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Wear now/wear later: spring trends

You don't have to wait until it's summer to pull out your favourite crop top. (Getty Images)
You don't have to wait until it's summer to pull out your favourite crop top. (Getty Images)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already fallen victim to the temptress that is new spring clothing.

I know, with temperatures hovering around 0°C (if that), stocking up on warm weather clothing right now might seem far-fetched -- but trust us, it’s not.

Being around fashion has taught me that you can make anything work for any season. I never pack away my summer wardrobe in the winter because I can always find interesting ways to layer and make these pieces viable cold-weather options.

So if you’re just itching to wear that summer dress, you can. Here are just a few style tips on how to make the most out of your wardrobe no matter what season it is.

Jersey maxi skirts

The jersey maxi skirt is one of my favourite year-round pieces. It’s simple, versatile and easy to style for any season.

Wear now:

Club Monaco turtleneck, Hue tights, Rag & Bone booties
Club Monaco turtleneck, Hue tights, Rag & Bone booties

Layer opaque tights underneath to start. I like to wear my grey maxi skirt with a cozy fitted turtleneck in a slightly different shade of grey for a sophisticated monochromatic look. Booties are a great winter option. I’d give this outfit a little colour by pairing it with leopard print booties with a little heel or a boot with an interesting texture like horsehair to mix up.

Wear later:

Zara crop top, Anthropologie scarf, Forever21 jacket
Zara crop top, Anthropologie scarf, Forever21 jacket

Once the ice melts and we’re free to show a little skin that won’t result in frostbite, I’d swap out the turtleneck for a simple Breton-striped tank top or a playful crop top. A denim jacket, light scarf with a pattern or fringe and the same booties will suit a crisp spring day perfectly.

Culottes

Culottes are back! The retro wide-leg pant is a current favourite of mine. I tend to favour them in solid neutrals in a medium-weight fabric that makes it easy to transition from summer to fall, and even winter.

Wear now:

Joe Fresh sweater, Aritzia scarf, Maje boots
Joe Fresh sweater, Aritzia scarf, Maje boots

I simply wear tights underneath with a cozy cashmere sweater and thigh high boots for a great cold weather look. A blanket scarf is a fun topper to add an extra layer to your ensemble.

Wear later:

Gap button up, J. Crew bag, Nine West wedges
Gap button up, J. Crew bag, Nine West wedges

When it finally warms up, pair them up with a loose chambray shirt. A comfortable pair of wedges and a colourful bucket bag completes the look for a warm spring day.

Crop Top

I know what you’re thinking. The dead of winter is no time to discuss the merits of wearing half a shirt -- unless you’re going on a tropical vacation. That’s where I think you’re wrong.

Wear now

Zara jeans, Banana Republic button up, Min clutch, Alex & Ani necklace
Zara jeans, Banana Republic button up, Min clutch, Alex & Ani necklace

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how versatile a crop top can be. I tried layering my favourite black crop top over a crisp white button up and paired it with boyfriend jeans and a pair of colourful pumps. It worked rather nicely with subtle jewellery and a cool envelope clutch.

Wear later

Paul Smith trousers, Old Navy bag, Joe Fresh heels
Paul Smith trousers, Old Navy bag, Joe Fresh heels

My summer uniform consists of a pair of silk trousers or pants and an interesting crop top with a tropical pattern or something solid and neutral. There’s nothing quite as freeing as wearing an outfit that looks great but feels like you’re wearing almost nothing. Combine the look with strappy heels and a colourful crossbody bag for a bright, colourful vibe.

Shorts

Whether your shorts are denim or a dressier fabric, repurposing them for any season is fairly easy.

Wear now:

Zara blazewr, Aldo shoes, Nordstrom tights
Zara blazewr, Aldo shoes, Nordstrom tights

Layering is key once again. Shorts can look great over tights and it’s a fun challenge to mix and match them with different colours and patterns. A fitted blazer, a long cardigan or simple turtleneck sweater are all great options to pair with your summer shorts for a winter ready outfit. If you want extra leg coverage, a knee or thigh high pair of boots will keep you covered up.

Wear later:

Ted Baker blouse, Danier bag, Joie sandals
Ted Baker blouse, Danier bag, Joie sandals

Shorts are made for summer and they’re much less fussy to style in the warmer months. Swap out the sweater and boots for a summery blouse, gladiator sandals and your favourite summer tote bag.