3 Cool Ways to Work Winter into Your Summer Wardrobe
Alright, I’m just gonna say it: I miss winter. I miss the cold weather, the excessive layering, and throwing on a beanie to hide my bad hair days. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer- waking up at noon, picnics in the park, that whole no school thing, all great- but I miss wearing black and layering outfits with cardigans. I guess what I’m trying to say is: I miss winter fashion. A lot.
That said, in an effort to subdue my winter wardrobe withdrawal, I decided to show you guys how you can incorporate some winter wardrobe staples into your summer outfits. Interested? Read on!
1. Scarves as Head Wraps
(Scarf, Tank, Skirt, Flats, Ring)
Contrary to popular belief, scarves are not strictly winter items. As a handy way to add color and interest to your outfits, scarves should not be limited to one season. If you own a few lighter scarves in fun colors, you can oftentimes pull the ol’ switcheroo and wear them in the spring as well as the summer.
One thing I like to do with my lighter scarves is make them into turban-esque headbands. The look is unique and edgy and can totally shake up any outfit. (If you need help figuring out how to tie your scarves into headbands, here is a handy video tutorial that explains it quick and easy.) For my outfit example, I chose a cool floral scarf and paired it with a cute tank/skirt combo. Then I picked out some adorable green ballet flats and a shiny pink ring to pull the outfit together. Wear this outfit and you’ll look classy and edgy at the same time- the best of both worlds.
2. Boots for Summer
(Striped Tank, Shorts, Boots, Fedora, Ring)
Remember those boots you bought last year- the ones you wore almost every day last fall? Or what about those to-die-for fall boots you bought yesterday at that clearance sale? They want to be worn. Now. And while many people think that boots can only work for winter, they’re wrong. If you style your outfit correctly, boots can look pretty darn cute in the summer.
For my outfit example, I picked out some knee-high boots and paired them with a striped tank and cutoffs. To keep your head cool in the sunshine, I picked out an army green fedora, and for your finger, I found a cool gold arrow ring. Throw this outfit on and you’ll be looking and feeling cool, all while rocking a warm winter staple.
3. High Socks in Warm Weather
(Socks, Dress, Headband, Shoes, Ring)
How cute are these knee-high socks I found? I love the fake oxfords on the bottom (yes, they’re part of the sock design); it makes these pretty much the classiest socks in the world. Whether you rock oxford-print or basic black knee socks, the style is something you should think about working into your summer wardrobe. Knee-high socks are not too hot and not too cold, and they instantly class up an outfit.
For my outfit example, I paired the aforementioned long socks with this flowy floral dress. Pair the dress and socks with some cute oxfords, add a bow ring and headband, and you’ll be the cutest thing since Hello Kitty.
Thoughts?
What do you guys think? Would you be willing to work in some of these staples into your summer outfits? What about wearing a scarf as a turban, are you a fan? Do you have other winter items you like to wear in the summer? Whatever your thoughts, let me know in the comments!
Posted on on July 19, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Boots, Fall, Featured, Knee Socks, Scarves, Socks, Summer, Transitional Fashion, Winter
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Becky
Thank you for this! I was literally thinking the same thing – about missing winter fashion – this morning so this is perfect timing :)
Laura
Kim, you and I are cut from the same cloth! I don’t miss winter (freezing weather, sometimes as low as -40 c where I live!) and “layering” usually involves long-johns!
However, that being said, I CRAVE fall fashion like nothing else! While I love summer clothes, I feel like after a while they get a bit…flimsy? Just throw on a cute dress, flip flops, etc. I love fall because I can wear my beret and not look ridiculous (did I mention the summers here are scorching?!) knee highs, scarves, dresses with tights…*sigh*, oh, autumn. Where are you?!
Sam
I miss winter fashion too. I’m not sure these ideas really work though. In 100 degree weather, socks, boots, and scarves do not work at all. But these are good ideas for the fall though.
Erin
I have to agree with Sam. 100+ heat isn’t the best for this idea.. But I’m looking forward to trying this out when the “cooler” weather in AZ arrives. Keep up the awesome work and the oxford socks are super adorable :)
Milana
I miss fall/winter fashion too! It’s so much easier to be creative then, than during summer!
Julie
This is a tad far-fetched. Winter clothes are meant to be worn in colder weather for a purpose.
Breanna
I miss fall fashion a lot! Not so much the winter, since where I live the temperature drops so low that usually I have to wear ugly (but very warm) winter boots and heavy sweaters. But it woould never make me wear boots or socks in such heat! The turban is a nice idea though, not my style, but if it fits somebody, it can be a nice alternative to a straw hat or fedora when you want to cover your head from the sun (personally, sun gives me terrible headaches, so I can’t imagine not wearing something on your head).
kelley
OMG the outfits u’ve made are soo adorable and doable! i really like how you have worked in the different elements. will totally try these out soon!
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
I love this!! Great for me going to freezing Minnesota in September- I should be able to pack much more lightly if I can wear my winter clothes now!!
I am a HUGE knee sock fan too :]]]
Charlotte xxx
Papillon Vintage
I LOVE the socks!
Karissa - Elms College
Such a good article!! I am loving the knee socks, and I want to slip on a pair of boots right now :]
eurotriptips
Scarves are wearable year-round! Clearly there are winter scarves and summer scarves but once you’ve figured out which’s which, it’s a great accessory and layer for these chilly nights (or cold offices).
