Layer Like Crazy

Ever had one of those days when you're shivering like crazy waiting for the bus, but then dying of heat stroke five minutes into afternoon recess? Yeah, welcome to springtime! Lucky for you, I've got a solution: layer like crazy!!

Imagine this: it's pouring rain while you wait for the bus, but you're wearing your waterproof shoes and a warm raincoat over a comfy flannel top. Sun comes out, coat comes off, you're all set until after school at the farmers market with your mom--it's like the dead of August suddenly! But you don't mind; underneath your flannel button-up, you're wearing a sleeveless polo. That's how you layer like crazy.

Now imagine this: it's the night before, you're planning to layer like crazy, but if you bring a winter coat and it's 80 degrees in the morning, your first layer is gone before you even leave home.

If you're a techy tween with a smartphone, I'd suggest a weather shortcut on your home screen so you remember to check it the night before (I use Google's frog page because it's adorable and has lots of info). If you're not someone who lives online, often the weather forecast is in the daily paper your parents read. Look especially for signs of rain or wind (jacket!) and compare today's temperature to tomorrow's predicted (example: it was 50° today and you were burning up; for 55° tomorrow try the same top layer you wore today, but a cooler bottom layer you can dress down to).

I always try to bring a jacket with me, but I make sure the material is weather appropriate. Denim might break the wind better than fleece, but fleece is warm! Faux leather is fun when it will probably stay chilly all day, while cotton is perfect for those "just kind of cool" mornings. While it's difficult to layer jackets (at some point the sleeves bunch and you can't bend your elbow), you can zip a puffer vest over almost anything!

--I know I've been talking a lot about mornings, but don't forget to also layer like crazy in the evenings (this style hack will last you all the way into summer's mosquito nights).--

You've probably noticed by now the average temperature outside slowly climbing higher and higher (because summer is coming!!), so layers don't have to be heavy to be efficient. Sometimes a mesh long-sleeve over a tank top with a light-weight, sleeveless duster and denim shorts is sufficient--and super trendy!

Throughout this entire process, remember: you're a tween, you are entitled to experiment! Try layering patterns with stripes, or plaids with tiny prints--a solid color in between can keep the look controlled while also adding a layer!

Are you ready for one more super awesome part about being a tween..?

Waist belts! They can be stretchy belts, ribbon, or a cute, braided rope. You will be able to wear waist belts for the rest of your life, so try them out! They're perfect for cinching in loose-fitted dresses, tops, coats, dusters, and--of course!--bulky layers. I like to belt the smallest part of my waist (right over my navel), but I've found if I move the belt to about mid-ribcage I look taller.

And that's it! Now that I've told you everything I know about how to layer like crazy, it's time to go out and layer like crazy! Let other readers know your favorite layering tips in the comments below.

See you next week!