Lighten up to ease into spring
By Linda Miller | Published: February 18, 2013 | Modified: February 18, 2013 at 6:21 pm
It already has happened this month. Clear skies, sunny days and warm temperatures tempt us to pitch those boots and heavy sweaters to the back of the closet.
Then snow happens, and thoughts of spring fashion melt faster than those large, white snowflakes. Until the next warm and sunny day.
There are ways to transition into spring fashion without trying to convince everyone around you that goose bumps are the newest accessory.
Cindi Shelby, owner of Ruth Meyers, a women's boutique in Nichols Hills, said adding white to any outfit helps lighten the look. She suggests a crisp white shirt or a white tank under a black leather jacket or any other favorite blazer. It's an easy change that can make a big difference.
Substituting black tights and boots with nude hosiery and a pump immediately makes an outfit more transitional too, she said.
“Pull out the micro fishnets or, if it's warm enough, go bare with a nude pump or a brightly colored shoe.”
Layering is always a good idea this time of year when days begin cool and warm up, but a change of fabrics can make it easier to navigate the end of one season and the beginning of another as well. Lightweight tropical wool, silk shantung and Ponte knit are year-round fabrics that work well in Oklahoma.
But color is probably the easiest the way to give an outfit a touch of spring, and with the explosion of bright and pastel hues, there's no shortage of choices.
Navy, black and brown, staples in a winter wardrobe, can be energized with almost any shade of orange, green or pink. Consider a multicolor print top with black leggings. Opt for a red statement-making necklace. Add some texture. Switch out that black suede tote with an emerald bag. Emerald is the color of 2013. You'll find it on clothing and accessories, as well as eye shadow and nail polish.
Colored denim continues to be a strong trend, so break out those jeans in yellow or cobalt. Or think about adding a mint top to your blue denim. Mint works with all tones of denim from white to light to dark, said Alex Bratton, buyer for On a Whim stores in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Easing into spring fashion isn't difficult, and it doesn't have to be expensive. A pop of color, lighter fabrics and maybe a touch of white can do the trick, at least until spring weather arrives for good.
