Spirit of the seasons & fashion

Today I may have overdressed. I put on my sleek black leggings, covered them with torn edged blue jeans, and if that wasn't enough, pulled on a protective layer of ski pants.
 
You’re probably thinking I was overdressed. Not quite yet. But by the time I put on my tank top, long sleeve thermal, sweater, zip up hoodie, and last-but-not-least floral design ski jacket, hood and all, I likely was.
 
I also grabbed my ski hat, gloves, and gator neck cover. Then pulled on my hard-core gnarly boots. At this point, I wondered, “Can I even move?”
 
But this is what we do in the north coast of NY to protect our bodies from lake-effect snow and the brutal, chilling wind it carries.
 
After spending an entire year stuck in this house - well most of the year anyway - bundling up to go outside and catch the sunlight when it creeps out from beneath the clouds is a must, regardless of the effort it takes.
 
I am reminded of bundling up a toddler to play in the snow, only I am that toddler now. And that is the spirit needed! The spirit of a child who is about to go outside and play in the snow!
 
This winter has been a hard one for everyone. No amount of hot chocolate or zoom yoga could warm our souls. So out into the tundra we went.
 
Well, I did, anyway. I traded in my downhill skis for snowshoes, and explored the beautiful grounds of NYS parks.
 
I covered my face from the fierce wind and boldly took photos of the natural snow formations on Lake Ontario.
 
I did not make snow angels.
 
I did not build a snow man - or woman.
 
But I did feel the spirit of winter, and did my best to capture those images.
 
 
How would you describe the spirit of winter? Was it similar to mine? Or did you find yourself working behind a desk with a space heater by your feet? Baking chocolate chip cookies, playing Enya, and exercising in the home gym you now have in your basement?
 
By the time this is published, it may be spring. Gentle snowflakes may now occasionally fall from the sky to remind us of the magic of the seasons. We will be breaking free from our wool coats and hats and gloves, trading them in for our spring gear.
 
Out with winter colors and in with bright florals, pinks and oranges. Anything that affirms that the flowers are about to bloom, the trees will sprout their kelly-green leaves, and birdsong will fill the air.
 
This inspired me to google search upcoming fashion trends for spring 2021. Far from what I poetically conveyed!  Here are the newest top trends predicted.
 
Silvery Metallics
The shinier the better. OK. I’m thinking this is reaching for the silver lining, and wearing it, too!
 
Mirror Turtleneck
Things are beginning to look a lot like disco!  Who needs a hanging disco ball when you’re wearing this shiny shirt?
 
Oversized Denim
Your boyfriend’s … or girlfriend’s clothes may start to disappear, especially if they’re a larger size than you typically wear!  I’m all in for this. The covid belly may now officially be hidden.
 
Bold Neons
The 80’s have returned! Fuchsia and Turquoise are all in. Spring? Yes! Bring on the color.
 
The list of new fashion trends goes on with wide collars and see-through clothing.
 
 
How does fashion affect your spirit? Does it reflect it fully? Does it allow her or him to come alive? Or do you find yourself hiding your soul under fashions that don’t really fit your style?
 
What about your Ugg boots? Will you be wearing them year-long? 
 
I tried on my first pair recently. They were the warmest, snuggliest, and most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn.  But that was on a blustery cold day with single digit outdoor temperature. I doubt I’d be able to bare the warmth they provide on a hot summer day. Sandals definitely reflect my spirit in the warmer seasons!
 
What does your spirit gravitate toward in the summer? Are you a beach person? Wearing shorts and mid-drifts, walking barefoot in the sand?
 
Or do you prefer the cool shade of a tree by a pond? Or inside an air-conditioned building?
 
What do you find yourself wearing? Close-knit tops? T-shirts? Baseball caps? Or summer dresses and floppy hats?
 
The next time you enter your wardrobe, whether it’s a small closet you share or a grand walk-in, think about what entices your spirit. Which article of clothing brings a smile to your face? Then imagine how you’ll feel walking around wearing that outfit. Will you feel relaxed, chill?  Energized and ready to go?
 
Theatre is a wonderful way to express your inner spirit! The costume is what brings the character to life. The final flick of the fan.
 
When dressing or selecting new clothes on your next shopping spree, allow your inner authentic self to guide you. It may be the silvery metallic onesie that will not only set your world on fire but everyone else’s, too!
 
You may find yourself ignoring the latest fashion trends altogether, happy with the ‘soul-self’ clothing you’ve already established. They are your choices, after all. What’s important is that you feel your best while wearing them.
 
Seasons. They allow us to either break free from old patterns, whether it’s fashion or activities, or they remind us that the pattern we are currently in is just where our spirit wants to be.
 
Check on that now. What are you wearing? What are you doing? What is the season? It may be the reason.
 
That’s it for now. I look forward to seeing you making tracks in the snow, shifting gears into spring, and bathing under the sun or shade this summer. And fall? That season deserves an article all to itself.
 
Creative Coach & Author, Alana Cahoon leads individuals to grow their businesses, expand their minds & heal their souls. www.AlanaCahoon.com

Read full article in the March issue of RochesterWomanOnline