Help—I Have Fashion FOMO!

So, the holidays are over and the new year has passed. The constant ping of your cell phone has finally quieted down and your feet are back in Golden Gooses after weeks in Louboutins. However, once the post-holiday peace has passed, a nagging sense of FOMO starts to creep up, but not the kind of FOMO that one would expect coming off a busy social season. The FOMO I’m talking about is Fashion FOMO.

FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is a very strange concept to me. Simply put, since becoming an adult, I have not experienced angst about not attending something fun or special. (Disappointment yes, angst no.) So, why the fashion FOMO? If you’re like me, you’re passing time trolling Instagram and flipping through magazines and lookbooks, cataloguing all that you want (need!) from the beautiful spring/summer collections. But, psych! Guess what? As the Rolling Stones say, YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT.

There are several reasons why you can look but may not be able to touch:

• It’s not economical to spend now and then wait until later to wear.

• New collections haven’t made it to stores yet.

• Pre-ordering isn’t as satisfying as the instant gratification that comes with buying.

• It’s still too darn cold out there!

What are shoppers like us to do when faced with fashion FOMO? Here are some tips to get you through these transitional pre-spring months, along with some springtime treats that have me counting down the days until March 21st!

Lighten your layers. Trade your bulky knit scarves for ones that are silk and silk-blend. While wool is undeniably a great choice for keeping warm (works for sheep!), silk also has impressive heat-insulating and moisture-wicking properties to help you stay cozy and dry during the harshest winter days. Silks are also extremely breathable, soft and lightweight—important qualities to consider when choosing what to wrap around your neck.

This silk and linen Brunello Cucinelli pairs perfectly with heavy duty winter wear

Pop some color into your wardrobe. Like the first daffodil bloom, a bright little color pop signals the first sign of spring to me. My powder pink handbag from CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC lightens the weight of even my heaviest winter coats. Swapping out my dark plum, deep green and jet black sweaters and knit tops for similar ones in softer colors like periwinkle blue or safflower yellow puts spring in my step without sacrificing the warmth and comfort I need to stay toasty through the winter.

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Powder Pink Handbag

Keep the boots, change your bottoms. One of my favorite looks for Fall/Winter is boots paired with jeans, cargos or cropped trousers. My practical side also appreciates how leather adds extra wind-buffering to my legs. After weeks in full body armor, I’m clamoring for a new uniform. And while I wouldn’t dream of exposing bare legs to the cold (and not being a tights person), I would brave a skirt or dress with boots underneath. Midi or maxi skirts and dresses with boots not only look sharp, but winterize my body while springing forward my overall look.