Moving from California to Arizona, I didn’t expect much of a weather change. The extreme summer heat welcomed me to the Valley, my shirts soaked in sweat as I moved boxes into my dorm room. Without warning, the scorching heat turned into chilly nights and, soon after, the cool, crisp nights spanned throughout the day. My California girl closet wasn’t prepared for the type of cold that exists in the Valley. I seriously believed it would be hot all year round, and boy was I wrong.
Over the past two years, I have learned how to navigate Arizona’s beautiful, but unpredictable, weather. Here are my tips for building your best Arizona closet along with some 2024 trend predictions that will keep you fashionable all year long.
Winter: December–February
Winter in the Valley might not be what you’d expect. With wind chills that make you shiver and rain showers, it was definitely not what I thought Arizona winters would be. I was unprepared for the cold that came with being in the desert, and I thought that leggings and a hoodie would suffice—which sometimes it does. But if you want to look more presentable or have a work dress code to follow, here are some tips you can get ideas from for your Valley winter wardrobe.
What we wear:
Chunky sweaters with a fitted pair of jeans are always a great idea! Patterns add a little bit of a flare to an outfit, so if you’re feeling like your fit is a bit bland, try adding a cool pattern or pop of color! Finding the right outerwear for layering can elevate any outfit. Make sure to incorporate layers for style and warmth! Accessories, unique shoes and layers are always a must in the winter.
Spring: March–June
As the weather begins to become perfect once again, the slight wind chill becomes a bit warmer and the rain showers bring valley flowers. The comfortable warm weather gives much leeway for your outfits. Springtime is my favorite time in the Valley, and here are some ways you can prepare your wardrobe for this upcoming season.
What we wear:
Brighter colors and lighter clothing are a great go-to in the spring. Pairing a simple dress with a statement hat, purse or jewelry can make an outfit go from a throwaway to the best someone has seen all day. Classic outfits, like blue jeans and a white top, are great spring staples as well. Add to these simple outfits or leave them as is!
Summer: July–September
This is when things get tricky again. Arizona gets hot … and I mean, HOT! It is a heat that you feel on your skin and in your bones, a heat that can make you never want to go outside. Nonetheless, summer is a time for fun in the sun, lake days and adventures. Go outside, but prepare yourself with some of these tips.
What we wear:
The less clothing, the better! The summer heat is brutal, so spend your sunny days in a bikini, shorts, tank tops and anything that’ll give you some breathing room. Thin, flowy fabrics are a lifesaver during the summer season in Arizona. Your body will be able to breathe better and you’ll feel less overheated while looking chic!
Fall: October–November
The weather begins to cool down and we enter that middle phase, just like spring. It is a season that can either be perfect, extremely hot or bring an early cold. Depending on the year and the way the weather pans out, you can follow tips from this section or the ones above to find the best way for you to dress up while the leaves fall.
What we wear:
You can mix all the seasons in the fall. Take your simple outfits and jazz them up with chunkier tops or shorter bottoms. The weather fluctuates during the fall, so consider these inspirational pictures! Each one has its benefits for different temperatures.
