I don't know about you, but I find this time of year to be the hardest season to dress for. It's starting to warm up a bit, but it's not warm enough here in the Okanagan for Spring clothing quite yet, and yet spring clothing is all you are seeing in stores and magazines. With colors popping and hemlines rising on the mannequins, it can be a real downer to go outside where the only colours are a mix of brown and grey.

Similarly, our Winter wardrobes are starting to get a little bit stale! Sweaters no longer appear cute and cozy, and our boots no longer feel fresh and new. We're yearning to introduce some Spring trends to our style, but we still want to dress for the weather we've got.

The easiest way to overcome the winter blues? Add some bold colour to your regular winter wardrobe. A new brighter pink lipstick or a Spring-appropriate scarf to your everyday winter ensemble will give a jolt of energy to your outfit.

Want to take it a step further? I've been experimenting a lot lately with mix and matching boldly coloured jeans and shoes.  Different colours will compliment or contrast differently, so try out several options!  You never know what combination will strike a chord with you.

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

For the last several weeks I've found myself pulling out the same pieces in my wardrobe and putting together similar outfits. Maybe it's the weather or the lull after Christmastime, but creative outfit making is a challenge right now.

However, it's made me realize that I have certain go-to outfits that, when the creativity is low, I can throw together without much thought.  Almost like uniforms, each to its own situation.

The uniforms I wear aren't always the same, but they use the same building blocks to put together a quick and event-appropriate outfit. This prevents me from wearing the exact same outfit, but helps me put together an outfit in a rush by taking similar pieces and mix and matching them. Here are some examples:

Blazer + blouse + colored jeans or trousers: This has been my work go-to outfit for fall and winter. It's smart, sleek, sophisticated and, since I have a large variety of blouses, blazers, and colored jeans, the number of combinations of outfits I can make is nearly endless.

Cable knit sweater + faux fur vest + leggings: This has been my go to casual look lately. I keep the vest the same but switch up my sweater, boots, and accessories for a variation on the look.

Cropped jacket + patterned dress + high heels: This is my go-to look when I can't think of anything to wear for a night out, and it works for any weather. Wear a warmer jacket and tights in the winter or a lighter jacket and go barelegged in the spring and summer. It's easy to make this look different by changing up your jacket and shoes: blue jean jacket and clogs for a casual look, motorcycle jacket and boots for a street-style look, or a blazer and heels for a dressed up look.

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

What's your uniform? I'd love to know! E-mail me at alana@ilovedenham.com

Skirts are a staple of any woman's wardrobe: mini skirts, knee-length and pencil skirts can be found all of the time, but this season the Midi skirt is becoming the hottest style to wear.

The midi length describes a hem that is below the knee and above the ankle. This is a pretty old-fashioned length, but fabric, pattern and cut are making it modern again.

The midi can give a lot of mileage in your skirt department; unlike the mini skirt, it is completely work appropriate, and unlike the pencil skirt you can transition it quickly and easily into your casual wear. The length of the skirt allows you to dress it up with a structured blazer and heels to the office, while the breezy nature of the skirt lets you throw on a t-shirt and sandals while running errands on the weekend.

Here are some tips on how to pull off this length:

• the most flattering length lands right under the knee or right above the ankle. Avoid lengths which sit in the middle part of your calf.
• look for midi skirts in interesting patterns, colors and textures to juxtapose the modesty of this trend. Look for a skirt with pleats - they can add some extra shape, and are very on-trend.
• this skirt looks equally good with sky high pumps or flat oxfords; just avoid boots that leave skin showing.  Wearing tall boots that hid under the dress will give you a cool 70's vibe!
• this skirt looks best with structured pieces. Avoid baggy or over-sized clothes with this skirt, which can start to look sloppy.
• when in doubt, throw on a pair of pumps, a girly blouse and a swipe of red lipstick for a sexy 1950’s housewife look!

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

Faux fur has been a huge trend this winter, and for good reason. This texture brings instant style and chic to any outfit. I especially love the faux fur vest for its versatility and statement appeal. Fur is a perfect layering piece for those cold winter days, and to top it off, the faux fur vest can go with just about anything in your closet
 

Casual: My go-to outfit on the weekends have consisted of a mix-and-match of skinny jeans, warm cable knit sweaters, boots and my trusted faux fur. It’s a no-fuss outfit that allows you to be comfortable, fashionable, and oh-so warm and cozy. If your sweater is oversized, you can even pair it with your favourite leggings for an outfit as comfortable as pajamas.
 

Work: The faux fur vest is a big statement piece. Let it shine by wearing monochromatic clothes that really allow the vest to pop off your body. Pairing silk and faux fur together gives interest to the ensemble, and the extra layer is perfect for drafty offices! Also, when leaving work to run errands around town, you can simply throw your favourite neutral winter jacket over top and let the fur peak out. It’ll look as if it is part of your jacket!

Funky: I love wearing a vest over a jacket, which has the effect of looking like a completely new outerwear piece. Throw your faux fur vest over your military or leather jacket, and pair it with a pair of jeans for a trendy and fresh look.  Add a skirt or shorts with tights, a colourful shirt, and some fun jewelry for a great night out look.  Want something a little more feminine? Pick out your favourite little black dress and pumps, and finish with the faux fur topper.

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

Remember that fashion is suppose to be fun, so don’t take dressing so seriously. Have fun experimenting with faux fur, and you may be surprised with all the great outfits you come up with this one simple piece.

For more ideas on winter fashion check out my blog http:ilovedenham.com