Baby, it’s…cold outside?

Brrrrrr, pr0n stars.  I don’t know how it is in your neighborhood, but by me it’s that annoying time of year where it could still be 50 degrees one day and 70 the next, and 30 in the morning.  Which means we’re supposed to wear what exactly?  Today we’re going to talk about that elusive style creature known as “layering”.  How to effectively, and fashionably, be able to peel your way through spring clothing without looking like you’re seasonally challenged.

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Calvin Klein Trench Coat - $149.99 @ Lord & Taylor

Men and women, the start to walking out the door any spring day is with a coat.  Trench coat, rain coat, macintosh, call it what you want; it’s a cotton/nylon piece of clothing that protects you from the elements. There’s no better example of just how feminine a trench coat can be than this baby-blue ruffled trench coat at Lord and Taylor.

If you put this coat on, you’ll instantly look polished and professional.  Please use the belt loops to create a clean line, rather than tying it as shown.  Two notes: above the knee is a perfect length for a dress or a work coat.  Please don’t wear mid-thigh coats to work.

Second, beware of epaulets.  That’s about the only thing I don’t like about this coat; it’s a bit of a military-style feature and can make a feminine coat more masculine in appearance.  It shouldn’t be a deal breaker when buying a spring jacket or coat, just something to keep in mind.  You might even be able to have a good tailor remove them.

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Kenneth Cole Raincoat; $137.95 @Macys

Men, the same rules for rain coats or trench coats apply to you.  If you wear a short coat (in your case, to the hip) over your suit, you will look silly and unprofessional.  A dress coat stops just above the knee.  Don’t be afraid to try a slightly non-traditional coat like this Kenneth Cole Kennedy from Macy’s.

Kennedy is unusual for a trench coat in that it has a notched collar with no belt, but particularly for a gentlemen of…wider girth, it will be quite a slimming style.  What’s particularly nice about this coat is that it has a zip out lining.  You’ll have built in warmth during those iffy early Spring times, and can take out the lining once it warms up for good.

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Aqua Cashmere Scarf, $68.95@ Bloomingdales

Back to our baby blue raincoat.  Right now you’re looking at me and saying “Din.” (Because you’re my peeps and that’s how we roll.)

“Din, if I walk out of the house on a rainy spring day looking like that model, I’m going be a freezing wet mess!”

Why, yes. Yes, you are.  That’s why you’re not going to walk out of the house like that.

First you’re going to put on the cashmere scarf you’ve been wearing all winter (You have been wearing a cashmere scarf all winter, haven’t you?).  Or you’ll go to Bloomingdales for this Aqua one.

kashmere reversible cashmere scarf $84.99 @bluefly.com

Men, a pop of color – I implore you.  This Kashmere reversible scarf from Bluefly comes in a variety of colors. Why not collect the whole set?

Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, $29.99@ Lands End

Mens Two Tone Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, $55.95 @Amazon.com

Then you’ll slip on your cashmere lined lambskin gloves, which you got on sale for $29.99 at Land’s End, or  $55.99 at Amazon.com.

Feel free to to scotch guard these (carefully) to make them water repellent, and indulge your fingers in caaaaashmere.

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My goodness, we’re looking stylish!  But it may surprise you to learn that fashion isn’t everything.  You heard me: fashion isn’t everything.

It pains me to see women schlepping to and from work in their good pumps! Weather or not, this simply isn’t appropriate!  I don’t care how many fashion magazines tell you it’s not okay to wear your athletic shoes with your suit, I’m telling you that it is.

First, if I’m going to the gym after work, I’ll be darned if I’m going to carry my sneakers with me so Robin Ghivan isn’t offended.

Second, shoes are expensive!  I’m not wearing my good heels on the city streets if I don’t have to.  Finally, OW!  My work shoes are for traipsing lightly around the office looking terribly chic.  At the end of the day, those suckers are coming off, amirite?

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Chooka Tatoo City, $30 @Jildor

But! Let’s assume you have a locker at the gym, and simply can’t bear to be just that unfashionable.  I hear you, and I give you: The Rain Boot.  Have some fun!  Show some personality!

These darlings come in every store, in every pattern – there’s something for everyone, and speaking from experience, there are few things more fun than tucking your pants into your boots and fearlessly tramping through puddles!

If I can find these Chooka Tattoo Boots in my size, I’m buying them, even though I already have rain boots.  I don’t care what you say, they are the cutest things I’ve ever seen.  Size 9 and 10 – these are $30!! Go to Jildor!  Now!  We’ll wait… (Search for more sizes here)  I never said fashion couldn’t be fun.

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Hunter Original Yellow, $115 @ Jildor

Men’s rain boots are a little more sedate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show personality.  Take a fashion risk and try these original yellow Wellington Hunter boots, also at Jildor.  They come in a variety of other colors, but I promise you these will get plenty of female looks and smiles.
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Underneath all this men or women can put on your favorite suit with a cashmere sweater underneath instead of a cotton button down shirt, or women can layer a dress with a button down shirt and a pair of tights and heels. 

When it gets warmer, swap the button down shirt for the suit, a pair of hose with the dress.  It’s all about the layers, baby!

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Combed Cotton Argyle Front Sweater Vest, $54.50 @ Banana Republic

Men, you can put a sweater vest over a work shirt and take your suit jacket off.  Try this cotton argyle sweater from Banana Republic for $54.50; you’ll get use out of it Spring through Fall.

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That’s our first lesson in layering your wardrobe for Spring!  This was a work lesson; tomorrow or Saturday we’ll talk about casual layering.

Any questions before class is dismissed?  In case you didn’t know, all pictures open in a new window to their respective products, so click away!

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.As always, it was good for me; tell me, was it good for you?