All the universal signs of springtime have finally come: daylight saving, sunny skies and not to mention, March 20 was the official first day of spring.

So if it looks like spring, smells like spring and technically is spring, why doesn’t it feel like it? As I continue to let my maxi dresses, linen shorts and cork wedges collect dust in my closet, I couldn’t help but wonder: What do I wear now?

Just because the skies don’t match up with the temperature doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate spring trends into your wardrobe. To deal with Syracuse’s moody Mother Nature, versatility is key.

The best piece of outerwear to combat the bipolar weather is definitely the anorak. Also known as a parka, this lightweight jacket should be a closet essential for everyone.

A majority of anoraks come with either a detachable lining or hood, allowing easy versatility between seasons and even between morning and night. Anoraks are usually made from cotton, the perfect lightweight fabric to layer underneath if the lining does not suffice. Most anoraks cinch at the waist or at the bottom, giving both shape and functionality. It’s also easy to find anoraks with a waxy shell, a material that comes in handy for rainy days.

The best type of fabric to wear during the transition between winter and spring is leather. Whether you prefer real or faux, leather gives you the perfect kind of warmth before it gets too hot outside to wear.

Leather’s texture, in and of itself, is a great addition to any kind of look. Because the look and feel of it are so different from the polyesters and cottons of your everyday life, something as simple as black leather leggings, or even a brown leather bracelet, can instantly give life to your outfit.

Leather is also completely available to consumers in every way, shape and form. Bags, jewelry, shoes, tops, bottoms and outerwear — you name it, leather’s got it. Once you take advantage of this classic and current trend, you won’t want the temperature to hike up.

Finally, my favorite part about season transitions: scarves. A scarf is definitely one of the best accessories to have an endless amount of. Scarves come in multitudes of different fabrics, textures and patterns, making it the best addition to any season’s wardrobe.

For the weather we have to deal with, I always resort to my chunky knit scarf. Ten times out of 10, you will find me in my huge cream-colored Urban Outfitters scarf — to many, it may look more like a neck brace than anything else.

Chunky scarves can keep you warm when the temperature hits 30 degrees Fahrenheit and below, and you need to hide your face from the wind. They can also keep you warm when temperatures hit the 50s and 60s, when all you need is the scarf and a big sweater.

Lastly, scarves are one of the best accessories to add color to your black winter peacoat, puffy jacket or floor-length North Face. The chunky scarf I have also came in five different spring colors, each of which comes with one purpose: to make you look damn good.

Whether your closet is in a state of crisis or you’re just sick of the torturous games Mother Nature is playing with us, versatile clothes are something everyone should invest in. So why not start now?

Vicki Ho is a senior public relations major. Her column appears every Thursday, and she can be reached at vho@syr.edu.

Published on March 29, 2011 at 12:00 pm