The Average Girl's Guide: Outfit: A Casual Winter Day

I live in Florida. Winter days here are typically a balmy 65-70 degrees so I know some of you -- especially if you're snowed in right now! -- think I'm crazy talking about a winter outfit that doesn't require a puffy down jacket or trench. Hey, we're expecting a low of 35 tonight! Use the principals I mention here, and think of this look as the weather warm up this Spring before you're ready to break out your florals and bright Lilly Pulitzer-colored outfits. You know this is a Winter-in-Florida-look because I put my wet hair back in a bun... who the heck in NYC would walk outside with wet hair!

The purpose of this casual outfit: demonstrating how a typical gal mixes patterns (& more). Love how this grey and white stripe shirt looks with the unexpected and softer look of a navy, pink and yellow paisley scarf, thrown together with a tougher looking faux leather and ribbed cotton jacket. Don't think you must put on your go-to black scarf if you're wearing a patterned shirt and vice versa! Go for bold patterns and mix the masculine and feminine. Also aim for mixing the length of your items. See how the shorter jacket pairs with the longer tee? Do that, or go for a long cozy cardigan paired with a shorter/tucked in shirt. It totally works.