Contemplating cold spring - YouLookFab Forum

Jessikams

This year I am adding white and pink. It may be sweet and juvenile, maybe? Not sure but it makes a nice change from darks.

5 years ago

Adriana

Veteran

I ordered a few thinner sweaters to wear underneed my black jacket. A darker pinkish one and a greenish neon one.
Also I have some jackets in a beige/offwhite color that I only wear in spring.
So my strategy is color.

5 years ago

Adriana

Veteran

I thought of something else. I change my bag.

5 years ago

Jane

Veteran

Weight of fabrics, which sounds abit too obvious. Lighter colours. Your wardrobe capsules sound very well planned.

5 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I switch from darker boots (black and brown) to lighter boots (tan, cognac). I also try to wear lighter coloured jackets and more white.

5 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Cold Spring is the toughest. And this year, winter hasn’t let go at all. I’m not feeling it. Normally, tho, I think of navy, which I believe is formally a spring colour. Winter is a lot of grey and black for me, so it makes for a small change. My spring coat is a navy faux suede. Weighs more than my Puffy, but isn’t puffy(!)

I don’t like going pure Easter Egg. Navy to me takes a little of the sugar out of that.

5 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think I try to bring in more brights and more pinks, reduce the blacks and dark greys or layer the brights over them in some way eg black layering top under brighter sheer softer top.

5 years ago

Anonymous

As much as I love spring, it's challenging with my coloring with all the pastels and blues. And styles seem to be more gamine-ingenue. Plus, if its mild weather, its usually raining in my climate. This time of year I tend to make a lot of shopping mistakes I've tried:
1. A small light neutral-blush capsule including light puffer. Success rate about 50%-as 2 pieces already passed on and 1 questionable. And I don't like them with my usual darks, too much contrast.
2. Cognac instead of black footwear and nude hose with skirts and dresses. Successful.
3. Dark florals. I need to be careful here to avoid Ingenue. Success rate 50% or so.
4. Navy-ink blue. Not really my best and it's not neutral to me, normally pair with black. Also, often very Classic styles. Meh.
I also have a bad habit of buying for unicorn weather-so things like openwork sweaters, open sleeve tops, transitional shoes, lightweight outdoor only jackets, etc-which work maybe 4 weeks a year and become wardrobe orphans.
Back to the drawing board and watching with interest!

5 years ago

viva

Veteran

I'm not sure we are quite in "cold spring" (I love that phrase - it defines perhaps the longest season in New England) -- but I am finding that I reach for my white jeans (2 pairs) more and more often. I wear them with booties and with navy or black tops, which helps to add some heft and keep them seasonally appropriate. I think the white jeans do something good for my psyche.

5 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I tend to go for: lighter weight sweaters, brighter colours in heavier weight sweaters; full length trousers (because I've been tucking skinnies in due to weather in "deep winter". As spring progresses, I like 3/4 length sleeves. The white jeans stay packed away until the snow is gone, but I do like to bring them out as well. Booties or closed toed shoes instead of boots.

5 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Lighter colors and/or bigger contrast in my outfits (esp crisp and bright whites with black not only for outfits but outerwear too: white PU jacket/tan trench) patterned bottoms (glenncheck or plaid cigarette pants/patterned tubes) or patterned toppers(bl&w stripe or a bouclé blazer)- maybe some pastel tops +cut off booties (and loafers) instead proper boots/booties pop of color accent bag and some heavy weight (will add warm) color/print scarves for cheery.

5 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

My spring wardrobe is similar to my fall wardrobe but with lighter colors. I'll wear white pants, scarfs with white, and white shoes more often to lighten things up. I also wear lighter colors of nail polish - pale blue, pale yellow, or white instead of the deep burgundy and navy blue I like in the fall.

5 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I'm getting out my short trench coats (red and black) and leather jacket (cognac). All winter coats go into storage except the short red one (for coldest days). Bag gets switched out. Muffler type scarves get stored. I run cold, so I keep hats and gloves out until temps are significantly improved. Even though I'm a minimalist, I use March/April to reassess hair and make-up.

5 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

I'm nodding along with everything suntiger said. I love spring, but pastels and blues are not great with my coloring; fortunately, our cold spring is fairly short.

Around mid-late April, I will change out my color palette, swapping my burgundy for warm blush, dark evergreen for teal, and add in yellow and grass green. I LOVE jackets, and will wear structured or detailed outerwear that adds a bit of edge or toughness (e.g., peacoat in daffodil, denim trucker jacket in blush, green moto, waxed cotton field jacket, and a lightweight bomber with pockets and edgy hardware). I can layer other jackets, hoodies, or vests together for added warmth and sometimes those lend a bit of visual interest. I should note that most of my spring/summer tops are solids - I don't have many prints, so I lean on outerwear for interest.

I will also cuff my full-length jeans, wear lighter jeans, and change some footwear. My spring/summer shoes have a bit of edge to keep from leaning too sweet (e.g., western style shootie in cognac; croc-embossed point-toe flat in blush). I keep my cognac combat boots, shooties, and animal print flats in rotation year-round, except July/August when it's too hot to wear much of anything...

