Black and White and Loved All Over: Guest Blogger Style Me Kimberly Talks Summer Style in the Dead of Winter

My girlfriend Kimberly is the chicest lady I know, and that's written all over her inspiring daily fashion blog Style Me Kimberly. This Nashvillian comes to us via small-town Pennsylvania, and she works as a wardrobe stylist -- belting and bejeweling Music City artists who need assistance shaping the look of photo shoots and album covers. Most recently, she worked on a Vanity Fair shoot with Nicole Kidman. (!!!)

I asked her if she'd guest-blog about how to make your (read: my) favorite summer skirts and dresses work in the winter. And she has delivered!

p.s. I promise I didn't pay her to say nice things about me.

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I was so thrilled when Ellen asked me to guest blog for her! Not only do I adore all of her posts, but she's one of my favorite people. Ever. So, here I am. Let's talk about the summery stuff you can't wait to wear -- pretty sundresses, light skirts. What a pity to have to wait till April or May to shimmy your suddenly-a-few-pounds-lighter body (thank you, resolutions) into such beautiful things.

So do it now. Here's how.

1. Key one is tights. I have a white silk dress with black and lime green piping that I wear to awards shows or as an event host with black pumps in the warmer months. Now, I can wear it to a February/March function even if it's chilly. A pair of black opaque tights and black booties do the trick, all covered outside by my black wool coat. The black trim on this dress makes the black pairings make sense. If your dress is pink and yellow, you may try nude or cream tights, even in a pattern or texture, or one of these other ideas!

2. Different pairings. Say one of said summer pieces is a tan skirt with blue, orange, and green flowers that you normally wear with a blue tank and tan strappy sandles. Think outside the box. Try a green cardigan and white blouse, and depending on the length of the skirt, brown boots or closed-toed pumps.

3. Jackets. Some days are hitting the 50's right now, and a coat isn't needed. Fitted jackets will be a perfect addition to anything! Let's talk about a coral short-sleeved silk blouse that works in the summer with white pants and turquoise jewelry; you can wear this now with skinny jeans, flats or oxfords, and a blazer. Again, I say black but also cream, tan, navy, etc. are perfectly acceptable.

4. Heavier jewelry. Instead of the bright stones, dainty necklaces and bangles, try layered jewelry of a heavier weight, darker colors or simple metallics. This should add to the balance of having on tights or a jacket and will downplay the lightweight feel of the dress or skirt.

Here are your key pieces for layering up your summer looks. Keep in mind not everything in your summer wardrobe plays well with others, but a lot of it will!

1. Urban Outfitters tights.