Yes, it's true - spring is barely two weeks away. But it's still pretty chilly for many - which means that you may still be wearing your winter clothes, and getting really really tired of them. If you're experiencing 'winter wardrobe fatigue', check out some looks I created for my client, Courtney.
Courtney has a phenomenal wardrobe - a variety of versatile workhorses balanced with fun and unique styles, a generous dose of color and print, and plentiful accessories that complete the looks and add spice. So what do I do with Courtney? I spend a handful of hours in her closet every few months, creating looks out of some of her favorite items and giving her new ideas on how to make the most out of her special pieces.
So if you're looking for the inspiration to add some excitement to what you've been wearing for the past few months - see how I styled three of Courtney's favorite fall/winter picks a few different ways to truly express the versatility and variety in her closet.
THE TEXTURED BLAZER
A black and white textured or tweed-y blazer is a must for any cold-weather wardrobe. It's that crazy versatile piece that you can wear to work, throw on with jeans, or grab for a night out. And what's better with a subtly patterned blazer than a fun printed blouse and green heels? Courtney can take this look to a dressy lunch or fun evening event.
Let a blazer be your not-too-overwhelming outerwear on date night. It's ideal coverage over a short sleeve or sleeveless dress - just add booties, tights and a fun belt and make your dinner reservations.
Running the kids to and from school doesn't necessarily call for yoga gear - this blazer ties together simple jeans, a cute top and moto boots. And then you're 100% ready for an early morning coffee meeting, too!
THE KNIT DRESS
A long sleeve solid knit dress is a blank slate - use it as the basis for a multitude of winter looks. I sort of badgered Courtney into this dress - we saw it in a store together, and it looked so amazing on her that I sent her an email a few hours later detailing three ways to wear it. It's perfect as a simple day look with a denim jacket, unique necklace and camel boots (check out how the boots pick up the gold in the necklace!).
If it's a little chillier - add a scarf and that textured blazer. Then plan to be the most stylish woman of the day.
Courtney didn't wear this green wool cape too often - but over this dress, it makes an ideal look for a family get-together. And if the temperatures are really low - wear your wool coat and throw the cape over it in place of a scarf - it adds a little drama and a lot of flair.
THE WOOL SKIRT
If you don't wear skirts in the winter because you're too cold - try it! A wool skirt, tights and boots are just as warm as (if not warmer than) pants - it's all about the layers. And if you don't have a denim or chambray shirt in your wardrobe - it's time to get one. Think of it as the blue jeans of your shirt collection - it goes with everything.
A wool skirt is also a stellar option with functional outerwear - it adds a dose of femininity to a look that could become utilitarian if worn with jeans. Courtney loved the unexpected pairing of the olive jacket and the green skirt – something that I hadn’t tried before, either. And when in doubt, a little cheetah-print never hurts.
Courtney bought these animal-print flats, but hadn't had a chance to wear them yet - so we built the look around them. The skirt adds a hit of color, the black cashmere crewneck sweater gives a dose of cozy texture, and the layered necklaces add a little shine.
Hopefully you’re now sufficiently inspired to brave the cold in style! And if you're looking for more photos of my clients' looks, check out a few of Katharine's outfits here, or a fall photoshoot I did with Laura.