Maya
Gah I hate winter but I really do like the idea of this post. And the knee high socks definitely inspired me- I’m dying to try that out this fall, but I can use them now as well because I just realized they’re the perfect solution against cold legs in overly airconditioned rooms!
Haha I actually had a resit this morning and my ankles are still aching from 3 hours in the AC. Next time, I know what to wear :P
Nikki
Am I the only one who hates to think of winter I can’t think of snow or dressing in layers. I love wearing summer clothes sunny and warm weather
Joleen
Very cute! But the “Fedora” and “Ring” links in the second outfit are inverted. Just letting you know :)
Carolanne
omg i LOVE winter fashion. i miss it more than anythinggg!!! what a cool post! i’m especially excited for the last one- the knee high socks one- since i just bought a really nice pair (more thigh high than knee high, but still!)
Eve Hunter
I think the only practical outfit is the first one. They are obviously all really cute but I know that if I have to deal with 95 degree weather and humidity I’m not going to be wearing anything that covers my calves but maybe I’m sensitive to the heat.
Melissa
Maybe it’s because I live in FL, but I think this was really impractical. Boots or knee-high socks = leg sweat. And my winter scarves are long, fuzzy, and heavy. I’d have to use a spring scarf for the head wrap – which feels like a total ode to summer.
Kim - Cal State
@Melissa and Eve- Perhaps you are right about being these being totally do-able in summer weather. I myself am a california baby and we have been having weather ranging in the 70s & 80s, and while it’s not really considered “HOT” it is fairly warm and I could probably pull off these looks now (in California).
BUT 95 degree weather with humidity is definitely a scortcher and I would definitely not want to overheat or get sweaty legs in long socks. I will admit being a tad idealistic. I am just a dreamer I guess, that and I miss winter too much haha.
Virginia
In outfit two, the boots are from nowdiscountshoes.com. The discounts seem a bit outrageous. I was just wondering if it was a legit website.
Brittany
Like 3254646 said above, I love fall fashion but I hate cold weather. It’s unfortunate.
That being said, this post is the business! Love it!
Mika
i love that headscarf tutorial! i never would have thought to tie one that way, and it’s so cute!
Suzi
Yes! I’ve been breaking in a pair of Frye’s riding boots all summer and I love them. The leather is breathable which makes it great for hotter weather and their sturdy make is so appropriate for a day of walking around, unlike flimsy flip flops. Maybe not for the beach or for VERY hot climates, but other than that, they’re great.
Mika
oh…and kneesocks in the summer? i love it!
sheer ones would look absolutely darling i think, maybe knee-highs…hmmmm
Kristen
I actually rocked a pair of knee-highs this weekend. It’s not unbearable, even in Mississippi, as long as you’re not planning on doing anything strenuous outside.
I can’t wait to rock the boots look soon. I miss my winter boots!
Hannah
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
I actually squealed when I saw outfit #2, I just got 2 amazing pairs of boots at goodwill a few days ago and they have been staring me down.
Ya’ll are absolutely ah-mazing = )
Shmee
San Francisco in July is downright nippy, so incorporating winter into a summer wardrobe is essential. I saw girls walking around in black tights. Sally Singer (of Vogue fame) visited last year at the beginning of summer, and told us about her emergency trip to Wolford’s for some winter stockings.
Winter in Summer. It’s just how we do.
aish
i looooooove that scarf
Samantha
Why wear boots in summer when you can let your toes breathe? That’s one style statement I’ll never understand.
I like in the Northeast, so I want to enjoy the warmth as much as possible before I have to stick my feet back into boots for the next 6 months!
m
maybe this works for some parts of the country, but for a good portion of us, we don’t want to be covering up this much during the summer, mainly due to humidity. it might be a nice 83 here in the northeast, but add in 50%+ humidity, it starts feeling more like 90 & everything’s damp. really nasty.
i like the scarf outfit best for this reason in that it would be great for heavily air-conditioned places like an office. maybe the knee socks too, but i’d only put them one once i felt cold, otherwise, gross sweaty legs.
Maddie
Uhhhggg I wish it was winter! It’s 100 degrees out side now, so this cooled me down. Actually, not. But i love the outfits! AND i am ordering the knee socks right now.
Ruth
The weather here never changed from winter… its identical to November 2009 :( There was hardly an opportunity to even begin a ‘summer’ wardrobe (apart from the Greek holiday!). I’m still wearing thermal socks, leather boots, black tights, bodycon skirts, big jumpers, wooly scarfs and blazers… not feeling it getting any better either :(
http://www.flossyblossom.blogspot.com
xxxxx
Tiffany
I totally miss the more creative looks I can come up with in the fall and winter!! I can’t wait for the cooler weather! :D
@Virginia I’ve actually ordered a few pairs of shoes from nowdiscountshoes. I found them on ebay and decided to try it. The shoes are legit!! I swear! I still have my biker boots and they were so comfortable and didn’t look cheap at all…. Ah, can’t wait to wear those again…
Brittany
Great post!! I have those black boots in my closet! Gotta try that look!!
Victoria
I really love these combinations… I never would have thought of it! Great Post!
maxine
I already wear high socks with shoes so that is nothing new to me and it is too cold here to wear shorts so that is a no to me.