Tips for Stylish Layering When Traveling in NYC During Spring
[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text][/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]It’s that time of year again when winter has started to take its last breaths, but not nearly enough for you to retire your jackets, just yet. Spring in the city is all about the art of layering and being able to strike that balance between warm and cold. But even if we all know how ruthless and unpredictable New York weather can be for our outfits, there’s no need to sacrifice style during this transitional season. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Match colors and patterns
Escada Spring/Summer 2019. Photo credit: Giovanni Giannon / WWD
First, choosing the right colors and patterns are key. While last year’s spring palette saw an abundance of bright pastels, this year, Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report puts fiery and lively shades front and center. Think bright reds, oranges, but also some mellow tones. These shades are meant to represent empowerment, so feel free to get as creative as you can for maximum power dressing. Try mixing different hues to inject even more life into your ensemble after a dull bout with the winter blues.
Play with textures
Photo credit: Style Caster
Aside from switching colors, you can also experiment with different fabrics. Texture adds character and depth to your ensemble, helping you avoid looking frumpy. When it comes to textures, don’t be afraid of a little contrast. In fact, one of the year’s top trends includes patchwork clothes. ASOS has their own take on this nostalgic fave with their Faux Fur Patchwork Coat — a piece that is both comfortable and chic. Balance it out with your go-to jeans for an approachable way to dip your toes in the maximalist pond without going too far.
When in doubt, accessorize
Photo credit: Unsplash
If you have no idea where to begin, how about starting by upping your accessory game? You’d be surprised what kind of magic an elegant necklace, a hat, or a scarf can do to your look. The takeaway here is that you can do so much with very little material. You can even add a belt to cinch your waist, especially if you’re sporting bulkier outerwear.
Limit bulky items
Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Seamless Parka. Photo credit: Uniqlo
Speaking of bulk, try to refrain from using too many chunky pieces. Remember that winter has passed, so it’s high time to start shedding some fluff. Again, spring dressing can be tricky because it can be warm one second but cold in the next. What you can do is wear clothing that you can easily take on and off, while making sure that your base layers look stylish enough when worn alone. Woman Within features a puffer jacket that is ideal for layering. Because it’s lightweight, it won’t feel heavy even over a shirt or two. And when the sun gets too much, you have the option to compress it into a pouch for easy stashing. Another jacket by Uniqlo does the same, as it is designed to roll up and fit in your pocket.
Be wary of proportions
Photo credit: Pexels
Figuring out the type of clothes that highlight your frame is another skill you need to acquire. Generally, pear-shaped women need to layer more on their upper body while apple-shaped women need to layer lower down to look proportionate. Women who need a little bit of a boost in height, especially when wearing long cardigans or coats, can strap on their best high heels to elongate their silhouette. Here, you can bust out your best heeled winter boots once again.
Don’t forget your feet
Photo credit: Style Caster
One thing people seem to forget is that you can layer down below, too. If you want to wear wide-legged trousers in freezing temperatures, you can try putting on a pair of warm tights underneath. But since the weather won’t likely be that frosty, Business of Fashion suggests pairing your sandals with socks. And while some people may find the trend off-putting, don’t write it off just yet — it’s all about finding the right match. You can keep an understated elegance by sticking to neutral-colored socks.[/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]
