A change in season requires a change in children’s outfit too. With children growing so fast, we’re often left with piles of clothes that no longer fit or seem suitable for the new weather. Yet, parting with those perfectly good outfits isn’t easy, especially when they’re still in great condition. So, what’s the solution? How can we make summer clothes work for winter?
As both a fashion expert and a mother, I’ve found some creative ways to style summer clothes all year round. If we can transform a dress into an outfit that works for any season, then we’re making the most of our children’s wardrobes.
I know the harsh feeling of putting away those comfortable summer dresses just as winter begins to settle in. But with a few styling tricks, you can keep your kids cozy and stylish by combining their favorite summer dresses into their winter wardrobe. In this blog, I’ll give you some useful tips to dress for winter with summer clothes.
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How to Wear a Summer Dress in the Winter
When winter hits, we often think of bulky sweaters and heavy coats. But you can also use a children’s summer wardrobe in winter. Summer outfits can also play a key role in their winter outfits. With some tips, you can easily turn your kids summer outfit into winter charm.
Pick a Thick and Warm Fabric
When it comes to transforming summer clothes for winter, the fabric is everything. I start by selecting the thickest and warmest summer pieces my child owns. I sort out all the cotton, denim, and knit fabrics that are perfect for winter. I go for a sturdy denim dress or a cotton tunic that can be layered to keep my child cozy even in colder weather. I suggest you choose items that have some weight to them—lightweight fabrics won’t provide the warmth your kids need for winter.
Tights are a must!
Tights are a lifesaver when it comes to styling summer clothes for winter. Tights add an extra layer of warmth without making the outfit bulky. I always stock up on ribbed tights for my kids in neutral colors like black, gray, and navy. I pair them with summer dresses, skirts, and shorts and instantly transform them into winter-ready outfits. For extra warmth, I opt for fleece-lined tights.
The Magic of Layering
I focus on layering first when it comes to style my kids in winter. Layering is essential to keep the kids warm. I start with a base layer—a long-sleeved shirt or thermal top under a sleeveless summer dress, for example. Then, I add a cozy cardigan or sweater on top. Layering not only provides warmth but also gives depth and texture to an outfit. I love mixing and matching different layers to create unique looks for my kids. Here, you can also play with colors by layering up different pieces of clothing.
Warm Outerwear
No winter outfit is complete without the right and warm outerwear, right? To make summer clothes winter-appropriate, I pair them with a warm coat or jacket. For example, my kids love wearing their summer dresses under a puffer jacket or a wool coat. The outerwear adds warmth and protects them from the cold while allowing their summer outfits to shine underneath. In winter, accessories are a must. So, don’t forget accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves to complete the look!
Cute Winter and Summer Clothes for Teens
The teenage years are the best time to experiment with different pieces of clothing, colors, and patterns. Teenagers start to develop their own sense of style. Here are a few ways to help your teens make the most of their summer wardrobe in winter.
Wearing a Skirt with a Sweater
One of my go-to looks for my 14-year-old daughter is pairing a summer skirt with a cozy sweater. A flowy or midi skirt works best for this look. Tuck in a chunky knit sweater, add tights, and finish the outfit with ankle boots—voila! You are good to go! This combination is perfect for staying warm while still looking stylish.
Summer Dresses with Jackets
Summer dresses can be styled in winter in many ways. Teens look best in those cute summer dresses. So, you don’t need to pack away once winter arrives. A pair of white sneakers also works well in both winter and summer. My daughter loves to layer her favorite cute dress with a leather or denim jacket. It creates a trendy winter outfit. You can create a contrast between the light, flowy dress and the heavier jacket. A blue summer dress and leather jacket, with a white sneaker—this combination creates a balanced look that’s perfect for colder weather.
Long-Sleeved Shirts, Wide-Leg Jeans, and Knee-High Boots
Another favorite outfit for teens is pairing a long-sleeved shirt with wide-leg jeans and high boots. This combination is both comfortable and stylish. The wide-leg jeans allow for layering underneath, while the high boots add extra warmth.
Winter Coats with Summer Clothing
Credit: Pinterest
Coats are fav in winter! Without a coat, winter is not complete. A well-chosen winter coat can make any summer outfit winter-ready. Whether it’s a classic wool coat or a trendy puffer jacket, you can pair summer clothing with winter outerwear. It is a simple and effective way to keep your teen warm and stylish during the colder months.
What Clothes are Good for Both Summer and Winter?
We can use some summer clothing in the cold weather. Certain clothing items work well across both summer and winter seasons. You can choose these essentials that I always keep handy for my kids:
- Ribbed Tights: A good pair of tights add warmth and can be layered under skirts and dresses.
