My Never Ending Struggle with Spring Fashion
Returning to Northwestern from Spring Break is full of promises--promises of sunshine, days on the lakefill, Dillo Day--everything an undergrad could hope for, except for the unpredictable and sometimes disastrous spring weather.
Growing up in New Jersey, I am no stranger to the seasons. In fact, I love seasons due to the ample opportunities to add to and purge my closet. But as quickly as I put away my Canada Goose, I wish I had it back. In the winter, outfits are easy. You choose your favorite big sweater, a cute pair of leggings and winter boots and put on your winter coat. You are good to go. I’m not sure anyone ever truly saw my outfits this winter because they were buried under so many layers. Yet with spring, the beloved shield of your winter coat is taken away and your outfit is now on full display. For me this creates a bittersweet feeling. While I am beyond happy to soak in the sunshine and switch out my thermal leggings for sundresses, the unpredictability of spring weather makes dressing for it a nightmare.
Last year, I had a very bizarre schedule. I would get up early to get to 9am macro and then be free until 3pm. Throughout the day, I cannot begin to explain how the weather changed in the blink of eye. Sometimes, the day would start bleak, cold and rainy, only to get warm by noon and the lakefill would be full of people running, sitting in hammocks and soaking up the sun. I would still be in my outfit from the morning, often a turtleneck or light sweater and a pair of ripped jeans, sweating unbelievably and feeling completely out of place.
This year has proved to be just the same, but instead in the first two weeks of school we have been plagued with rain, limiting everything from shoe choices, jacket choices and even hairstyles. Even though I would like the rain to go away, here are a few tips to make it through Northwestern’s unpredictable spring:
1) Get a cute pair of rain boots or water resistant shoes.
Long time staple Timberland boots are perfect for spring time weather, as well as Sam Edelman’s “Tinsley” rain boots. Both of these shoes come in a range of colors and styles and can take on the rain, puddles and mud like a champ.
2) The perfect jacket
While it is tempting to reach for the jean jacket as soon as it becomes April, I’m sure many of us have made the mistake of wearing it on a particular cold and wet day and ending up freezing and wet. Instead of the jean jacket, look for this Nike windbreaker or this satin bomber jacket from BB Dakota.
3) The versatile jean
It may not be time for shorts and skirts, but that doesn’t mean your jeans can’t have a few more rips or a become a little bit more cropped. I have recently become obsessed with ankle ripped jeans and boyfriend jeans. Both perfect for spring and make great pairings with your new bomber and timbs. And if you are looking for a little pop for your outfit, check out some cute pairs of jeans with embroidery or a little detail on the ankles.
