Hello, January. We’re officially halfway through this very cold weather nonsense and at this point, we’ve worn just about every sweater we can find in our closets. And frankly, they’re just not feeling as cute or cozy as they did that first day we put them on.
Bad and good news. Bad: We can’t time travel, Good: we can shake it up AND the end is in sight. I’m still not in the ‘i’m going to tell people to buy more clothes’ mentality, so this post is more about ideas and simple inspiration, less ‘you need to chuck your wardrobe and start all over’. So we partnered with Nordstrom to give you easy tips and inspiration on how to revamp your current wardrobe in a way that makes it feel like it’s *almost* warm outside, and spring is just around the corner. If you are looking for some new ideas (and clothes) one of my go-to’s is probably yours, Nordstroms.
Let’s start by curing your winter blues with some spring blues… you’ll see what I mean.
1. Add a Bright, Springy Color in an Unexpected Way
Sweater | Blue Beret | Jeans | Plaid Shirt (Blue Laney) | Bracelets
Bonjour. This tip might not seem revolutionary to you yet, but let me further explain. It’s less about the color and more about how you incorporate it. ITs a simple formula: spring color, in winter form.
Also, please note that this blue isn’t just coming outta left field. The blues are subtly and strategically incorporated in the flannel under my white sweater, which I’d be lying if I said I perfectly color-matched without the help of my best friend, Suzanne. So here’s the HOT TIP: It’s easier to add a bright color like this when you use your layers to tie it all together. Plus, it’s probably cold (maybe even FREEZING) where you are which means you should be wearing layers. I would never let you walk out of the house without them.
2. Don’t Shy Away From a Bold, Large Scale Print
Sweater | Jeans (similar) | Shoes | Headband | Clutch | Necklace (similar) | Bracelets
How could I call this an Emily Henderson fashion post if I didn’t include at least ONE striped article of clothing?? This look would be a bit boring if there wasn’t a bold pattern happening in the sweater. Large scale patterns are the easiest way to inject dimension into your outfit and make it POP without the risk of adding a crazy color. Now that we’ve established the importance of the sweater, let’s chat accessories.
I’m newly dabbling in this headband trend (thanks to Sara who did it incredibly well in our Holiday Outfit post). I’ve realized it’s the greatest way to dress up a basic ponytail. I like this one if you’re in the market.
When it comes to layering jewelry, I usually wear a rotation of the same pieces. But luckily I have my friend Suzanne conveniently located next door to be my guide (and to provide her house for say, this fashion shoot). She helped me layer these necklaces and bracelets and I’m a fan.
3. Keep the Sweater, Lose the Boots
Sweater | Jeans | Hat | Shoes | Bracelets
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve worn some form of snakeskin print shoe in every outfit thus far and at this point, It’s a spicy neutral and it dresses any outfit up in a non-try-hard way.
For those of you who are STILL not convinced, I’ll shift to the sneaker trend in general. It’s no secret that sneakers are awesome everyday shoes and you can find them in a variety of different colors prints and patterns. I just love these snakeskin ones . Let those ankles breath, folks.
Also, we are still wearing hats. I thought I was done, but i’m definitely not.
4. Throw a Sweater Over a Dress (or a “Brian Button-Down”)
Sweater | Dress | Boots | Bracelets
While its not going to win a peabody award, heres a good ‘winter to spring’ hack- put a sweater over an oversized mens shirt (or a shirt dress). But these two worked and It felt cute. If you are ready to buy spring and yet its too cold to wear spring, then, you get it, put a sweater on it. Grab your partners/husbands/brothers/dads oversized dress shirt, but if you want to buy a cute new dress, then this dress I like this one.
5. Add a Lacy, Victorian Collar Under Your Winter Sweater
Sweater | Top (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Bracelets
A part of me sometimes feels like an old victorian lady, and I really do like to let that shine. But I like to do it in the most subtle of ways – a pop of lacy collar and cuff. Its the new fold-down collar and just feels sweeter and fresher.
