Winter Dressing in Florida

Mary-Kate Pruitt, Contributor

Dressing for winter makes the holidays much more exciting. For Floridians a winter wardrobe is somewhat limited, most of the time we are missing the cold weather to wear them in. We may have the dreams of a white Christmas, but let’s face it, a Florida wonderland is never going to be that wintery. There is no hope for thick knit sweaters, puffer jackets, and stylish layers during Florida winters. However, there are many different items of clothing that can give the cozy winter feel  that Floridians dream of wearing, without sweating like crazy when you step out of the house of course. For example, a light ribbed sweater or a cropped cardigan pullover can be the perfect option for evenings or early mornings here. While the rest of the country is bundling up with multiple inner layers to keep warm in freezing temperatures and snow, Floridians will be doing it a bit differently. It’s smarter to wear a tank top or a light long sleeve shirt underneath any outfit and layer it with cropped sweaters, cardigans, or vests. To add a stylish touch, trendy details like ruffles, ribbing, cool patterns are a go! If it is extra cold it is definitely beneficial to bring out winter coats. Although, as the day goes on, that Florida sun eventually comes out. So, it is better to layer underneath and wear a light jacket on top! Now onto the easy yet tedious part, bottoms. There are so many different ways to style an outfit with bottoms. According to Southern Tripper’s article, Jeans are by far the simplest and best option for winter outfits. The “thicker material” is amazing at keeping the legs warm but not suffocated. With the variety of styles they are a go-to for anybody and everybody! Another great styling choice is texturizing with tights, especially fleece lined tights. They are made for keeping your legs extra warm, in comparison to sheer tights. In my opinion, they would go great under a mini skirt. This option provides a perfect balance for Florida winters, no more and no less than you might need. Once you have your base, you can never go wrong by adding some accessories. One accessory that you see often are scarves. According to Gretchy’s fashion article, Scarves are a “versatile” option”, she says “If it gets warm, you can always just bundle it up and throw it in your bag”. Scarves are a huge convenience,as the weather is likely unpredictable and convenience is key to a winter outfit in Florida. Another versatile accessory is hats. Hats give a plethora of options when it comes to their style. You can do a knit beanie, a baseball cap, or even a trapper hat to keep your ears warm. The only down-side to hats is the awful hat-hair that is  included, so remember to bring a brush wherever you go. Dressing for the winter season in Florida might be a hassle and a bit tedious. However, with the right styling, you can enjoy the season comfortably and fashionably.