This last batch of windy, rainy weather got me thinking a lot about outerwear. I know we live in sunny San Diego but the reality is we need to dress in layers — even in the so-called warmer months. Mornings are cold and overcast, afternoons are sunny and beautiful, evenings back to chilly. Dressing for all these weather patterns could make a girl crazy but if you have the right pieces it can be a cinch. First and foremost, a solid wardrobe has a chic and stylish coat (winter and spring versions). I go for a pea coat in winter and trench coat for spring — keeping it simple and classic is always in style and gives you the most versatility. You can mix and match these two with just about anything from dresses to jeans. Let me warn you that a fabulous coat can be very pricey (in some cases a mortgage payment) but this is a foundational piece, so worth the investment. Not looking to invest but just want some simple layering pieces? Have no fear, we can do that, too! Anoraks, trenches, pea coats, denim, leather, tweed, blazers, cardigans and scarves all provide great layering options. Most designers do trenches or pea coats for spring at attainable price points so have fun and do a great color like coral or yellow. Blazers are also a fun way to layer with ease. They go well with just about everything and come in all materials from cotton and wool to synthetic blends. Denim is a classic staple and looks great with a sundress. Just like jeans are coming in all kinds of wild colors, so are denim jackets. Paige does a great classic version and Current/Elliott does a fun take on tweed (“Frayed Lady”). Speaking of tweed, it is fun and funky this season. This ladylike trend is no longer for an older crowd. With the mixing and matching of rich colors and textures, it is young and fresh. It pairs nicely with shorts, skirts and all styles of denim (I love a boyfriend jean, baggy T-shirt and tweed jacket). Another great alternative is leather. Get something in a light or neutral color (I have a navy-blue leather jacket and I covet it) and you will be set for seasons to come. Veda has an amazing line with soft, supple leathers and amazing fits. An outfit consisting of a dress, leather jacket and scarf could easily get you through a crazy weather day here. In the morning, wear a jacket and scarf. In the afternoon when it warms up, lose the jacket and loosely drape the scarf around your neck. At night when it is cooling back down, put on both again and you will be ready for evening temperatures. Looking for a lighter (and less expensive) way to layer? Cardigans and scarves are always an option. Cardigans have come a long way and there are many updated styles these days, like cropped and boyfriend. They are also coming in all kinds of colors, prints and materials. I prefer Merino wool or cashmere to cotton as they hold shape and color better. Take a very simple dress and throw on a printed cardigan and accessories — or use that same cardigan to dress down with jeans or shorts and a T-shirt. I love using items in multiple ways, and most pieces can easily transition between dressy and casual. Scarves and pashminas are great finishing pieces and can be very expressive (like jewelry). I recommend having a good mix between solid colors (black, cream, orange, pink) and wild prints. This is a great way to start experimenting with mixing prints, since it’s on a small scale. Another good thing about scarves is that just about every designer does them, so you can really have several and they won’t break the bank. Think of them as throw pillows — change your pillows and your living room has a new feel. I like pashminas for their length, softness, weight and warmth, plus they can easily fold up and be tucked into or tied around a handbag. They are a bit more expensive, but worth it. Most major department stores will mark them down or put them on promotion, so look for the right times to invest. I hope this helps to keep you warm and stylish in these coming spring and summer seasons. You can never be sure what our Southern California weather will bring us from day to day, but if you have the right essentials your style never has to give way to function. — Sabrina Heft has been a fashion consultant in San Diego for several years. Along with consulting, she is the creative director and lead stylist for The Gap at UTC. [email protected]
