Don’t Pack Away All Your Winter Wear Just Yet

By Brian Maynor

While Spring may have sprung with warm weather already setting in, we know from experience that can change on any given day or week.

So the safe bet is not to pack away all of your winter wear just yet, plus you can still wear it in a cool, Spring-appropriate way.

Here are of the best ways to extend the use of your winter staples throughout Spring:

1.    Rugged Boots. Just because there isn’t snow or water on the ground doesn’t mean you have to pack away the winter boots just yet. You can easily transition them with lightweight chinos with a little rolled cuff, distressed denim, which is huge this year, or even shorts, if you stick with tailored, longer-length ones. Cargo shorts will give you too much of a ‘camping trip’ vibe, plus you want to leave a few empty laces to give a warm weather tone.

2.    The Overcoat. Fortunately our winters are mild so the best overcoats are unlined, which also makes them perfect for wearing during these transitional seasons. Instead of layering them with sweaters and vest, try a simple t-shirt or chambray shirt. This is perfect for cooler mornings and evenings when you’re commuting, but can ditch during warmer afternoons.

3.    Scarves. Cashmere, silk, cotton and fleece are the most popular materials for winter scarves, and we know how warm they keep us when looped around our necks, but they also are great accent pieces for spring. Just leave them openly draped instead to add the texture and pop of personality without the added heat.

4.    Wool. While wool pants and sweaters are winter staples, they work just as well in the spring. We know wool keeps us warm, but it also is porous, which helps keep air circulating and our bodies’ cooler, along with making it super-absorbent. That means it will dry fast as it wicks away perspiration. Obviously you want to stick with fine-gauge wool pieces in spring and pack away the heavier pieces. Just know they will need to be laundered more often in warmer weather.

Winter trends center on keeping us warm, but there are other ways to use them. Since we invest in these pieces, it’s nice to have more opportunities to wear them; it’s just a matter of knowing how. Spring may usher in the warm weather, but that doesn’t mean we have to completely abandon our winter clothes just yet. Get more wear for your money by wearing key pieces for as long as possible.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

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