Spring is in sight! The mercury climbed all the way to a whopping 50-something here in NYC. which more than justified my need to wear my new leather jacket, even if it meant doubling up on cashmere sweaters and scarves. Time to spruce up your wardrobe with a few simple styling tricks - get seven easy ways to glam up your spring look (no shopping required!), after the jump.
We've given you dolls glimpses of spring's best trends here and there...and here's your quick-reference cheat sheet on how to make your old winter stuff feel brand new for spring:
1. Try socks with sandals (seriously!) You need not be Kate Moss to pull this look off with style. Burberry's spring 2010 runway was full of ankle socks with open-toe platforms, and the look is going to continue into next fall. Choose shoes with a little bit of bulk (a hefty heel helps balance out the primness) and add a pair of knee socks or ruffled anklets!
2. Belt your cardigan. Sure, it's a wardrobe staple with everything from jeans to dresses, but you can make your old cardi feel brand new--and help give yourself some definition in the waist!--by adding a leather belt around the middle.
3. Wear something orange. The bold hue feels fresher and juicier than ever (Carolina Herrera even thinks it's the new red!), and its brightness will wake up any of your old neutral staples. If you're not a head-to-toe tangerine kind of gal, add just a splash by wearing an orange scarf with a navy sweater, or carry an orange clutch with a khaki dress.
4. Swap out your skirt for shorts with tights. The best advice I ever got about wearing shorts? Treat 'em like a skirt! Layer up with tights and boots (get some ideas from our Best Dressed Reader Kyla, above) and you'll never be bored with your bottoms again.
5. Wear a big old pair of earrings with...practically any outfit. We're not saying goodbye to the statement necklace quite yet, but it's time to give statement earrings a shot. They've been all over the runways, and chances are you already have a pair in your jewelry box--why not glam up jeans and a T-shirt or a boring work dress with some look-at-me danglers?
6. Speaking of instant glam factor, just add sparkle! There's no better way to get it than with one sequined piece you've been hiding away in the back of your closet for a special occasion. Why can't Saturday afternoon be that occasion? Wear a chambray shirt and flat boots with your old sparkly skirt, or add a glitter camisole to your blazer-and-jeans combo!
7. Tie a pretty scarf to your tote. You don't need a new handbag for the new season--just a little imagination! Take those old silk scarves you love (but never seem to know quite how to wear) and tie 'em around the handle of your tote for an automatic makeover.
Time to get glam for spring, dolls! Have you already tried out any of these styling tips and tricks? What are your own secrets for making your winter wardrobe suddenly sing? Share!
