...it's 80° one day and 50° the next.

New England weather has thrown us for a loop this March.  The high is supposed to be 80° today, but declining over the weekend to more seasonable temperatures.  Sometimes I feel like a meteorologist in the morning when I'm picking out my outfit for the day.  "The jacket worn in the morning will be removed by noon, with a 40% chance of the scarf coming off too."

Personally, I don't want to go breaking out all of my spring/summer clothes because in 4 days or so, we'll be reaching for jackets again.  Like I wrote in November, the key thing there is to LAYER.  When the high is 80°, use less layers.  When it's 50°, use more.  I just think it's too early to be breaking out the sundresses and shorts.  Just saying.

So, what am I wearing?  Here's a sample of how I've managed to get through these odd weather days without tipping too far into a summer look.

I've brought out lighter sweaters, like this one from Vince.  It's made of linen, and the loose weave makes it breathable.  Over a tank top with skinny jeans and open sandals, it's perfect for the warmer days.  Add a scarf, throw on a jacket, and change to ballet flats when it's back to 50°.

Image from vince.com.

Another option is a lighter cotton sweater, again with more of an open weave.  I need to check out this one from Madewell, the striped portstitch pullover for $68.  Again, layer with a tank, scarf, and jacket when it's 50°, and keep it simple with a tank and a pendant necklace over ankle-length pants when it's 80°.

Image from madewell.com.

Scarves are a must right now, for when it's cooler in the morning and warmer in the day.  Simply remove the scarf when it gets too warm.  The material of the scarf is critical to this - must be lightweight (linen) and not too bulky.  Calypso St. Barth has GREAT scarves - some are really pricey (like, gulp, $250), and some are more reasonable.  Currently, the fringe linen scarf ($95) would be perfect for this weather, and it comes in a multitude of colors.  This pink one would lighten up any outfit in a minute.  (Shopping hint:  Get on Calypso's email blast list - they always have a sale going on!)

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

J. Crew has a similar one right now, for about 1/2 the price.  Their linen wrap, in 3 colors, is $49.50.  Wouldn't this blue (called 'oceanfront') look great with a navy sweater or blouse?

Image from jcrew.com.

Ballet flats play a big role in this weather.  If you are like me and haven't had a minute for a well-overdue-pedicure, you might want to have a perforated or woven ballet flat in your closet.  Not as warm and constricting as one that's full leather, it's a little nod to the weather, while keeping your un-pedicured toes out of sight.  I have a pair of Jimmy Choo perforated ballet flats in a platinum color I have worn for years; they have been on my feet for the past 3 days.  Try one of these on for size.

High end:  Prada Woven ballet flats.  Cool and cute.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Mid-range:  A Frye (yes, that boot company!) woven ballet flat in a huge range of colors, $178.

Image from zappos.com.

And the Prada-knock-off, available at J.Crew for $158 in 3 colors.  Kind of fabulous.

Image from jcrew.com.

Value:  The Celia Perforated Ballet Flats for $79.50.  The come in 3 colors and are really adorable.  I couldn't capture an image for here, so if you want to see them, please click the link above.

Happy spring! ~ JH