Spring Forward, Stay Neutral

By Guest Blogger, Dorothy Munholland

The transition from winter to spring can be one of the most exciting yet simultaneously exasperating times of year for those of us who spend the colder months envisioning our warmer weather outfits. There is nothing quite like wearing shorts outside for the first time in months, especially when you realize that you may have jumped the gun on sporting bare legs. Then, just as you think it’s finally time to shove the wool sweaters towards the back of your closet the forecast calls for… snow. Great.

Fortunately, I’ve managed to avoid the outfit letdowns caused by unpredictable weather and closet transitions because most of my wardrobe is multi-season, multi-functional, and super mixable. This doesn’t mean I miss out on the anticipation of spring apparel, and I still carefully select a few new pieces to update my look, but it certainly makes life a lot easier. While it’s evident that spring has sprung just by looking at the clothing choices of my peers on campus here at UW-Madison, I have found that students are masters at the craft of reuse.

I spotted this fashionista making her way to the Memorial Union Terrace one sunny afternoon last weekend and had to stop her for a quick photo-op. For me, her ensemble was the epitome of versatile, but still unique and interesting. She wore a muted, neutral color scheme with a ruffled floral and dash of color thrown in. Had the weather been a bit cooler, she could have easily thrown on a version of the always-trendy trench coat and her look still would have maintained it’s spring appeal. I love her Frye boots not only because they have been a staple of American vintage fashion since the ‘60s, but also because they are four-season boots and the more you wear them, the better they look—that’s what I call a smart investment.

When I asked this week’s fashionista what article from her wardrobe she couldn’t live without she cited her AG jeggings (pictured). Why? They’re great with heels for a night on the town but comfortable enough to wear to class and “they’re awesome to travel with—they keep my suitcase light because they go with everything.” Spoken like a true college student.

If you’re wondering where you can find that great bag (I definitely did) you’ll have to take a trip to Hakei in Spain, which is where she purchased it during her semester abroad in Madrid (fun fact about Glossing Over It writer, Susan Gloss: she studied abroad in Spain, too). While this spring’s runways were all about fun colors, take a page from this fashionista’s stylebook and find a colorful but soft-toned bag that will prove it’s worth season after season. For a purse that doesn’t require plane tickets try this Marc Jacobs bag in sage or olive, or find a more budget-friendly alternative like this one at Urban Outfitters. Remember—making a statement isn’t just about being bold; an eye-catching look can be made out of subtle combinations. Buying versatile pieces leaves your wallet fuller, your closet more spacious and, done right, keeps you looking fashion-forward and feeling good about your eco-footprint because you can get by with purchasing fewer new items.