have at your disposal.
3. Mix and Match Your JewelryWho says plastic jewelry should only be worn in summer? Not me! Lucite and Bakelite jewelry can be fun any time of year, with eye-catching effect. What about those fun pins you haven’t worn in a while? Pin a quirky flower, giraffe, or bumblebee to your lapel and see how many conversations they start. Just remember to pair chunky jewelry with simple clothes and chunky clothes with simple jewelry for maximum effect.
4. Go NeutralOpt for your color season’s beige tones for a transitional yet appropriate look.COOL beiges include cocoa, rose brown, taupe, and light true gray.

   WARM beiges include medium golden brown, golden tan, camel, light camel, light warm beige, and buff.

   Appropriate any time of year, these neutrals give a lighter look when paired with darker colors, a heavier look when teamed with lighter colors.

   Exactly the extra “umph” you’re looking for this time of year.

5. Change Your HairstyleOne of the simplest ways to change your outlook is by simply changing your hair. Try a new cut or style or add some highlights for a change of pace. If you can’t pull out your new season clothes for a while, at least you can have some great hair days until then!

Even though it’s the middle of the season, there’s no need to face your closet with dread.

Spice up those staples you’ve been wearing for months with color and accessories from your out-of-season wardrobe. Not only will it give new zest to your tired favorites, it may even inspire those around you to do the same!