Dress Happy

It's winter.

OK, OK, I know it's not officially winter yet, but let me tell you: It is fah-REEZING around these parts, and the weather gurus inform me that there's little chance of a warm-up 'till May. And even if the near future promised a short run of less-chilly days, the sun has already started perfecting his vanishing act. Nothing makes an office worker's day seem more oppressive than arriving at work in the darkness, and leaving work in the darkness.  Am I right?  Eeesh.

Soooo this means a lot more grumpy mornings, and the potential for a lot more frumpy dressing.  But there are a few tricks we can all employ to turn a wrong-side-of-the-bed day into a whistle-while-you-work day.  No shopping required!

1. Slap on some crazy socks

No need to flaunt them, if that's not your style. Just pull on your wackiest pair of footies - the ones adorned with elves or Scottish terriers or florescent polka dots - then pull your boots on over them.  Knowing that you're being surreptitiously silly should shake free a smile or two as the day rolls on.

2. Incorporate at least one bright color

You may feel compelled to swathe yourself in blacks and grays and browns during these cold and dark times, but if you can inject a smidgen of color into that monochrome morass, you'll be amazed by how energized you'll feel.  Best if you can go for a fire engine red sweater, emerald green blouse, or hot pink blazer - put that bright color up top near your noggin.  But if that's too much to bear, a vibrant scarf, peek-a-boo cami, or even a boldly colored necklace will do.

3. Find new ways to dress your tresses

Most of us stick to two or three basic hairstyles, and rarely branch out. Now, I'm not suggesting you attempt to straighten your long unruly curls or craft a behemoth of a beehive before merging into morning traffic.  But try a simple French braid, tuck two little buns at the nape of your neck, or just slap on a barette somewhere.  Pick up a headband at the drugstore, experiment with chignons, or play around with those bobby pins that have been languishing atop your dresser.  And you short-haired gals, I don't want to HEAR about how you can't do anything experimental with your locks.  Check out actress Nora Zehetner in the film Brick: Pixie cut + Of-the-moment feather fascinator = Short hair chic.  Changing up your hair - even just a little - will make you pause and smile every time you saunter past a reflective surface.

4. Wear something jangly

Winter is such a quiet time, and its impenetrable silence can lull us into unshakable gloom. Try breaking the silence by making your outfit more musical.  Clinky multi-layered earrings, a stack of metallic bangles, or a charm bracelet will tinkle gently as you move, preventing your brain from descending into the deepest doldrums. (Not recommended for the anxious or easily annoyed, mind you.)

5. Play with prints

Just as we gravitate toward dark colors during the dark months, we also err on the side of solids when it's snowy. Splash a little houndstooth onto your ensemble, add a dash of winter floral, or sprinkle on a funky geometric.  While solid washes of color are soothing and static, patterned cloth gives the impression of movement and activity: A guaranteed pick-me-up.  If you can't stomach a busy blouse or skirt, throw on a perky patterned scarf instead.  A little dab will do ya.

It can be a real challenge to keep your energy up when the world seems to be slumbering. But if you're proactive in preventing your outfits from descending into Drabsville, you'll provide yourself easy access to untapped stores of personal pep. What you wear influences how you feel, and giving your eyes (and ears) a little something to work with is a simple way to keep your spirits up during the long, dark coldness.