Kimberly Petre

By the time the weather outside actually starts to feel like spring, it could be the end of May!  I’m not interested in waiting that long to break out some of my fab new spring style purchases, and have become increasingly inventive over the years with how I layer my multi-seasonal clothing.  You too can preview your spring style by layering with some warmer pieces, so you won’t look or feel ridiculous in white pants or even a tunic in March.  For me, the biggest fashion faux pas is to have a closet full of very season-specific clothes – a true fashionista can style and merchandise any piece for any time of year.

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Kim Boniello layers her spring 2014 purchases to wear when playing with her niece, Eloise Pascuzzi, age 2.

Tunics and Caftans

For me, this summer is going to be spent under hats, cover-ups and beach umbrellas.  With my pending nuptials in September, the last thing I want is to look too tan in my wedding photos.   I have decided to invest in some tunics and caftans that I will live in this summer, but since they were not cheap, I don’t want to wait to wear them!  In order to make the most of your spring purchases, my style advice is to pair your new tunic with a great pair of jeans! 

To nail the all-white trend that is popular this season, get a white tunic and layer with a crop top or decorative bra underneath (if necessary), and wear it with bright white jeans.  You can accessorize with a gauzy scarf, a leather jacket and an ankle bootie, and you’ll be all set for spring style while it’s still cold out.  Any tunic will work with your standard blue jeans; just make sure to layer with the appropriate weather accessories so that your look comes across balanced, and not desperate for spring. 

High-Waisted Jean Shorts

If you cannot withstand the temptation of the adorable denim shorts that are sprouting up in stores - don’t worry!  Jean shorts are more versatile than you may have thought if you apply the appropriate layering techniques.   A lot of people think, “Why spend money on an expensive pair of shorts when I can only wear them for a few months out of the year?”  The truth is, there are endless outfit possibilities with a great pair of shorts.  I am currently wearing mine with fleece-lined tights underneath to brave the sub-zero temps.  With a thick, chunky sweater on top these shorts look cozy while the temps are still hovering around freezing. 

My style advice is to go with a high-waisted style so these same shorts will be fun and flirty later when the weather warms up and you can wear them with a cute crop top and sandals. 

Boyfriend Jeans

Although I have owned a good pair of boyfriend jeans for a number of years, they have recently made a resurgence in my wardrobe rotation!  I initially bought mine in the spring and thought of them only as a warm-weather item, since they are slightly cropped and made of lightweight denim.  But recently, I’m finding myself reaching for these jeans regardless of the season or temperature.  Turns out, boyfriend jeans look great with an oversized sweater, thick socks, and ankle booties, which makes them a comfy winter weather go-to.  They look equally chic paired with a vintage t-shirt, a light leather jacket and an ankle strap pump, which creates a laid back, edgy look for Spring and Summer.  The key is to layer with a variety of textures and fabrics to make them part of a purposeful look, instead of looking sloppy.  This season, the trend is white, distressed boyfriend jeans.  My style advice is to try the trend in winter weather if you’re feeling bold - you will not regret it! 

Chambray Shirt

If for some reason you don’t own a good chambray shirt, the time has come for you to invest in this staple item.  My chambray shirt gets layered under my prickliest wool sweaters in the winter to protect my skin from getting itchy.  It also comes with me to the beach to wear unbuttoned and tied with a cotton maxi-skirt.  It will be one of the most worn items in your wardrobe, and you’ll wonder  how you ever lived without it.  It doesn’t matter what the wash is, though I prefer a lighter shade; denim is always extremely versatile.  My style advice is to spend some time considering the cut, whether you want your chambray shirt to be oversized or more fitted.  Depending on how you think you’ll utilize it most, you may want to buy it a few sizes larger to achieve a more laid-back look. 

From tunic to jeans shorts, purchasing any one of these items will instantly update your  wardrobe and you’ll still look forward to styling them differently in warmer weather.  At a time when we’re all desperate for warmer weather, spring style purchases give us one more reason to pine after spring!

 

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