So, our question this month, as posed by Summer C., was "What's the best way to look cute but still keep warm on chilly spring nights?"
Well, I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of staring at my closet, and this is what I've come up with...
There are four good, stylish ways to keep warm (that don't include snuggling up with another person!):
1) Jean Jacket
2) Blazer
3) Cardigan
4) Wrap
Each of these items serves a different purpose when it comes to keeping your outfit sizzling and your body warm!
Jean Jacket:
Jean jackets are perfect for layering over a casual nighttime outfit--such as a sundress, a baggy shirt and leggings or colored skinny jeans and a sparkly top. In fact, the jean jacket is my go-to-keep-warm-when-I-go-out-in-the-spring piece of apparel.
However, there is one hard and fast rule when it comes to a jean jacket. NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER (did I say never?) wear a blue denim jacket with blue jeans. You will look like you are wearing a jean suit and, well, no one looks good in a jean suit.
There is one exception to the denim and denim rule...and that is if you can find a denim jacket in white or in a bright color. (Personally, I'm partial to white.)
This also looks great with a casual outfit, like the ones mentioned above, and it looks especially spectacular with dark blue skinny jeans or your favorite pair of well-worn boot-cut jeans!
Blazer:
Nothing says sophistication and fashion savvy like a tailored blazer--but this look walks a fine line between sassy and out to take on the town and getting ready to go to another office meeting. The best way to wear a blazer is with a pair of jeans and ballet flats or a pair of leggings and an oversized button down shirt.
Just be sure to keep the outfit underneath casual, and you won't look like you stepped out of the office and onto the dance floor without remembering to get changed first!
Cardigan:
The cardigan is an easy go-to staple for a night out on the town. It's foldable enough to throw in your purse, warm enough to keep you cozy and versatile enough to go with nearly every outfit. There are several different types of cardigans--each one suited for a different outfit!
A simple fitted cardigan is the most versatile. It goes with just about anything. It looks great with a casual jeans and t-shirt outfit, a little bit nicer outfit--such as a fitted top and dressier pants underneath, a chill weekend outfit--such as a sundress or summer skirt, a festive, party outfit--such as a sparkly top and pencil skirt, or even a formal dress--provided you take the cardigan off for pictures!
There's the long cardigan--these can be button-up, tie front or open. These are great for casual outfits. They look best with skinny jeans and a casual top. However, you can wear it with a little bit nicer outfit, provided the cardigan has some shape to it or has some embellishment and isn't just a loose, hangy garment. Avoid wearing this with dresses, as you will end up looking like you don't know how to dress yourself and simply threw on whatever you could find in your closet!
Lastly, there's the cropped cardigan, also known as the bolero. This is perfect with dresses--especially strapless dresses. It looks adorable when worn to a beach party, a wedding or a nice dinner out with friends. It also looks fabulous with a fitted top and leggings or skinny jeans. However, this cardigan is not for everyone--if you're chesty, this will accentuate your bustline. Make sure you try it on (and are honest with yourself) before you wear it!
Wrap:
I personally believe that the wrap is good for one thing and one thing only--fancy attire. The wrap looks excellent with a formal dress as it covers your shoulders and arms--keeping you warm--but, it doesn't take away from your dress. It's also easy to put on and remove, therefore not ruining your hair or wrinkling your dress.
Can you wear it with jeans and a simple top? Probably. However, it's going to be more trouble than it's worth--the wrap isn't functional for a fun night out on the town! How can you eat, drink and be merry with friends when you're holding onto your wrap?
Well, I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of staring at my closet, and this is what I've come up with...
There are four good, stylish ways to keep warm (that don't include snuggling up with another person!):
1) Jean Jacket
2) Blazer
3) Cardigan
4) Wrap
Each of these items serves a different purpose when it comes to keeping your outfit sizzling and your body warm!
Jean Jacket:
 |
| Old Navy Denim Jacket $39.94 |
However, there is one hard and fast rule when it comes to a jean jacket. NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER (did I say never?) wear a blue denim jacket with blue jeans. You will look like you are wearing a jean suit and, well, no one looks good in a jean suit.
 |
| American Eagle Outfitters White Denim Jacket $49.50 |
This also looks great with a casual outfit, like the ones mentioned above, and it looks especially spectacular with dark blue skinny jeans or your favorite pair of well-worn boot-cut jeans!
Blazer:
 |
| Gap Blazer $69.95 |
 |
| H&M Blazer $49.95 |
Just be sure to keep the outfit underneath casual, and you won't look like you stepped out of the office and onto the dance floor without remembering to get changed first!
Cardigan:
The cardigan is an easy go-to staple for a night out on the town. It's foldable enough to throw in your purse, warm enough to keep you cozy and versatile enough to go with nearly every outfit. There are several different types of cardigans--each one suited for a different outfit!
 |
| J.Crew Cardigan $62.00 |
 |
| Banana Republic Cardigan $89.50 |
 |
| Express Cardigan $49.90 |
Wrap:
 |
| Macy's Sequin Wrap $24.98 |
Can you wear it with jeans and a simple top? Probably. However, it's going to be more trouble than it's worth--the wrap isn't functional for a fun night out on the town! How can you eat, drink and be merry with friends when you're holding onto your wrap?
Hope these tips helped you to figure out how to stay warm as you go out on the town! Any questions? Any suggestions? Want to enter our next month's contest and be our next proud winner? Contact us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com!
