Do you have "Winter Clothes Fatigue?" 10 tips to help you get out of the Winter Doldrums.
Theo Pace
“Winter clothes fatigue,” according to Chacha Olivia, is the frustration brought on by the short Winter days, lack of sun and freezing temps that have one wearing the same items over and over. One is dressing to stay warm and not dressing for joy. “WCF” can bring on feelings of boredom and sometimes “meh.”
Having been in Florida for almost 4 years now, I often forget the feeling of dread I would have waking up in the morning. I remember not wanting to get out from under the covers. The chill when your feet hit the floor goes right through you! Your outfits revolve around what will keep you warmest as opposed to what makes you feel alive and bright! I guess I could equate it with how I feel in Florida in October? Maybe not.
So, my friends living in cold climates, what are you to do?!?!
Here are some of my tips to make you feel a little lighter and cheerier. And, if you don’t experience “Winter Clothes Fatigue,” you might want to try them anyway! A midseason refresher is always a good idea! And, some of these don’t even involve clothing!!
1 Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. There is nothing like feeling moisturized in the dry heat of our homes. If your salon offers a paraffin treatment…go for it! Choose a light color or even a bright one.
2 Go for a facial! Choose one that will offer extra hydration. Pampering ourselves is great any time of year!
3a and 3b Take all your salt stained boots and shoes to the cobbler for a freshening up! This one is pretty simple. I always feel better when I have repaired or refreshed items that were in desperate need of some TLC! Clean your Winter Outerwear. Dry clean your winter coats and wash your fleece pullovers and jackets. Over the course of Winter, outerwear can really take a beating. You will feel a lot fresher when things are clean.
4 Try wearing some scarves as an accessory to your outfit and not just a way to keep warm. Look for different ways to tie them to freshen things up. I love this video from Wendy's Lookbook and it’s quick! 25 Ways to tie a Scarf! In under 5 minutes :) (I would also suggest following her…she’s amazing!) The important thing to remember is to use different scarves! Don’t be an outfit repeater…go dig out another scarf in your closet…I bet you have one!
Shopping at Vagabond Apparel in North Palm Beach, FL. Love this great little Valentine cashmere sweater from Minnie Rose. Perfect pick me up, even in Fl!
5 Purchase a “pick me up!” Find a good sale at one of your favorite stores and purchase a new sweater or matching hat/gloves and scarf set. Choose a bright color or something that makes you smile.
6 Start looking at new Spring trends. January is the best time to start checking out Spring fashion trends in magazines. What is the new Pantone color of the season? Are prints going to be small or large? What are the heels and toes like in the new shoe trends? Keep a list of things you may want to add to your wardrobe. Spring lines hit the stores in February…the best bags and shoes come out early and they sell out quickly! Act fast!
7 Try layering different items of clothing in your wardrobe. Tired of wearing the same old sweaters? Don’t really want to purchase any more “cold weather attire”? Try layering a short sleeve tee (maybe a fun graphic) over a solid long sleeve tee. Pair it with your favorite denim. Thinner items can offer a lot of warmth too. You can also check out my post "Are You An Outfit Repeater?"…and see different ways to “shop your closet” and get more use out of the items in there!
8 Try out a new fitness routine. Have you tried spinning or Pilates or how about Lagree? Try out a free intro class and wear some fun athletic wear-NOT BLACK!
9 Plan a Winter getaway. Start packing or creating a list of what you’ll bring. See my "Not your Average Pack Like a Pro" Post. This will brighten your spirits and give you some warm weather to look forward to. Nothing like getting off a plane and feeling the sun on your face and looking up at the palm trees!!
10 Not traveling? Host a party! Serve some signature summer cocktails (with umbrellas), offer up a great summer music playlist and a fun game of limbo! Encourage Summer attire…even if it’s a hat or Hawaiian shirt. Maybe you can plan it around that new Spring outfit you just picked up!!! (wink wink)
Whatever you do, hang in there, Spring is around the corner!!
January is the best time to look at magazines for Spring Fashion Trends.
Start thinking about what you’d like to add to your wardrobe this Spring.
What needs to be replaced? What needs to be updated?
Theo-Chacha Olivia
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