5 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

I have no Cold Spring outfits because where I lived until Dec. went right from Mild Winter into Hot Summer. My new home is in an area that is mostly Cold Spring and Warm Autumn. I'm not feeling pastels either and am planning on wearing my palette colors of blue with black, white, and gray. I'm thinking of adding more light beige instead of gray for this season.

5 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m so ready for spring. I’m ready to put away the puffers and longer, heavier coats, even if the temps are still a bit chilly. Last night I wore my white leather jacket for the first time in a long time, as I start craving a slightly lighter color palette. And I’ll gradually embrace shoes other than boots and booties for the brief time they are wearable here before it gets hot and sandals rule my world.

5 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

Yesterday I noticed the light was different. The weather was horrible - strong winds, and then snow showers. Yet I’m wanting to wear a little pink.

5 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

For me, the limiting factor is mud. We get a lot of it as the snow melts, so wearing white shoes or pants is not an option. When it's really a mess, boots are at least as necessary in spring as in winter.

My inclination is light-wash denim, a smidge of pastels (mostly sky blue), swapping out wool scarves for silk/cotton/linen, and sturdy sneakers in place of boots/booties. And occasionally I get to use my little lilac crossbody bag, though most days I'm stuck lugging a tote or backpack.

5 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This photo from last night shows an example of how I handle this time of year. Lighter colors and layers. But I added a warm scarf that matches the periwinkle in the sweater. The sweater is SO OLD — must be at least 12 years old, but I am still fond of it. I remember buying it at Esprit. It’s cotton and has held up better than cashmere I bought much more recently. It probably looks better layered over a crisp-collared white button-front shirt, but I no longer own one of those.

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5 years ago

Katerina

Veteran

Cold spring is the hardest season for me to dress for. I much prefer winter dressing to summer dressing and, maybe instinctively, I stick to winter wardrobe as long as possible before I switch to spring. I wear boots as long as possible into spring and I start as early as possible in the autumn
The weather here at the moment is quite cold, more like milder winter temperatures, while the light is like spring. Deep winter outfits don’t feel right any more, but it is too cold for transitional outerwear like trench coats and quilted jackets etc....
I usually use a bit more of lighter colours, but even that is difficult, because black and dark navy are my most used neutrals for all seasons. So I guess I don’t have any good strategies and I will follow this thread with great interest.

5 years ago

Anonymous

Hmm @ JAileen maybe the lighter colors aren't as bad since the quality of light is more indirect-goldenish. Thinking on this....

5 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

This is why I love this forum,”for me the limiting factor is mud”.No unrealistic fashion here!Lighter colours and taking off the puffer usually signal the onset of early spring here but I’m not sure I have a defined cold spring palette I just muddle through with layers.

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hello! We live in Seattle. It doesn't warm up till the end of June. This is my forte

Spring cashmere in happy colors
Spring coats in happy colors
Spring scarves
White jeans
White boots
White sneakers
Nude knee-highs
Nude hose
Bright bags
Lighter neutrals
Lots more white
Gold boots
More pattern

5 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

In spring, I wear much less black and charcoal and instead use light and medium gray as my primary neutrals. In addition, I consider light lemon yellow, all pinks, light/clear purples, all blues, light/clear aquas and light/clear greens as my spring colours and happily wear them in tops, toppers, footwear, scarves and other accessories.

I put away heavy woolen items, tweeds, thick sweaters, heavy coats, scarves in dark colours, etc., and start wearing items like white jeans and a pale pink blazer, though not necessarily together. I usually pair my whites and/or pastels with a midtone or deep colour, because I need and like the contrast, it makes the outfit look "grounded," and it prevents it from looking too juvenile.

I switch to lightweight outerwear (mainly jackets instead of coats), including a leather moto jacket and a short puffer jacket, both of which have been worn only as indoor toppers in winter. If necessary, I layer up (wool cami, pullover/cardigan, etc., plus warm tights). And I wear hats, gloves and soft warm scarves in light/bright colours.

Lightweight turtlenecks in white and pastels are among my workhorse items in cold spring. Long-sleeved blouses and lightweight crew-neck or scoop-neck pullovers are other favourite tops. I usually add a topper, often a scarf, and, if necessary, a cami or tank top.

I try to wear more dresses and skirts than in winter. Dresses might be layered with turtlenecks and/or toppers like longer cardigans.

In spring, I don't wear opaque tights in black or other dark colours, but instead choose either sheer tights (any colour) or opaque tights in lighter/brighter colours. For added warmth, I might wear my tights over an extra pair of nude tights. And if possible, I wear (closed-toe) shoes or chic ankle boots instead of tall or heavy boots.