- Scarves: A cozy scarf can instantly make a summer outfit, and your kids will feel winter-ready.
- Jackets: You can layer lightweight jackets like denim or leather over summer clothes.
- Long-Sleeved Shirts: You can wear long-sleeved shirts under summer dresses or pair them with skirts.
- Lightweight Cardigans: Lightweight cardigans are a great choice in winter and you can perfectly layer them over summer tops.
- Warm Socks: Warm socks are a must for winter for comfortable feet. Knee-high socks can be worn with skirts or shorts for added warmth.
- Jeans: Jeans are a versatile piece that ensures style for both summer and winter, no matter where your kids are heading.
Tips for Managing Clothes for Summer and Winter
I used to find it a little bit tricky to manage my children’s wardrobe between seasons. Here are a few tips from my personal experience on how I manage to organize my kids’ closets:
Clean the Clothes
While storing the clothes, I always make sure they are clean and fresh. As stains can set over time and dirty clothes may attract pests, so it’s better to check and wash the clothes before storing.
Repair the Damages
I check for any small rips, missing buttons, or loose threads and repair the damages before storing. I repair these issues before storing so that the clothes are ready to wear when the season changes again.
Clean the Closet
I take this opportunity to clean out my child’s closet in between seasons. I donate clothes that no longer fit or that my children no longer wear. I also give the clothes in the thrift stores, as it promotes more fashion sustainability. If you can clean the closet before winter hits, you can make room for winter essentials.
Properly Store the Clothes
If you can store the clothes properly, it will increase the longevity of the clothes. I store summer clothes in plastic containers to protect them from dust and moisture. I label the containers so I can easily find what I need when the season changes again.
Use Plastic Storage Containers
Plastic containers with airtight lids are ideal for storing clothes. They keep out moisture, dust, and pests. I love using plastic containers to ensure that my children’s summer wardrobe stays in good condition for next year.
Lavender Sachets for Drawers
I place lavender sachets in the storage containers or drawers to keep the clothes smelling fresh. Lavender also helps to deter moths and other pests. So, I prefer lavender sachets over moth balls as they don’t leave any white cast.
Summer Clothes for Winter Holidays
Not just for casual wear I sometimes style summer dresses for holiday events in the winter. My kids absolutely love it! To add up the festive spirit in my kids’ outfit without investing too much time, I simply combine a summer dress with a holiday-themed cardigan and tights to stay warm against the chills.
Then, I also style the playful shorts with ribbed warm tights along with a good winter sweater, which can be worn over a t-shirt.
Without glitter and sparkle, a holiday is incomplete. To add extra glam to my kids’ outfit, I style them with a full-sleeved glitzy party dress under a sleeveless shirt.
I also use bright, summery colors in accessories to add a pop of cheer to my children’s winter clothes. Unlike winter skirts, I pair summer ones with oversized winter sweaters or chunky knitwear.
Frequently Asked Question ( FAQs)
Question: How to wear your summer clothes in winter?
Answer: If you want to wear summer clothes in winter, then you have to follow the rule of layering. You can layer your summer dresses, T-shirts, or long-sleeved tops with a sweater, jacket, or coat. For layering over summer clothes, choose heavy fabrics like wool and denim. Finish the look with some winter accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves to keep yourself warm yet stylish.
Question: How to turn a summer dress into a winter outfit?
Answer: You can turn a summer dress into a winter outfit in a blink. First, start with a base layer; you can wear a legging and full-sleeved top. Then, wear a midi dress over the top. Finally, finish the look with a long coat or leather jacket for the coldest winter. You can also add some accessories to your outfit, like tall boots, colorful scarves, hats, and gloves for even more warmth.
Question: How do you separate summer and winter clothes?
Answer: To separate summer and winter clothes, you can use large plastic bags. You can use plastic bags in different colors for each season; it would be convenient. Also, label each bag to find them easily in an emergency.
Question: What to wear with a summer dress when it’s cold?
Answer: You can wear winter jackets, sweaters, and coats over your summer dress if you feel cold. You can also go for tights to secure your legs from the cold. For extra warmth, you can wrap yourself with scarves, gloves, and hats.
Conclusion
Styling summer clothes in winter is not only practical but also a fun way. You can get creative as much as you want with your kids’ summer wardrobe in winter. To use your kids’ summer clothes in winter you have to choose the right outerwear. Also, you have to add proper winter accessories to your kids outfit.
I hope my experience will help you to style your kids confidently for every season. With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to style summer clothes for winter. I believe these styling ideas and tips will keep your kids warm and stylish this winter.
