How to: deal with fashion in weird weather

I'll tell you upfront - this article is pretty much entirely female-focused.

Let's just be honest, guys can remove their jackets or sweaters and be prepared for a 30-degree temperature change. That just isn't the case for the ladies.

Unlike men, for the most part, we deal with skirts, dresses, shorts, jeans, camis, tops, blazers, sweaters, scarves, hats - this list could go on for days - that are all specifically related to the temperature outside. That's not to say men are not preconceiving about their wardrobe, but rather that women tend to dress more by the season than men.

Case in point, it's rare to hear males saying something like, "I packed up all my winter clothes and have been busy organizing my spring and summer stuff all day."

In contrast, many-a-female spend their entire Saturday and Sunday afternoons completing this exact task. Cashmere sweaters, three or four coats and practically anything long-sleeved are replaced with bikinis, tank tops and shorts. The former items are hauled up to the attic to snuggle next to Christmas ornaments, while the latter are lugged up from the basement.

Unfortunately for us Missourians, a distinct season switch is nonexistent. Lately, we have encountered 65-degree days followed by lows around 7 degrees with snow warnings - the worst situation for anyone hoping to consolidate a wardrobe.

To help you out, I have created a list that will assist the weary fashionista in her quest to remain weather-appropriate in these trying weather times.

By following these suggestions, you should be able to leave your summer stuff in the basement and wait a few more weeks before hauling your sweaters to the attic.

DO: Wear a cute 3/4 sleeve blazer with everything you own. Really, a blazer of any length will work perfectly. This time of year is all about layering, so no matter what you walk out of the house in, you will have at least one or two layers to remove before you're down to your skivvies. Side note: A sweater does not serve the same function. I have no real reason for saying that, but it's how I feel.

DO NOT: Wear Uggs or any boot that resembles a pair of Uggs. Apart from my utter loathing for these furry, chunky monstrosities, they are completely inappropriate at any time when there is less than six feet of snow on the ground. By that same token, do not wear flip-flops. I told you to keep your summer stuff in the basement until late March, so those flip-flops shouldn't even be in your closet winking at you.

DO: Wear flats and some of your boots. Flats are appropriate anytime the weather rises above 32 degrees and snow ceases to exist. You can make them more cold weather appropriate by putting a cute pair of trouser socks underneath them, but that's not required.

I say to wear some of your boots because some of your boots are strictly fall and winter accessories. As we lean into March, I can no longer justify wearing my beloved knee-high, black leather, stiletto boots. I can justify wearing my tan flat riding boots. It's a difficult line you must learn to walk yourself. Godspeed.

DO NOT: Whip out your leggings. These fall in the same category as Uggs. Whoever deemed it a good idea to wear leggings that hit your mid-calf was a monster. They are unflattering and make you look like a woman who couldn't decide whether to wear tights or nothing at all. They also make you look 14 years old. I hate them. Which leads me to my final do.

DO: Wear tights. Thick or thin, tights solve a majority of fashion questions. That floral dress you are dying to break out but think it's too cold for?

Pair it with black tights and a black blazer (hint, hint). Want to wear shorts (even though I told you to keep them in the basement)? Pair them with a thick pair of tights and cute flats and you're ready to go.

If you follow these fairly simple suggestions, you should be able to successfully dress during these trying economic . . . ahem, I mean . . . weather times.

tkloeppel@unews.com