Winterize Your Wardrobe: Creative Ways to Style Summer Clothes

Thanks for TOBI for collaborating with this post. All opinions are my own.

The last time either online or in-store, did you take a spin? I did, which rack has been loaded down with change dresses all the summer leftovers, crop shirts, shorts, skirts, maxi dresses that are flirty and so on. Only the other dayI lifted a white jumpsuit out of clearance and took it a bargain worth bragging about, for sure.

Buying Clothes Off-Season — the Downsides

There are a few downsides to purchasing garments off-season although the bargains are plentiful right now. One, if you purchase something cool, its life is going to be over before spring. And two, it is vaguely unsatisfying when the weather prevents you from wearing them away to buy new clothes.

The solution for the first issue is simple. Stick with classic silhouettes and strong colors or stripes. Now’s not the ideal time to spend in an off-shoulder, ruffle dress with a bold white-and-red pattern (Unless maybe you live in the South Pacific, and then–well, you’re living in heaven, so who cares what you wear?) .

Through the winter, using a little creativity, you can wear these summertime pieces — shift dresses, crop tops, dresses and light maxi skirts — right on the second problem. And I’m not talking about throwing on a puffy jacket and tights on along with your summer dress. I’m speaking about pairing your bits to make new combos which are warm and trendy. Ready to learn ? Continue reading.

Styling Summer Clothes for Cooler Temps

Cropped into the Max

I actually like crop shirts better in the winter than in the summertime. And I know what you’re thinking:”Crop tops? I have not purchased one since 1987!” Well, in the event that you have that thing that is old, pull it out today. Or find this one — you’ll need it to wear your maxi apparel over this winter.

Top: Ranked Lace Crop Top, $22, TOBI / Dress: Macy’s, Calvin Klein Maxi Dress

Crop tops seem insanely fabulous over a form-fitting dress. The perfect maxi for this appearance will be sleek over the waist and don’t have any sleeves. Stick with a simple dress if your harvest is jazzy such as this one. Or, pair a solid crop using a patterned dress. Have fun with this!

You can match your crop top up with a skirt. Insert a denim jacket for this mix if you’re cold (but skip the fingerless gloves unless you’re dressing up like’80s Madonna for Halloween). And, if the skirt is long enough, throw a set of leggings underneath. I will not tell anyone if you don’t.

Top: Kohl’s Clearance Rack, Ranked Lace Crop Top, $22, TOBI / Skirt: White Maxi Skirt, $ 7.50

The Dress-as-Top

Can live a double-life as a tunic from the colder months. Pair it with leggings , skinny trousers or jeans. Add a blazer or moto jacket if you want more structure.

Dress: Bella Lace Up Shift Dress, $58, TOBI / Top: White Long-Sleeved T, $7, H&M / / Jeans: Skinny Jeans, $59, Dearborn Denim / Boots: Combat Boots, $25, Ross

My lace-up shift dress wears over dark denim jeans and combat boots. The addition of the white shirt underneath adds contrast and places emphasis on the lace-up front of the dress. And there is another benefit of this under-layer — today I don’t have to fret about the laces loosening up and showing my bra off.

Sweaters Under, Not Over

Here. It is often looked over by A sweater. Try it and see! Slip on sleek sweater. Dresses function for this tactic, because they won’t demonstrate the bulk of your sweater.

Dress: TOBI / Sweater, Carina Palm Print Shift Dress, $29: Elle Ruffle Sweater, $29.99, Kohl’s

Here, I’ve paired this cute peach change dress with a cream-colored, ruffle-sleeved sweater. Those long sleeves expand the life right of this dress into fall. And, since the dress falls well above the knee, then you might add leggings or skinny pants for even more warmth.

Putting it all Together

Sweaters can go under dresses and dresses can be gone more by crop tops. And here is what happens when you perform both.

Top: TOBI, Forever Lace Crop Top, $22 / Dress: Carina Palm Print Shift Dress, $29, TOBI / Sweater: Elle Ruffle Sweater, $29.99

Crop tops are fun, right? And you don’t even have to reveal any skin!

Do you have any suggestions for styling for fall? Share in the comments!