3 Cool Ways to Work Winter into Your Summer Wardrobe

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3 ways to wear your winter clothes in summer

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

How to wear a scarf in summer

(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

How to wear knee high boots in summer with shorts

(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

Outfit to show you how to wear knee socks in the summer

(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!

26 thoughts on “3 Cool Ways to Work Winter into Your Summer Wardrobe”

  1. 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!

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  2. 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.

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  3. @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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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!)

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  7. Very cute! But the “Fedora” and “Ring” links in the second outfit are inverted. Just letting you know 🙂

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  8. 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

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  9. 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 😛

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  10. 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).

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  11. Such a good article!! I am loving the knee socks, and I want to slip on a pair of boots right now :]

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  12. 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

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  13. 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!

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  14. 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).

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  15. 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?!

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