In a conversation about deadlines with a business partner, I half-heartedly joked with them that I'm still recovering from Christmas and that it was wild to discuss holiday deadlines at this time of year. Christmas was just three months ago and although each season is roughly the same length (but calendars are arbitrary), mentally, winter feels like the longest. I think I feel it most in my body, a stress brought on by holiday expectations, a slew of sicknesses, and the intense cold and darkness. As the weather warms and the days get longer, I feel my body begin to release the tension of the winter season. And that release manifested in spring cleaning projects and the unearthing of my dresses and other light and flowy clothes. I’m ready to chill, but alas, it is early spring in the midwest and the weather is, literally, still chill.

One of my spring cleaning projects I was itching to accomplish was to pack up our winter clothing. I asked my sister who’s in Tennessee and she advised me to wait until after April. She’s familiar with early spring in that region and knew there was no way I, in the Midwest, would get off from winter’s last cold grip that easily. She was right. So there is a brief window when my closet is a little tighter, with winter clothes squished in with spring clothes. It’s no bother as this transitional wardrobe can both fulfill the need to dress spring-y, but along with it, some warmth. In this styling of a Rebecce Taylor dress I rented from Rent the Runway, cardigans worn over the dress or a light turtleneck layered beneath the dress can give the right level of warmth. Perhaps layering with both the turtleneck and the cardigan is needed. Footwear starts off with stocking-like socks that have an embossed polka dot pattern in denim blue. They make for a chic pairing with either sandals or sneakers, and both options give the right amount of warmth for the season. The last piece of this outfit is the clip on my baseball cap. Hats are an essential part of my outfits, but my proximity to Lake Michigan makes wearing a hat on a windy day an exercise. The times I’ve chased after a hat dancing across a parking lot is a laugh. Especially for my kids. So holding it down with a clip is key. Why don’t we have hat pins anymore? Anyway, a good hair clip keeps my hat attached to my head.

Aside from having to dress slightly warm on days you’re eager to celebrate spring, these chilly days are reminding me to take it easy. I’ve jumped into one too many spring cleaning projects that I’ve already exhausted myself. There are art supplies everywhere, both mine and the kids! March’s thawing just took place. Ease into spring like the flowering buds on the tree outside my window are easing into their new transformation. Nothing good and sustainable happens in a rush.

Hope these tips help you manage these early spring’s chill. And with April being Earth month, let’s be more mindful about sustainability, both in how we use things and use our energy.

What I’m wearing: Rebecca Taylor Faille Dress, lightweight turtleneck and white hat from Everlane, knitted cardigan from SiiZu, blue hat from Penshoppe, Nat + Noor hair clips, Teva sandals, and Swedish Stockings socks. The pearl earring and necklace set gifted from my Inay. But you can find similar pearl sets from my favorite Filipino jewelry company, Cambio & Co.