As a New Jersey native growing up in unpredictable and cold winters, as soon as I started caring about fashion (I was a tomboy) having a variety of coats was top priority for me. My mother and grandmother seemed to have an endless spare collection (mothers are always prepared!) that I could select from for any occasion. Lounging around the house was also an occasion that called for a coat as my parents were frugal with the thermostat. "Take your coat off and stay a while" was a common phrase directed my way at the dinner table. After college (also in a cold and snowy place...what was I thinking!) I only sought out Grad programs in locations with tropical climates cause its way easier to focus when your not borderline hypothermic. When I moved South, nary a coat or sweater in tow, I somehow thought I could breeze right through winter in tank tops and tees. I mean, I grew up having to wear a kilt to school without tights in below freezing temps. But alas, southern winters, although not as frigid, can be even more unpredictable that those in the northeast. A mid-day outing can leave me with wet pit stains and my evening commute home can bring a bone chillingly cold breeze if a front moves through. Highs can swing from 75 degrees one day to 37 degrees the next. So do you lug a coat around all day just to wear it when the mercury plummets? Wear a heavy sweater in anticipation for that cool down only to sweat 80% of the day? What's a fashion savy girl to do?
Layers. Creative, fun layers.
Yep, New Orleans winters are the Northeast's early autumns or late springs. And while it may seem complicated to get dressed when the weather is moody and can't make up it's mind, it can be the best opportunity to experiment with varied seasonal pieces. So throw on a fun summer top over your turtleneck or heck, put a fancy slip dress over it! Pair some fun tights with dress or bottom of choice and wear your warm weather shoes with cozy socks. Everything outside might turn to a sad monochromatic palette from a hard freeze but your clothes don't have to.
Here, two layering outfit experimentations for southern rollercoaster weather. I took a maximalist approach with the second look because warmth! Also fishnets are having a moment in my wardrobe right now. Minimalists can edit down by omitting socks or forgoing the pants under the slipdress. Whatever your styling preferences, remember to make it fun... and stay warm!