right in time

Third-year law student Laurel Blue tops a short denim sundress with an elbow-sleeve cardigan and fuschia scarf.

Living with Style:

Dressing for spring calls for common-sense approach

The Oxford EAGLE

Friday, April 10, 2009

Spring has sprung, and likewise has the urge to break out the sundresses and flip flops. 

I’ll admit I’ve got the fever, too. Unfortunately, the fickle weather around here is enough to give anyone a literal fever. 75 today 45 tomorrow — how can anyone make a decision on what to leave the house in with that kind of inconsistency? 

I hear it all the time — the mumblings and grumblings of wardrobing yourself during this time of seasonal transition. And who can blame us: We are bombarded with fashion magazines and retail establishments that hold the coming season in front of our face like the fake rabbit at the dog races. 

When will we learn that just because they make it available to us does not mean it’s time to wear it? 

And don’t think just because the college girls believe the solution is Nike gym shorts mixed with Ugg boots that you’ve found your answer. 

It’s high time we make our “fashion sense” an extension of our “common sense.”

COVER UP

So we’ll call this section “Kelley’s Mother’s Guide to Common-Sense Dressing.” And here would be her first piece of advice: If it’s cold wear a coat. 

I remember plenty an Easter morning as a little girl getting dressed in my exclusive, hand-tailored dress from the “House of Mamaw” coupled with my pristine white Mary Janes — only to be haulted before exiting the house by my mother with some form of cloak to cover my couture...arrgh! 

But looking back, it was always a tasteful and complimentary cover, and so I’ll have to give my mom credit for a teaching me a valuable lesson in fashion appropriateness. 

(And if you’re wondering when you can begin wearing your white shoes — unless you’re 5, the answer is never.)  

So believe me, I understand that you don’t want to cover your precious outfits with your winter coat. Neither do I, nor do I believe you should. 

And don’t get me wrong, I am personally guilty of rushing the season. At the first hint of spring, I trade my turtleneck for a tank top — but inevitably, by the end of the day, I’m not only freezing but look ridiculous. 

Through much trial and error, I have come to the realization that layering is the key to transitional dressing. 

It is for this reason, my friends, that God invented the cardigan. This simple little number — made famous by that great goddess of fashion, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and worn ever-so-effortlessly by our current first lady and rising fashion icon Michelle Obama — is a true match for that nip in the air of spring. 

As a matter of fact, I opened my e-mail inbox this morning to find an ad for “Cute Cardigans Under $100” just waiting for me. The selections were adorable and some priced as low as $20. 

A couple of my favorite pieces in my closet are cardigans found at vintage shops, truly of the Jackie O era — even one cashmere cutie I purchased for a mere 25 bucks. 

WRAP AROUND

Let me introduce to you another great layering accessory of our day: The scarf, a genius little piece of material that has quickly become my new year-round staple. 

Of course, I’m not referring to the wool scarf that you created with your new-found love for knitting (which I do applaud); it should be carefully packed away with your ski-jacket come March. 

Pick a material and color that can take you year-round. You can find them in all ranges of shapes, sizes and price. Chances are, you already have one in your closet! 

You can seriously even make a quick stop by the fabric store and with a yard or two of jersey create your own — it’s that easy.

I’ve found that the same scarf that juices up my daily jeans and T-shirt ensemble can be thrown over my shoulders to accompany Sunday’s best. 

The gauzy versions are best for summer, and although the summer scarf is often misunderstood, it certainly has its place. 

My need for it comes when the Arctic chill is replace by the chill of the A.C. I prefer to be comfortable and hate to be cold, so the scarf has become my savior — or as my friends joke, my “woobie.” 

Compact enough to stick in your backpack or more fashionably worn looped around the strap of your bag, it has an ease of portability like no other. 

TIME IT RIGHT

Of course, there is other outerwear out there, as cute and as appropriate — think blazer or trench. Just keep the fabrics and colors suitable; save the white or brightly colored linens for later in the season. 

The crop that is grown right under our noses is made into one of the most versatile fabrics out there — and yes, I’m referring to cotton. It’s fabulous for anytime of year.  

And for crying out loud, take a minute before you leave the house to check the weather. As a matter of fact, we should salute our weathermen — doing their darnedest to help us look our best! 

So if there’s a chill in the air, cover up. Layer your pieces so you can shed throughout the day, and make sure your cover choices are appropriate to your outfit. 

The bottom line: There is simply no excuse for covering your cocktail dress with a Northface jacket. Yes, I saw you — you know who you are!

Kelley Norris is a local mom, musician and writer who pens the blog Brass Buttons at kelleynorris.blogspot.com. E-mail her at kelley.brassbuttons@gmail.com.