Take a walk around campus and it is not uncommon to see one person wearing shorts and sandals, and another wearing a coat and boots. Memphis weather can be a pain when it comes to transitioning a wardrobe from season to season, but there are many ways to accommodate the new spring trends despite a forecast predicting continuing winter weather.
"The weather makes it extremely hard to decide what to wear. I have to battle with wearing clothing that is in season and freezing, or wearing winter clothing at the wrong time," said Kaeyla Willis, junior fashion merchandising major.
There are those who feel compelled to hold on to their winter trends for dear life. Several winter pieces should be retired as soon as spring makes the smallest appearance.
"The heavy wool pieces like pea coats, camp socks, and boots that are made for snow and ice. Basically rule out anything that would make you sweat at the thought of them in summer," said Stephen Caulfield, junior philosophy major at Southwest Community College and creator of men's fashion blog practicalflair.blogspot.com.
There are also many students struggling with knowing when is a good time to make the change from winter darks to spring pastels. Some say it is not about knowing the exact time, but knowing how to transition without going overboard.
"Winter is usually full of earth tones: browns, olives, navy. Slowly phase out one of these at a time for a brighter version. Cardigans with a bright red trim and a bright tee underneath peeking out of your outfit can be a suitable step towards adding a spring flare. Just don't go straight from a pea coat to a tank top," Caulfield said.
A similar wardrobe adjustment can be made for women transitioning into spring fashion.
"It is definitely not too early for pastels and floral patterns as long as it is done sparingly. Use the pastels in cardigans, pants and long sleeve chiffon tops. I know we Memphians leap at the sight of warm weather, but leave the shorts and sandals in your closet until later," said Shenan Arnold, sophomore fashion merchandising major.
Shoes can also be a good way for working the new season into an outfit. Choices like colorful oxfords, boat shoes and sneakers that can be worn by both men and women are good staple shoes in the spring.
"It is time for furry boots to find their way into a storage bin, however it is not time to break out the sandals and flip flops. Flats are also a happy medium that can be worn in all seasons," Arnold said.
There are many ways of knowing how and when to dress for the transition of seasons. However, the easiest way to stay prepared for whatever weather may be predicted is to always make sure to tune into the news for the morning forecast.
"Check the weather and dress for the worst. You'll have to adapt until it's consistently above 80 every day. You're not just dressing for how it feels in the moment, but what it will feel like six or eight hours from then," Caulfield said.