Sweater | Top (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Bracelets
Before we wrap this up, I’d like to call attention to my bedazzled wrist, which has been denied the spotlight it so deserves. These guys came in handy (ha) and were easy to style. We shopped at Nordstroms which always makes it fun and obviously has a huge variety. Thanks again for partnering. x
I hope you’re feeling inspired (and warmer) now that we’ve made it to the end. Enjoy your (hopefully long) weekend and come back tomorrow to read about more products and reads we’re into this week in The Link Up. See you then xx
**This post is in partnership with Nordstrom but all words, designs and selections are our own. Thanks for supporting the brands we love that support the blog.
**photography by Veronica Crawford
There is nothing on the internet that gives me more joy than a Suzanne Emily fashion collaboration post! (And I have children!!)
Getting bracelets, necklace, snake flats, blue plaid, barret and maybe headband. So thrilled!
(Already have a couple of the other pieces- snake booties, over the knee boot from past posts! And LOVE them)
Nice fashion post, as always.
But- just because I don’t know where else to send you this comment, I will add it here-
Thank you so much for all the wonderful content you put out and thank you for keeping it organized so we can access it. Right now, I am especially grateful for this post:
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/add-character-basic-architecture-wall-paneling
because I want to add paneling in my living room and dining room but I need a few ideas on the exact style details and I also need some images to show my husband to sell him on the idea. I’d thought I’d seen an article by you on the subject in the past, and I was able to find it pretty easily on your site! And it was all so inspiring!
So- the content you put out really does live on and keeps giving! Thank you again and again, Emily!
Some great ideas, but here in a non-LA place called Michigan, winter is just underway. We don’t ditch boots until about May?. Pop of color and a Victorian blouse under a sweater are two of the options that I fully support!!!!
But we cannot get tired of our sweaters here when we wear them for 7-9 months…not weeks. My favorite thing to do is hit my local thrift store to spice up the sweater choices in my closet for $3-$5 a piece.
Samesies! Here in Vermont, the idea that the “end is in sight” is hilarious. ?
Iowan here – totally agree! I’ll be in boots for many more months!
You might have sold me on the snakeskin print…maybe 🙂
Can you please share what makeup you are wearing? It looks so fresh and pretty, perfect for that transition to spring!
Spring is almost around the corner??? Lmaooooo (coming from boston here!)
But actually a really fun post, great tips!
How about a fashion post featuring you, Suzanne and Corbett? We haven’t had any Corbett action of late and it would be great to see THREE stylish ladies ?
Ohhhh yeah! Love this idea!
Or Suzanne doing members of the ehd team with different body types than Emily)
I love your Saturday posts! Question for the team and the commenters: I love the look of the Levi’s Wedgie jeans. But I also like to be able to, you know, sit down. This late 30s lady isn’t wearing uncomfortable or hard-to-break-in jeans anymore. Does anyone know of a dupe for the Wedgie jeans that doesn’t squelch your middle? Thanks!
She did a post on shopping used thrift jeans. Since then I’ve found some great actually vintage Levi’s at thrift stores, already broke in.
Love sweaters over dresses!
Mariya | https://www.brunetteondemand.com/
O.k. who’s the Frenchie???
Hi, the link to the black and white striped sweater doesn’t appear to be working.
Even in Virginia winter is really only just starting!!! This post is a little off timing-wise for a lot of the country
This post inspired me to Google “weather in LA” and omg… y’all are #winterblessed. In MN it feels very never ending, especially after trekking a mile to a friend’s place in -7 yesterday, ramen in tow! I appreciate the posts either way though 🙂
That mustard colored sweater is my favorite outfit on you! The color works great!!
The outfit with the yellow sweater is SO VERY YOU! Spot-on!
First, I love the post and love the outfits, HOWEVER! I think we are technically just a few weeks into winter and I for one am here for it and just getting into it! I guess because at least 6 months of the year in So Cal it feels like summer, I relish the cold (65 degrees! HA!) for these few months and don’t want to think about it warming up yet! But I love the post!
I am a regular reader and really enjoy this site, but I’m increasingly uncomfortable with these fashion features that urge people to buy mass produced clothing. The Fashion Industry produces 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. Most of the items featured in this post are “fast fashion” and designed to be worn less than 10 times in their life cycle. How about a post on resale fashion? How about a post on wearing what is already in your closet? People need to buy fewer better things. I do understand that Nordstrom sponsors this site, but maybe you should post some other content to offset this kind of post? Especially now, with the terrible fires in Australia, it would feel better to read something that isn’t part of the problem. Thanks.