March is always a deceiving month: the weather looks like it's begging you to put on your best sundress and get a glowy tan while sipping and iced matcha at your local farmer's market, but it feels more like January decided to come back to remind you that being this pale really isn't your best look. It's too warm for coats and too cold for tees. Too snowy for sandals and too dewey for boots. There's little winning when the cards are in early spring's hands, but lucky for you, we're here to help. Read The Citizen's Guide to layering up (or down) for Spring 2024:
Lightweight Outer Layers
Dressing for up-and-down weather has to come with a level of strategy, which I prefer in the form of cardigans, button-downs, and crews. Linens and cotton are great for base layers. Take for example Jeremy Allen White's flower-shopping uniform: something cozy on the bottom and versatile on the top. Suede pants or jeans pair well with any basic white tee or tank underneath a button-down poplin shirt or cashmere cardigan- bonus points if you toss in some color here.
What makes this formula so functional is that layers like these are easy to remove when it gets warmer throughout the day and can be draped or tied over your shoulders to keep things cohesive without the burden of carrying a spare coat. I'm a firm believer that every part of your outfit needs to be wearable at all times. And maybe that's just because I don't like to have my hands full all the time, but who does?
Breezy Bottoms and Denim
If the sun is taking a hiatus but the temperature is still warm enough to consider passing on a jacket, my go-to is an oversized knit sweater paired with something breathable on the bottom. Midi skirts of any textile are so fun to play around with, and linen pants are always a safe bet. For something lax, you can find a pair of loose boxers with a fun color or pattern.
If you're feeling brave, a mini sundress can be paired well with an oversized blazer, flats or kitten heels, and ankle socks, although I admittedly believe looks like these photograph better than they feel.
I also love a good Canadian Tuxedo, but terms and conditions apply. Using the party-on-top, business-on-bottom formula from earlier, going for jeans, a basic top, and a denim jacket is easy, chic, and accessible. However, the type of jacket you choose matters. Lined (especially wool) bombers are going to be too hot, and unlined denim doesn't do much unless it's absorbing heat from elsewhere. So on colder but sunny days, take advantage.
Footwear and Accessories
As far as spring footwear goes, the hierarchy of options is fairly subjective and really depends on the rest of your outfit. Now is a great time to play around with unconventional shoe and sock combinations, different toe shapes, boot heights, and break out your summer sneakers early.
Accessorize with colorful sunglasses, hair pins, shoulder bags, and layered jewelry with lots of texture. I think spring is one of the most inspiring seasons for the fashion industry because of how readily we welcome newness, so, if anything, try something different. Go against the grain of what you typically wear and- who knows?- maybe you'll learn something. And you'll look great doing it.
By Mackenzie Ostrowski
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