How to Winterize It

Making your summer pieces work all year round.

Liven up your all black ensemble! A red striped Breton makes a great sweater alternate over winter separates. I’m wearing a size medium to make it seem almost like a sweatshirt. Over a jersey button down from Refine (remember from this newsletter?) Tuxedo pants and my Miu Miu pumps that I finally caved on in November.

A client recently texted a photo asking how to make the lime green cardigan we got for her last summer work for the office in the winter, and an idea was born!! While not everything is winterize-able (jean shorts and Mediterranean strappy sandals I would argue), there are some pieces that may seem purely summer but are transformable into great layers. Today, five items that you likely put in storage, but should probably dig out. And a reminder that it’s paywall week over here at 5 Things so for some of you, your scroll is coming to an end momentarily. Hope you’ll consider joining us below! The rest of you, keep on scrolling. :)

The Breton Tee

The most classic of all summer staples, the Breton striped shirt. In an effort to take her out of her classic-ness I decided to use a red/cream stripe instead of navy/cream, though you can insert your navy/cream into any of these outfits below successfully. I also went for a size medium so I could use her as a top layer, almost like a sweater. And for the times that she isn’t heavily layered, she looks like an intentional fashion piece instead of an off-season tee from the middle of the pile. Below, how to work her into your winter wardrobe without making her look out of place in the tundra (metaphorically speaking of course.)

With a big wooly skirt and the chunkiest black boots. (did you see the FW24 Prada show boots? We will discuss during reviews in two weeks.) I especially like the mismatch of patterns here and the texture of the winter wool and leather next to such a sunny top. La Ligne tee with a vintage Prada skirt (she’s lovely!) and Ann Demeulemeester boots, but some great Tod’s options on the Outnet!

Also cute with just a little sleeve peeking out. The same outfit with a cashmere sweater on top. Try this Everlane one, one size up or this one from Skall that looks perfect.