Transitioning your Summer Clothes into all 4 Seasons

 

As much as I’m not a winter girl, I’m thankful that I live in a state that experience’s all four seasons; because there are few things in life that can take your breath away, like driving around a bend in the road and being met by a sea of colorful leaves. Fall is here in all its reddish -gold glory, and it’s all because seasons change.

New seasons in our own lives can be both thrilling and terrifying, but never be discouraged because seasons change and juuuust when we think we can’t handle one more snowflake or one more 90 degree day (both metaphorically and in reality)…a new season is right around the corner.

So, whatever season you may find yourself in today, I pray that you’re heart is encouraged, because seasons will change and we are promised to never be handed more than we can handle. And just as seasons change in our lives and in our world, there’s one other place that seasons change…in our closet! (Oh you knew there was a segway in there somewhere 😉

I had a conversation with someone recently who grew up in California. She never understood what all her Mid-Western family was talking about when they mentioned “changing over their closets.” She moved here in January. She gets it now.

With some items it makes complete sense to let them live in your closet year round. Layering tanks, ballet flats etc. But other items, like say a really cute pair of shorts that you love to rock in August, will only make you sad when you stare at them in the middle of February.

Today, we’re going to talk about an item that has free reign to live in your closet year round. A Dress. But, we’re not just going to talk about it, because that would be really boring, let’s look at how we can take the one dress and style it to wear through all 4 seasons.

This is all about getting the most bang for your buck and offering you a little encouragement when all you want to do is shop! 😉 …You might not need to, you might have everything you need to transition into Fall and Winter already. Don’t believe me? Let’s check it out.

Say hello to my little dress.

This dress has been a standby for a few years.  (It’s no longer available in stores, it was one of those designer colabs  from Target,BUT you can find similar ones here, here & here.  Thanks Shopstyle App! )

AND with a few simple accessories changes we’ll take this little frock from Winter to Spring and back again.

First up lets see how to wear this dress in the summer months.

When it’s warmer, this dress works great sleeveless and allows the frayed detail on the shoulder seams to show off.  Too jazz it up a little, just stack a little rose-gold party on your wrist..

Watch and Bracelet are both from the Limited.  And yes, sadly, a few pieces of bling have fallen by the wayside.  I’m just going with, “I leave a little sparkle wherever I go” and moving on. 😀

This belt was a new purchase this year from Aldo.  LOVE this belt and how it lightens up this dress for the summer months.  Add a nude pump and a neutral bag ( i won this Jessica Simpson at an auction 2 years ago!  It goes with everything.  Best $40 I ever spent on a purse. PLUS…its for the kids.) 😉

This look works great in the spring as well, you may just need to add a little sweater depending on where you live.  Spring in MI is really moody. You could either wear this look as is OR with a down-filled parka 😉

Moving right along to Fall.  We’ll take our accessories to the dark side.

Trade your neutral belt for a black studded one.  This one is from Target.  There’s something really fun about leather and “lace” together.

Add a Black boyfriend Blazer like this one from Forever 21.  Switch up your jewelry from arm party to neck party?…is that a thing?  Well either way, this multi-teared black necklace from the Limited is a good time and a GREAT investment.  It can jazz up anything from a lace dress to a T-shirt.  I’d also change out my shoes and bag….she said staring dramatically down at her toes.

Bag is from Aldo and Gladiator Sandals are from Target.  I bought these shoes  “so last season,” but here’s a similar pair 🙂

By this time in the photo shoot process, I was getting a little loopy.  And Gunther had clearly had enough

BUT, onto winter, and giving my little buddy the “much needed” attention he demands. 😉

So, I kept the Jacket, pinned up the hair all fancy-like.  (Not really, more like 2 min and lots of flying bobby pins.) Exchanged the necklace for a Statement Earring (a big must have this season), and added a huge sparkly cocktail ring, because I’m a girl.  Both of these are older, but I believe they too are from the Limited.  Charming Charlie’s and Forever 21 would have some great and inexpensive options as well.

To keep your legs from freezing in the chilly months tights are a girls best friend and to keep it current, I added my nude pumps for a little pop.  BUT if you’re not feeling that adventurous, Black Patent  Leather will work equally as well. I’d stick with patent leather though, WAY easier to keep clean in the snow and salt.

Sunglasses. (TJ Maxx) Not just for summer.

Self.  Never to be taken too seriously.

Hope this gives you a little encouragement to re-work your closet and use what you have.

Go forth and accessorize.

Until next time,

Meg