Tips On Layering Up For Hot and Cold Climates
YAASS! I can finally start wearing my sweaters and booties because it's officially starting to feel like fall in LA. Well, almost. It rained for a day. Also, sixty degrees is pretty cold when a couple of weeks ago, the high was in the 90s. And even today, I woke up for class and needed a long sleeve and a jacket, but by lunch, I'm rushing to take them off. And, LA's sweater weather is only in the morning or once the sun sets. So, how do you dress for both temperatures without feeling like you're bringing a closet of options to class or work?
I may have some answers. I'm from the Central Coast of California, where the grass is frosty in the winter mornings yet in the eighties at lunchtime. In between those days, it could be foggy and low forties all day. In comparison, I moved down to Los Angeles, CA 5 years ago, and LA is known for its sunshine and heat. The heat leads establishments to keep the AC on blast, even in the cooler months. The colder indoor climate makes for warmer wear inside.
With my knowledge of dressing for both locations, I found it necessary to learn how to layer my clothes for both climates. Here's what I've learned:
Always have a small jacket or cardigan.
Having something small to throw over your arms in a drafty room can save you from shivering all afternoon. That same small jacket or cardigan can act as a shield from the sun as you're out and about on errands. With a short-sleeve shirt or tank underneath, a small jacket or cardigan can keep you both warm and cool when in and out.
Fuzzy socks!
I always have a pair of fuzzy socks in my purse and backpack (also in my carryon when traveling) in case my feet get cold while inside. I can slip them on while sitting at my desk and no one would know. I also love wearing open-toed shoes, but they limit me from wearing socks. Having this extra pair allows me to wear cute shoes and keep my toes warm. If you can find a neutral color sock, you may get away with wearing them with your shoes if you need to take a quick bathroom break.
Undershirts
Flowy tops are nice until you have a Marilyn Monroe dress incident with your top. When wearing a flowy blouse, it is nice to have an undershirt tucked into your bottoms to keep cold air from shooting up your blouse. No one likes their midsection to be cold.
Tights and Stockings
I remember when my mom used to make me wear stockings under my dress at church every Sunday. I thought it was a conservative thing, but it was mainly to keep me warm during those early Sunday School mornings. Now, I wear tights under my dresses and pencil skirts. This keeps my legs warm and allows me to wear cute and short bottoms in the winter or in the cooler indoor climates.
Wrap Up In a Scarf
Add a scarf to any outfit. During the warmer weather, it can be draped around your neck to add a pop of color or texture to your outfit. Once in the colder weather, there are a few ways you can wrap up. Wear the scarf around your neck like normal to keep your neck and shoulders warm. You can also wear it draped over your shoulders like a shawl. Shout out to my mom for this one: Wrap the scarf around your head, neck, and shoulders to keep warm (This one takes some confidence to not care what people think). She usually does this on the airplane, but has no shame and will do it in a cold restaurant as well.
Headbands and Beanies
Headbands are very stylish and trendy right now. Not only are they super affordable and can spice up your outfit, but it can also cover your ears to keep you warm. Beanies aren't only to be worn in the winter, but just slouching the beanie off your head in more of a street style can still keep your head and ears warm in cooler weather. Scared of having to take your beanie off inside? The beanie is a statement and accessory with your outfit and does not need to be taken off. So, these too can also help cover up or fix a bad hair day.
I hope these tips help you stay warm and/or cool in these cold months!
Karisa Brown
Instagram // @lifewithkarisa
