Dressing for Wet n’ Wild Weather

Right this moment I am wearing the following:

• Ballet Flats
• A Cotton Summer Dress
• AND
• A Hooded Wool Sweater

Who (you may be wondering) in their right mind wears a summer dress and a wool sweater in the middle of Spring? Here in Texas, the sun shines in the morning and the rain pours in the afternoon. One day it’s hot, the next day it’s not. These wacky weather patterns result in me running around town paring galoshes with daisy dukes, sporting flip flops in the rain, and donning my mohair in the sun. In short, I look ridiculous … often times it’s ridiculous and wet.

I recently stumbled across the website www.cumul.us. This brilliant site collects weather information from all over the web and people’s input for an accurate weather prediction. It tells you what people around town are wearing for the weather, that day at that hour. You can follow specific forecasters around your town and see what they are wearing and submit your own outfits. How incredibly awesome is that?!

While I may not be a meteorologist, I’ve had to develop a knack for dressing apropo for the wild wild weather my first springtime in Texas. Here’s the rules I follow everyday to make sure that storm or sun, my ‘fit is right.

1. Light-weight pants
Light-weight pants can be worn tucked into boots or paired with flip-flops depending on the day. I never feel too hot or too cold in them. Plus, they are ideal for those oh-so-often days when I forget to shave my legs. (Shhh!)

2. Blazers and Sweaters
They keep you warm, they protect your clothes from the rain, and they are fashionably fabulous. Being a native San Franciscan, I never, ever leave the house without a sweater. Living in Texas in the springtime, I’ve come to realize that’s usually always a genius idea.

3. Scarves and Shawls
Scarves have crossed seasons and become a year-round accessory. They are perfect to wrap up in and to stay warm or loosely drape (or throw in your purse) when it gets hot.

4. Closed-toe Shoes
I love my flip-flops as much as the next girl. However, these unpredictable down-pours of rain have me keeping them on the shelf for a few weeks more. I’m wearing my boots and ballet flats to keep my toesies warm and dry.

5. Layer, Layer, Layer
Layering is to fashion as rehab is to Lindsay Lohan–essential. Not only does layering cover the unwanted layers around my mid-section, but it also is the perfect way to dis-robe or re-robe if you feel too hot or too cold.

6. Dresses
I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I must reiterate how much I love dresses. Dresses, boots, and a sweater are perfect for unpredictable weather. Dresses, flip-flops, and a jacket work great too.

If all else fails, keep an umbrella and a towel in your car at all times.