HOW TO DRESS FOR SUMMER WHEN IT’S COLD

Alright ladies, as I sit here and write this post, it is 35 degrees and snowing outside. IT’S MAY 21ST! Absolute insanity if you ask me. The truth is, I’m sitting here in yoga pants and a Friends hoodie (see my IG for my daily looks), but if I were to go out and about this is the kinda look I’d be pitching for. And it’s definitely going to be repeatable throughout the monsoon season and even into fall (actually that’s when I took these photos and then COULDN’T USE THEM BECAUSE TECH 🙄). This post is basically just rich with style advice when you want to dress like the summer insta girls and your local weather just won’t cooperate. So let’s get into it…

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SHEIN DRESS ℅ // ALL ABOUT U BOUTIQUE SWEATER, PINNED TO A CROP (SIMILAR) // BUCCO BOOTS (SIMILAR) // SIMILAR HAT // SIMILAR BAG // KATE SPADE SUNGLASSES (SIMILAR)

OPT FOR SUMMER COLORS AND TEXTURES

The best way to dress for summer when it’s cold is to dress for summer. Okay, but what I mean is pick items that are in fresher colors (avoid black, it can be summery but when it’s cold out it feels dreary). Also opt for textures like ruffles, looser knits, floral prints, you know the drill. Even if these styles come in warmer cuts (think a pastel or floral coat), their other summery attributes will bring life to your look without it feeling too dead-of-winter.

The right accessories (like floppy hats or shell jewelry) can also add a healthy bit of summer to a look, despite weather conditions. If it’s cold enough to demand boots, try to opt for pairs that aren’t black or extra chunky – again, it’s about staying away from “traditionally winter” colors and textures. YES, these items can be fully opted for summer styles, but when the weather is cold it’s way more challenging to make those times feel summery.

SHOW AS LITTLE SKIN AS POSSIBLE IN A SUMMER WAY

OTK boots are your best friend. They look so cute with shorter skirts or even shorts, which scream summer and alludes to nicer weather. I also like to wear more open knits because they offer that summer texture (above), but still do offer warmth and definitely more warmth than a short sleeve top.

Also consider wearing hats or headbands to keep your head and ears warm. And since you’re wearing warm shoes, wear extra warm socks. If you’re wearing OTK boots, get OTK socks. For one, if your socks start falling down they’re way easier to adjust; and two, WARMTH. Sheer tights are also great under socks and OTK boots, since so little skin shows you can’t quite tell you’re wearing tights, but more fabric is more warmth.

EMBRACE HIDDEN LAYERS

I alluded to this one above with the extra long socks and tights. BUT hidden layers, man, they will save your life. I’m wearing short biker-style shorts under this dress and the bodice of the dress acts as another layer beneath my sweater. If your top is more opaque, add a thicker tank or camisole. Wear TWO layers of nude tights with your boots. And don’t forget the power of a thick bra, seriously.

If you opt for denim, which is always seasonally appropriate, you can get away with wearing a lighter knit or more summery top if you wear leggings or tights under your jeans. Or go for a short cotton slip dress under a ruffly dress. I have a couple of almost jersey-but-thicker t-shirt dresses that make great layering items and that style is everywhere right now.

I actually find it so much easier to layer for colder weather in warmer seasons because I’m often using less bulky materials so it’s not uncomfortable or restricting to wear multiples. And it’s often just not as cold, although today’s 35 degrees may be disagreeing with me. But the sun is literally closer so any bit of sunshine will definitely offer warmth as well.

I’m linking a bunch of pieces to create hidden layers in this widget:

How do you dress for the season when the weather won’t cooperate? Or do you at all?

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