Gear up for spring

Pastel colored wedge flats from BABARA, 139,000 won / Courtesy of Shinsegae Department Store

By Kim Bo-eun

A cardigan from women’s clothing brand ab.f.z, 239,000 won

SO’ SALT’s scarves, 139,000 won

The days are getting longer and warmer and, as the long-awaited spring approaches, people are keen to take off their heavy coats and dress lighter.

However, until May, when spring is officially here, temperatures will fluctuate as the last cold spells continue. And despite warm afternoons, the early hours of the day and late hours of the night still prove chilly in the early stages of spring.

It is important to keep warm during this time, because when a person's body temperature falls, the immune functions are weakened and it makes one vulnerable to the flu or allergic diseases.

In Korea, spring is also the season of the dust storm that comes from the deserts of China and Mongolia along with air-polluting chemicals from industrialized cities on the mainland. Spring, therefore, can be a season where people become prone to falling ill.

So rather than hastily jumping into spring mode, check you are adequately clad to keep healthy during the transitional period.

Staying warm

As the daily temperature varies during the day and night, it is a good idea to wear several layers of light clothing, rather than a single layer or two. That can keep you warm during chilly hours while making it easy to peel off layers when temperatures are higher in the afternoon.

Cardigans are recommended as warm and light outerwear. According to the website Cardigan Sweater.com, the garment was named after a British military commander during the Crimean War. It was modeled after the knitted wool waistcoat British officers wore during the war.

The website says cardigans became popular in 17th century France as well as the British Isles, where fishermen adopted this heavy, hand-knitted wool apparel to stay warm on cold days. This demonstrates the thermal quality of cardigans.

Today, cardigans have become one of the most commonly worn garments. Due to their versatility, they can be worn in casual or formal settings and in any season.

To give a spring vibe, go for thin cotton thread cardigans, rather than heavy woolen ones. Shirts and blouses make a suitable under garment.

Basic colors such as beige, gray or black are staples, while pastels add a romantic touch. Vivid colors, stripes or bold patterns can spice up otherwise plain outfits.

Keeping out dust storm

Scarves are the ultimate must-haves for spring. Not only do they keep a person warm from the lasting chills of early spring, they also bring with them a sense of style.

Moreover, they can be used to cover a person’s nose and mouth from inhaling pollen as well as the harmful substances that sweep into the country during this time of the year.

Yellow dust particles are much smaller than the usual dust particles and therefore are easily inhaled, causing respiratory diseases. They can also cause eye infections.

Bright colors are enough to liven up simple outfits, but patterned scarves are also a good choice. Opt for a classic floral pattern for a feminine look or a bold geometric pattern for a playful vibe.

Protecting feet

Candy colored flats are much-loved items for spring. Ballerina flats are also an all-time favorite. The various colors, designs and patterns add a finishing touch to outfits. In addition, the comfort they provide as opposed to high heels make them a popular choice.

However, contrary to the common belief that flats are a better choice in terms of posture, completely flat shoes provide little support for the feet, and therefore are less effective for shock absorption.

The absence of adequate support causes the soles to endure three times a person's weight when walking and 10 times the person's weight when running.

Experts say the lack of cushioning leaves the lower leg and foot to absorb the full impact of movement as people walk. This puts increased pressure on the knees, hips and back, which over time can increase a person's chance of developing arthritis.

Shoes with a slight heel between 2 to 4 centimeters and higher sides which offer the feet a little more support are recommended.

Straw heel wedge flats are the perfect choice as they are not only comfortable but also give off a lovely spring vibe.