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!

Spring Shell Wardrobe

A shell wardrobe--a.k.a. “capsule wardrobe”--consists of clothing that is considered essential, and for a spring shell wardrobe, clothing that is seasonally essential! You can think of it like a cake batter: basic sugar, eggs, butter, and flour, later layered with chocolate, topped with frosting, or sprinkled with pink sugar--but you need to have the basic cake batter first.

What makes the spring shell wardrobe different from a winter or summer shell wardrobe? Often by spring you no longer need snow boots, but it may also not be sandal-only season yet! Keep in mind that the spring shell wardrobe is a transitional wardrobe: a mixture of winter and summer pieces, but few items that are unique to spring.

Spring Shell Wardrobe List:

Fancy dress
A fancy dress is perfect for weddings or other religious ceremonies, and with a denim jacket, you can wear it almost anywhere! A sweater jacket is also a good item to have on hand in case it's windy out.

Sleeveless tops or tank tops
Good for layering under button-ups and zip-ups on a chilly morning, then dressing down for an after-school track meet. Sport tank tops are often the most comfortable and colorful. Aim for a total of two to three.

Button up shirts
Perfect for layering over t-shirts and wearing over accidental sunburns (don't underestimate a sunny spring afternoon)!

Zip-ups
--Or hoodies or mini jackets, the goal is that it keeps you warm on frosty mornings but can be removed easily. You might only need one, but, depending on your style, you might want three!

Raincoat
Unless it's a very cold spring, this raincoat doesn't need to be heavy. If it can be rolled up and stuffed into a backpack it's perfect--wear it over a zip-up for warmth. Also, a mini umbrella, small enough to tuck into a purse on an overcast day, is a great idea!

Winter coat
Spring is known for unpredictable weather, so don't put your winter coat into storage quite yet!

Shoes
Here your style will really be a deciding factor! Some girls live in running shoes, wearing them everywhere; others have slip-ons they couldn't live without! If you're really into shoes though, spring's a great time for some comfy sandals and waterproof boots!


Socks
Everyone who has ever been caught wearing tennis shoes in the rain knows how awesome a new pair of dry socks feel! You can put most of your wool socks into storage, but don't forget to refill your sock drawer--one pair for every day of the week and an extra for your backpack!

Leggings
Perfect for wearing under a casual dress at 7:00 a.m. then stuffing into your backpack shortly after the noon sun hits! Leggings to me are a spring shell wardrobe classic--and they come in so many colors!

Jeans/pants
Try at least one colorful pair of pants and one classic color that goes with everything. Two to four pairs total is usually an ideal number, but if you prefer skirts, you can skip these!

Casual skirts
Worn over leggings, skirts have an amazing spring vibe! Try adding two or three to your wardrobe this season.

Legwarmers
Leftover from your winter wardrobe, legwarmers are great for layering over jeans, pants, or even tights. One pair should be perfect!

Depending on where you live, that's a spring shell wardrobe! (Copying down this list, be sure to check off items you already have, and cross off items you don't need.)

As a final reminder, this is only a shell wardrobe. Like the cake frosting, you make it your own! That means adding scarves, vests, jumpers, fun hair pieces--anything else you already have in your closet! Spring is also a great opportunity to try new styles, so get together with your fashion sister and start experimenting!

Happy spring!