Seasonal shopping has its inherent risks. Once winter ends, it’s time to put away those cold-weather staples, right? Actually, wrong. Instead of stashing those winter favorites, challenge yourself with new ways to wear them as temps rise. Just think:

That open-front cardigan you paired with long sleeves all winter? It will look stellar over a belted sundress.

Booties can totally make the seasonal transition, especially if they’re neutral. All it takes is pairing them with the right ensemble.

A bright and colorful scarf makes a great belt. There are also approximately a million (well, almost) other ways to tie a scarf – no cold weather required.

You never need to retire cashmere. That’s just a given.

And lastly, don’t rush to abandon those ski jackets – they’ll still be handy come April showers. Just remove the insulated lining and voilà – instant waterproof shell.

Our Goodbye Winter, Hello Sale Boutiques are open now, but only for a short time longer.

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From leather to fur, vests have been running rampant on the sartorial radars of editors and bloggers for seasons now. Finally choosing to toss one over my coat might have been the best decision I’ve made as of late (no judgment).  Why didn’t I try this sooner?

For those who live in warm climates (I’m increasingly jealous of you), a vest layered over a medium-weight jacket is ideal for mild winters too.

Convinced yet? Here are a few things to think about (or not) when adding a vest to your winter outerwear repertoire.

• Mix textures: Layer a fur vest over your leather jacket, or a down vest over wool.
• Mix lengths: Try a knee-skimming wool coat under a waist-grazing vest. Or opt for a short jacket under a chic long vest.
• Mix and match: I’ve been keeping three vests and two jackets in rotation. Depending on the rest of that day’s outfit, I like to play with the possibilities. It’s half the fun.

 
And, one final tip for temps bordering on snowsuit-appropriate: adding a heavy knit scarf ups the warmth and style factor.

We couldn’t agree more with the styling tips in this video post from Refinery29 – the oversized sweater is a do, for work, play, and, above all else, comfort (which is absolutely necessary when you’re also wearing 5-inch stilletos). Here’s how we’re taking on the trend in the Rue offices:

Size Up – While many designers are making sweaters extra large this season, try on both your regular size and one size larger. Then choose your desired level of slouchiness.

Check Your Shoulders – A drop shoulder (one that falls a couple of inches below your natural shoulder line) is great – if the sweater is designed that way. Watch the shoulder seam if the garment is not designed with a drop shoulder – if you go too big and the seam creeps too low, you risk looking like you got swallowed by a loom.

Style It – Try a collared shirt peeking out from the neckline. Wear it with skinnies and heels. Or show some leg and anchor it with a mini.

Tuck – Not the whole sweater! Just a corner tucked up into the waist lends some shape when needed.

And Roll – Try a jumbo sweater with sleeves that hit somewhere between the elbow and wrist. If the sleeves hit the wrists, roll or scrunch to show a little skin.

Now, for goodness’ sake, get out there and get cozy.