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!

The Fashion Sister

         

          
 

Having a fashion sister is amazing! It's like being a celebrity with a professional stylist, while at the same time getting to be a stylist for a famous celebrity (her) every time the two of you go shopping together! A fashion sister is basically that one person in your life who always just knows what dress or color of fuzzy sweater will look amazing on you. She's also been friends with you long enough to recognize your style right when she sees it--even if it's still on the rack! Awesome galaxy leggings?  She's going to make sure she shows them to you! Sassy t-shirt in her size? No way are you not going to have her try it on!

A fashion sister can be anyone, an older friend, a younger friend, a really cool cousin, even an actual sister! What makes her special is that she's always there for those moments when you try on a pair of jeans or earrings and just aren't sure if they look good on you. She's someone who can be really honest if those jeans look too tight or too baggy on you, or if maybe another pair of earrings might look better with your face shape.

The Tween Style Hotspot is a blog where you can find all kinds of fun facts about fashion, DIY style hacks, clothing fit guides, tricks to shopping for particularly tough to find items, and even how to manage your wardrobe budget; but having a fashion sister is something much more special! It's sometimes difficult to read about a new trend and know how to experiment with it yourself, but chances are you can read about a fun trend and then style an outfit for your friend based off of it! That's because when we help others pick out an outfit we often feel more creative than with our own wardrobe, so reading this blog with a friend and then trying out the techniques together is going to be absolutely awesome for both of you!

But what if I don't have a fashion sister?? Well, finding one is actually a lot easier than you might imagine! Just think through all of your friends: which friend has an amazing sense of style and has maybe helped you make a fashion-related decision before? --"definitely wear that skirt with those leggings, it will make the colors stand out!"-- Who's a friend that really admires your personal sense of style? --"I like your backpack! I think it's neat that you like flowery patterns!"-- All you need to do is start small. Ask that friend to help you pick out an outfit for school or a party the next day. Ask them to tag along the next time you and your mom go clothing shopping because you can always use a second opinion when picking out dresses! Or even just ask her if she wants to be your fashion sister and then show her this post!

P.S. Thank you so much to our two, very talented and beautiful models who picked out their own outfits (aren't their outfits so chic and snazzy?!) and took their time to draw the colorful butterflies in the background of the first photo. We went through a lot of chalk (and everyone had it all over their hands and sleeves!) but the butterflies turned out gorgeously, and no one would be on this blog, reading this post, if it weren’t for them! So, a huge thank you to both of you! Working with you was truly an honor and I am so appreciative of all your help!