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I struggle with winters. They are so cold, so dark and up north, they are so long. I live for summers. Which I am lucky, because no offense to anyone who lives anywhere else, but the Pacific Northwest has the best summers. They are short, but they make up for it with perfect weather, 75 and sunny!
At this time of year though I’m sick of all my winter clothes, and just want to wear a cute summer dress with color. So I’ve created a strategy to get those summer dresses out of the closet before the weather has actually decided it’s time for them.
Dress – Lilly Pulitzer Emery Shift Dress | Coat – Sold Out – Similar | Handbag – Sold Out – Similar
Throw on a Coat
The simplest suggestion, just throw a coat on over your pretty summer dress. Yes, it’s cold outside, but how much time are you really spending outside on a winter day? For me, it’s usually from my car to my office. That’s it. I can struggle through for those few steps until I get inside a warm 70 degree building.
Pair with Tights
Personally, I love summer dresses with tights so this is a simple way of keeping legs toasty warm. You can grab a pair of these Steve Madden fleece lined tights and I promise you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do this earlier.
Dress – Sold Out – Similar | Jeans Jacket – Sold Out – Similar | Booties – Sold Out – Similar | Tights – Vera Wang Tights
Bring on The Boots
Instead of pairing that summer dress with cute flats and sandals, bring on the boots! Closed toe heels work too, especially when you’re wearing tights. I love a shift dress with equestrian boots, or an a-line dress with tights and some killer heels.
Structured Dresses Work Best
While I love my light and flowy summer dresses, I’ve found that a cute summer dress that has a little structure too it works better for integrating it into your winter closet. Think of shift or a-line dresses over sundresses or maxis. It works better with bigger heavy coats, winter shoes and tights.
Dress – Lilly Pulitzer Emery Shift Dress | Coat – Sold Out – Similar | Handbag – Sold Out – Similar
Embrace the Chill
People are going to give you weird looks, tell you you’re crazy, and ask if you’re warm enough. Just embrace it, rock that summer dress, and know that you look like a million bucks baby!
How do you rotate your warmer weather pieces into your winter wardrobe?
Lisa @ Sorority Life to Army Wife says
Love that dress! I’m in full hibernation mode these days and wear leggings all the time.
Dana says
I love adding tights with a dress! It can give a summer dress a totally new look!
Jen says
I am loving that dress! You look amazing! 🙂 I tend to live in Jeans, boots, and sweaters in the winter haha.
Maritza | Maritza Lisa says
I can TOTALLY relate – I wear dresses right through the winter. So happy to see I’m not the only one!
Tricia says
You look adorable! I love these tips to get some extra wear out of some of your favorite pieces. I agree that the more structured dresses will transition better to winter. I’ve definitely been known to wear a flowy maxi dress in the winter, though! No shame 🙂
Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate says
Loving the look with tights and a jean jacket! Super cute!
Sarah |Digital Motherhood says
Lovely dress. I’m definitely a jeans & jumper girl in winter!
Jessica Lam says
At least winter’s almost over and spring’s almost here! I usually pair my summer dresses with boots and a leather jacket 🙂
Fran says
Love how cute those look! If only I liked wearing dresses haha I’m the worst.
Sarah Camille Hipp says
I love your dress! The detailed neckline is so pretty. I agree about embracing the cold too–if you really want to make a statement, bare legs in the winter will help! 🙂
-SC
SCsScoop.com
Annika says
Fleece-lined tights are so clutch during the winter! I also love pairing summer dresses with flat boots. Great post!
Kristin says
I put my summer dresses and tights together. Or even bare legs with boots. This is my go-to look!
Shauna says
Great looks! I love the tights idea!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Rebecca Hicks says
I completely agree!! I am NOT winter girl, so thank the Lord I live in Texas, right?? I love these ideas for wearing a summer dress even when it’s colder.
Jenna says
that is an awesome dress!
Jen says
You are smokin! Love the looks!