5 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Color. Silvery lilac, pale blue, and purple. Works with all my neutrals, and my booties in white, mustard, and olive. I was lucky enough to snag a greenish-blue wool topper, lightweight and knee-length from Uniqlo’s Christophe Lemaire’s fall collection, and it is perfect for cold spring. Literally minutes ago, I ordered a lightweight LS metallic knit sweater in lilac and a chunky short-sleeved cropped sweater in purple.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I have a lot of transitional clothes since this is my dominant climate. So spring and autumn clothing are my mainstay with less high summer and true winter.

In spring last year I enjoyed wearing
- white jeans and a blue boho blouse with cognac accessories.
- flared jeans, ankle boots and a tucked in blouse.
- a long sleeve knee length dress with oxfords.

Spring here is often wet - and windy.

5 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Angie has a great list. If you are concerned about too sweet, mix spring colors with dark neutrals ( pale blue with black, lavender with chocolate brown, yellow with charcoal grey) or autumn colors ( pink and olive, mint and rust, ). Or wear florals that have a dark background. I have a floral sweatshirt in my cold spring capsule. A striped sweater would be great. Navy is a good choice. I like navy or dark denim pants and jacket with a striped Breton long-sleeved tee for a spring nautical look.
Footwear: booties or shooties , loafers or oxfords in metallics or light tones. You want something you can wear with socks or nude knee highs to keep feet warm. Leather sneakers are another idea.

5 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

Thank you all for the great discussion here! It's great to read so many well-thought-out solutions, and also reassuring to hear that others struggle with this mini-season too.

After thinking about everyone's posts and my own situation some more I came to a few provisional conclusions:

-First, the practicalities: It's cold enough here that I still need two layers of long sleeves on top, full-length pants, and shoes with some coverage. Not full-on mud season, but yes, it's often wet.

-That said, I could think more about shoes that are in between tall boots and ballet flats. Instead of defaulting to tall boots, try my tan or navy clogs (with fun socks! maybe WARMER fun socks) on dry days. To add: Cognac oxfords? A pair of gray ankle boots with shafts tall and wide enough to tuck skinny pants into? (N.B.: I do not have a stellar track record with the latter...last year I bought a pair of navy short rain boots thinking they would be fun and practical for this time of year but...they are just sloppy! However, I can try again.)

-Many people mentioned strategies centered on shoes, bags, and outerwear. It occurs to me that outerwear is actually an area of relative strength in my spring wardrobe! I have a navy spring coat that I like a lot. And a collection of scarves in spring colors. See photo #1. Actually, I think I can use this scarf collection to guide my spring palette. (I don't have a spring-specific bag, but my everyday bag is teal, so it's not exactly bleak.)

-In keeping with my recent realization that I need my at-home outfits to feel complete/finished, I *can't* rely entirely on shoes/bags/outerwear to bring spring to my wardrobe. So I need to think of strategies specifically for indoor clothes.

-A quintessential spring look for me: Breton tee, ivory Aran/cable-knit cardi. I think of this as "cold nautical." But how to take this from one outfit to a formula/mini-capsule? Need to think more on that.

-The other aspect of my (aspirational) spring capsule I've dubbed "tulip bouquet." So green, lemon yellow, pale pink, lavender, etc. I think I need to look for TEXTURED knitwear in these colors.

-Tops: long sleeve, springy colors, NOT BLUE!!! (literally need to make that a mantra. Blue is great! But I have too many blue tops already, and mostly don't like to wear them with blue jeans.)

-I like navy as a spring neutral but I haven't been able to figure out how to combine navy with those "tulip bouquet" colors. I just had an epiphany about why I have a mental block about this. It's because many of those combinations -- navy and pink, navy and green, etc. -- are quintessentially preppy. Too coed-on-the-quad! I need to figure out how to make these combinations a bit more offbeat and "me."

-Along those lines, I suspect a key will be mixing neutrals. Specifically, navy and gray. I'm used to lumping grays all together. Then I have a bunch of dark charcoal and wonder why it doesn't feel like spring! Some charcoal gray is fine, but I should pay more attention to pale-to-medium gray for spring.

-Jewelry. Think about a few go-to pieces that are comfortable and unobtrusive for at-home wear. Some candidates in photo 2. Some of these might not be quite unobtrusive enough, but I'm excited about the butterfly hoops and the dragonfly pendant.

Thanks for reading, and for chatting about this with me!

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5 years ago

Anonymous

This was an interesting thread to follow , Sarah. Spring, cold or otherwise, has always bedevilled me fashion -wise. Here in the frozen Canadian Prairie (lol) , spring is fleeting and unpredictable. It can be bitterly cold one day, and lovely and springy the next...and this goes on right into May sometimes. I either have too many clothes for this season, or not enough. Outerwear is a crap shoot, and I have stopped buying typical spring coats likes trenches because I'm lucky if they get worn more than a couple of times. Like others here, I adapt to spring by switching from cashmere and wool to cotton and silk, and from boots, to shoes and sneakers. I used to break out my navy and olive pieces at this time of year but find I'm not as interested in olive as I used to be.....same with navy. Introducing white (shells, tanks, t-shirts, sneakers, etc) is my new thing . No white jeans here though until May - too dirty.

5 years ago

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