Living in New York City, winter accessories for the trendy include scarves, ponchos, tights and gloves. 2014’s winter has brought back plaid, fur and, in a fashion spin, workout-chic clothes. With the holidays approaching, new ways to wear glitter, shiny satin, velvet etc. flood black friday sales and cyber monday home screens. Yet, this season is another classic case of turning what’s old into something new. Instead of surrendering to typical winter outfits, branch out of the cliché with another seasonal trend; floral.
Florals have been attributed to spring since the proverb ‘April Showers Bring May Flowers’. The bright variety of colors and shapes, with the added pleasant smells that help define flowers as feminine and appealing, make floral designs a match to the breezy season of rebirth. Spring is the start of a new year, and break from the drab winter weather. Ironically though, fashion trends repeat itself every spring by the annual return of floral patterns. Beloved fictional fashion emblem Miranda Priestly said it herself “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” To escape the cliché, why not pair a fashion staple of spring, florals, to a new season, winter.
Going out of the fashion norm is daunting yet many fashion forward role models wear florals in the spring. Jessica Alba of many recently wore a strapless gold floral print top with chiffon skirt to a Baby2baby gala. The key to her look was straying from overbearing floral prints and mixing the floral aspect with typical winter metallics. Other stars are adding in florals with new hemlines and fabric choices. With midi-skirts still a staple, soft floral patterned two piece sets are still being worn in winter.
An essential note in dressing out of season while still remaining conscience of the season is fabric and accessory choice. Floral chiffon dresses, cotton scarfs or loose linen shorts are spring fabrics as they are lighter in weight and carefree looking. Yet, chiffon and cotton don’t protect against deep snow. To avoid the cliché, opt for floral patterns in a cashmere scarf or sweater. For a dressed up look, try satin. A floral patterned satin dress paired with tights and closed toe pumps is a supplemental holiday outfit.
Incorporating florals to a winter wardrobe can be as easy as adding floral print accessories. A floral print bag, scarf or even tights in neutral colors escape winter sparkle yet aren’t too bright that they clash with winter scenery when stepping outside. Neutral florals are sophisticated and timeless. To add in color, let a coat do the talking in a bright red or yellow, or even a deep plum.
Regardless, when breaking out of a fashion cliché, or in this case, mixing seasonal clichés, remember there is a reason certain items remain to one season. The multi-colored rose print mini-skirt and sandals look is a don’t in 0 degree weather. Seasonal prints and concepts only cross when it can be applied to appropriate winter staples like scarves, gloves, handbags, coats and dresses.