By: Kaitlyn Garcia- Contributing Blogger
The winter blues are beginning to fade away, and spring is almost here. While the promise of warm spring weather is exciting, you first have to endure the next few weeks of awkward transition between seasons. A morning workout that starts very cold may end with you drenched in sweat as the sun comes up, making dressing for your workouts tricky.
While the transition to spring can bring unpredictable weather, your athletic wear doesn’t have to be a source of confusion. Below are five practical hacks for seamlessly transitioning your winter activewear outfits into spring, ensuring you're always prepared for whatever the weather brings.
Hack #1: Layer Light With Breathable Fabrics
Ask any fashion expert what the key to building your outfits is during the seasonal transition and you’ll hear the same thing over and over again: Layers, layers, and, you guessed it… more layers!
However, there’s more to layering than just throwing on a jacket over whatever you’re wearing. Layer smart by choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics as your base.
The type of fabric you wear should vary depending on your workout. For high-intensity workouts like running and weight training, opt for sweat-wicking, cooling fabrics as your base layer. For slower-paced workouts like leisure walking and gentle yoga, opt for a lightweight cotton T-shirt like this one. The soft material will keep you warm in the shade while cooling you down as the sun begins to shine.
Hack #2: Use Color Theory To Incorporate Spring Colors Into Your Outfit
There’s a lot of fluctuation in transition weather. You may hit a few days of full sun, followed by chillier days of clouds and rain. However, just because one day the skies look drab and gray doesn’t mean your outfit has to be! Embrace the opportunity to experiment with colors and bring a pop of brightness to even the gloomiest days.
Unsure how? Use basic color theory. This may sound intimidating at first. However, using color theory to brighten up your outfits is actually quite easy. All you need is a simple color wheel chart to get started!
There are three types of color pairings:
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Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow. They can be used to create a fun, high-contrast outfit.
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Analogous colors are colors near each other on the wheel, such as blue and green. Wearing a pair of analogous colors in your outfit can create a serene, harmonious look!
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Triadic colors are a set of three colors spaced evenly across the color wheel. An example of triadic colors would be yellow, green, and blue. Can’t get enough color in your outfit? This color theory principle one is for you! Triadic colors allow you to create a highly balanced yet dynamic and colorful look.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, choose bright, nature-inspired hues to give your outfits a cheerful spring look. A great example is this bright pink muscle tank paired with these navy leggings. This outfit follows the complementary color principle: pink and blue are on opposite ends of the color wheel. This color pairing creates a bright, cohesive outfit that is visually striking with high contrast.
So pull out your color wheel and favorite spring colors, and get started!
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Hack #3: Dress Up Your Activewear with Multi-Functional Pieces
By the end of the bitter winter, most of us are itching to get out of the house. Even the slightest rise in temperature can be an excellent motivator to get outside and socialize!
That’s why one of my favorite activewear hacks for this transitional season is to choose activewear pieces that can also be dressed up for casual wear, like these In The Groove Bootcut Pants. With a denim jacket and white tee, they can be used for a stylish errand run or grabbing a quick bite to eat with friends.
Hack #4: Up Your Pocket Game (Seriously)
Having to wear a coat, puffer vest, and jacket is one thing you’re probably glad to leave behind as the weather begins to warm up. However, there is one benefit to having so many outerwear layers: Pockets.
Whether you're out for a run or just going about your day, you don't want to be stuck without a place for your phone or keys just because you shed a few layers. To solve this issue, make sure that at least one item on your base layer has a pocket. A great option is a legging with a pocket. Make sure the pocket is deep enough, and the leggings are sturdy enough to hold your phone (don’t want them slipping!) like these Prime Tech Flex Ultra Hold 7/8 Leggings!
Hack #5: Don’t Forget to Accessorize!
Sometimes, all an outfit needs is a cute pair of shades, a matching headband, or a funky scarf to make it interesting. Many accessories don’t have a season, and you can use them to add interest to your outfit that stays even if the weather shifts. Dig around in your closet and find a unique accessory to add interest to your outfit!
A Final Word
Overall, remember to have fun! Layering can be tricky, and so can dressing for the in-between. However, there’s no need to be discouraged. With the right activewear and these simple tips, dressing for the coming spring will be a breeze!
