Hot n Cold (No, not the Katy Perry Song)

Spring is a time of transition, literally and figuratively. The weather slows, defrosts, and the sun begins to shine once more. People also begin decluttering their lives and becoming more active through spring cleaning. With spring finally here, our moods and days brighten as we enjoy the benefits of vitamin D and wear the outfits we have been waiting for all winter.

However, due to spring's liminal nature, dressing appropriately for the transitioning weather can be difficult. The mornings are often too cold for thin or short layers, while the afternoons are usually too hot for anything other than shorts and a tank top. When you are walking from morning classes to afternoon classes, you might suffer from "weather whiplash" since you are either too cold or hot depending on what you choose to wear that morning. Instead of choosing between the lesser of the two evils, it is time to start dressing "transitionally" to match the weather.

Investing in pieces you can wear regardless of the season can save time and money, giving you more freedom to select outfits. A lightweight jacket, for example, can serve as a transitional piece on cool mornings and warm afternoons, as you can easily remove it and throw it into a bag or tie it around your waist or shoulders. Ideally, if you are not a fan of constantly changing layers with the weather, a maxi skirt may be the right item for you, long enough to cover your legs, protecting them from chilly breezes while remaining breathable for sunny afternoons (Parker, 2023).

As any fashionista will tell you, your shoe choice is important when formulating the perfect weather-friendly outfit. We can regulate our body temperature effectively with our feet; wearing socks and thick shoes can keep us warm or expose us to the elements if we wish to stay cool (Diller, 2019). A shoe such as a loafer or ballet flat provides ample morning coverage while maintaining airflow to allow for cooling effects in the afternoon.

Making conscientious choices, like investing in transitional garments, enables the creation of consistently stunning, well-put-together outfits suitable for any season. Moreover, it empowers consumers to save money by mastering the art of utilizing the same pieces across various seasons and occasions.

References

Diller, K. (2019, September 5). Beat the Heat Through the Hands and Feet. UTD NEWS. Retrieved from https://news.utexas.edu/2019/09/05/beat-the-heat-through-the-hands-and-feet/#:~:text=Our%20hands%20and%20feet%20are,be%20cooled%20to%20 provide%20 relief.

Parker, A. (2023, August 9). From Classic Cardigans to Ballet Flats, 36 Transitional Weather Essentials to Wear Now. Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/transitional-weather-essentials

Written by Katherine Fivgas

Copyedited by Emily Slepsky

Graphic by Gianna Uvari