If the biting cold and urge to dig fluffy scarves from the depths of your closet weren't strong enough clues for you, newsflash: Yes, technically, it's still autumn, but if it's too cold to go for a leisurely stroll outside, then we might as well be calling it winter.
The emotions that accompany the act of packing up one's summer staples are far too traumatic for words.
Putting away those bright sundresses, folding up those black denim shorts and sealing their fate with the zipper of a tote bag is often too much for the faint of heart to handle.
Luckily, there's a solution to this wardrobe-inflicted depression.
With a little creativity (and lots of layering), there are plenty of ways to keep your summer favorites alive in the dead months between December and March.
1. Winter Sweater + Summer Skirt + Tights + Boots = Hella Cute
Those light whimsical skirts we all love in the summertime can be reused in colder months with the addition of some tights and boots. This combo looks great with all types of boots — knee-highs, rain boots and even lace-up booties.
Choose a longer sweater that covers the waistline of the skirt for a more casual look, or wear a lighter top that can be tucked into the skirt to chic it up.
2. Shorts + Textured Tights = Get Funky
Some might shy away from this combination, but with the right footwear, it can look pretty awesome. Channel your inner Aria Montgomery and keep those shorts in cycle all winter long. Black denim shorts are the perfect type to wear with textured dark tights.
Add a cropped jacket, long shirt and a long necklace for a night out with the girls. Choose a pop of color or keep it all dark to amp up the drama. To bring out the ultra edgy side of your personality, find tights with geometric patterns or even some fishnets.
3. Flirty Sundress + Warm Cardigan + Thin Tights = The Best of Both Worlds
Instead of shedding tears of mourning over your Forever 21 sundress collection, keep them hanging in the closet when the days get colder. Invest in some cardigans — both long and cropped — and continue to rock those little dresses all year round.
If the sundress shows a lot of skin or has cutouts in the back, make sure you wear it with a longer boyfriend cardigan. If the back is higher up, toward your neck, pair it with a cropped sweater or leather jacket.
4. Neon + Black or White = Fierce
Just because it's sub-zero outside doesn't mean your brightly colored accessories need to collect dust. Add a flash of color to your little black dress with a yellow statement necklace or a hot pink narrow belt. To jazz up winter white, throw a bold scarf over a white sweater.
If you love your summery stiletto pumps, wear them with black skinny jeans and a black top. It'll be just the right amount of color to make heads turn.
Another great way to incorporate neon into the darker hues of winter? Manicures, of course! Who says that your nails need to be charcoal grey or navy throughout the winter months? Keep the vibrancy alive with a bright coral mani, or do an accent nail with some bright colors.
5. Strappy Tanks + Sophisticated Blazers = Office Fashionista
Your favorite tank tops from July and August don't need to sit in your drawer all winter long. Put a blazer on top of a tank for a great workweek look, along with dress pants or black skinnies. Add a statement necklace, and the outfit is complete.
Cropped blazers are super cute with longer blouses underneath, and you can even wear this combination with jeans for casual Friday, while still keeping it classy.
