Can I be honest with you guys? Spring is my least favorite season. It’s still dreadfully cold and when it does get warm it has the audacity to rain a lot, at least in Michigan. Much like the caterpillar that freezes alive in the Arctic tundra, I am desperate for the thaw that sadly won’t come until late April if we’re lucky. On top of that Spring trends like pastels, polka dots and floral feel like I received unsweetened black tea when I ordered a chai latte. While I can pass on a drink or trend I don’t like, the weather that comes with this new season can’t be exchanged. So I’m forced to compromise. To find ways to appear Spring ready when it’s still 30 degrees out and lilac purple isn’t my color. If you find yourself in the same boat as me, welcome aboard matey, then I have a few tips that you can use to fake the Spring spirit.

What I’m Wearing

ASOS Coat|Zara Dress(Similar)|Dear Frances Booties (Similar)|Kate Spade Purse (Similar)

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that fun booties are a must have transitional piece. Try a metallic pair, even an unexpected yet classic color like navy or last season’s hot trend: white booties. This is an easy way to add color without sacrificing warmth.

The second thing I’ve embraced is layers. It’s still too cold for a trench coat here so a mid weight coat in a spring color of your choice will be a classic piece that you can re-style year after year. Personally I went for cream because it’s a timeless way to brighten up any outfit.

Lastly the easiest way to incorporate new colors without feeling overwhelmed is stripes. Which you guys probably know by now is my go to print of choice as seen here and here. To continue the spring theme I picked a maxi dress with light blue stripes. Layered under the cream coat it is the perfect touch of spring without being too overwhelming for those of us who don’t really do pastels.

The key is to be open minded yet picky. Don’t be afraid to try new, or old, trends but be honest about if it’s something you’ll wear just once or season after season. For me that means passing on purple everything and pastels, but I might give polka dots another try if I find the right piece.