Style Hacks: How to Wear Summer Clothes in the Winter

I have spent my entire life in the sunny warmth of South Florida. Winter to me was 80-degree weather with the occasional “cold” 60-degree weather day when everyone would break out their boots and sweaters. I feared living in a city known for its brutal winters and dark, windy days. I didn’t want to trade in my tank tops for chunky sweaters or my summer dress for a heavy coat. Yet, I soon discovered that I did not have to part with my summer wardrobe; there were still ways to wear my favorite warm weather looks even in the chilly Evanston winter.

Buy a pair of tights

Now that I own a pair of tights, I can still wear my favorite t-shirt dress, even on the coldest of days. On especially cold days, I add a scarf or jean jacket to my look.

Wear bright colors

I never realized how much I would miss the Florida sunshine. On the dark, rainy, winter days, I like to wear a colorful scarf or sweater just to add some brightness to my day.

Over-the-knee boots

Not only are these boots extremely trendy right now, they have also allowed me to wear my favorite summer skirts and dresses on cold days. They can be worn with tights, over jeans, or just by themselves to create a fashion-forward look.

Get a good jacket

The only jacket I owned before coming to Northwestern was an old zip-up. Now I have a jean jacket, leather jacket suede jacket and winter jacket. All of these have allowed me to still wear my favorite summer tank tops in cold weather.

Pair it with a turtleneck

A turtleneck looks cute under a tank top, shift dress, or just paired with a skirt. It provides a warm layer while creating a preppy look.

Layer everything

I’ve found that the best way for me to still wear my favorite summer clothes is to layer. Adding leggings underneath and a jacket or scarf on top transforms and of my cute summer outfits to a winter look.