Easter is on the horizon, and we are slowly returning to normal. Last year, we were shut-in for Easter. Since it was our first holiday in quarantine, my family was still processing our new reality. Honestly, I couldn’t even tell you what we did last Easter. Probably a whole lot of nothing.
This year there is a feeling of hope. My husband and I will be completely vaccinated by Easter, along with my FIL and my husband’s brother and girlfriend. There are new recommendations from the CDC on interacting after the vaccine, and we are moving toward a more open society again. So this year, we can think about celebrating Easter again with friends and family (safely within the guidelines).
Easter is Not Usually Warm
Every year stores offer a bounty of Easter dresses in floral print with little to no sleeves. The dresses are light and airy and better suited for summer. The reality is that across the U.S., Easter is rarely warm and never hot. For example, here in San Diego (unquestionably one of the country’s best climates), the average temperature for April high/low is 68/56 degrees. That is hardly summer dress weather for a CA native.
If you live in Boston, the April high/low is 56/41. Even for the thickest skinned Bostonian, 56 is hardly sleeveless dress weather. Only Florida seems prepared for Easter dresses, with the average temp in Miami 83/68. It is surely why Florida is a spring break hot spot. Though given all that is going on in Miami, it is just better to stay away.
All that to say, why are Easter dresses made for warm weather? Why not an Easter sweater? Or Easter pantsuit? Of course, by Easter, we are all ready to shed the winter layers, but it often just isn’t practical. Considering Easter weather, here are five outfits (that work in the cold) but are suited for the festive holiday.
I have added a few Easter photos of my family when my kids were young. I loved dressing them in Gymboree outfits and attempting to get them to look at a camera.
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Outfit #1: Easter Church Service
Forty-one percent of Americans say that their Easter Sunday plans include a visit to a church, according to a survey by LifeWay Research. This number is pre-pandemic, but the percentage will still be high this year. Even those who don’t attend church regularly often visit for the major Christian holidays.
To dress appropriately for the weather, why not try a pretty floral dress with long sleeves. This one has an off-the-shoulder neckline that aspires to warmer weather ahead but still adds some needed coverage. For warmth, I added the J.Crew Ella Sweater Coat. It is one of my favorite finds from fall. It adds just enough warmth with no bulk. Instead of a pretty easter bonnet, why not try a felt fedora.
It wouldn’t be Easter without a pretty Easter purse. If you want a splurge, this Chloe Hana Crossbody is perfect for spring, and this color is scrumptious. Another great option is the Madewell Abroad Mini Tote. There is currently only one left, so get it while you can. Madewell makes the highest quality bags for the price. I love their leather. All of their purses age well and look so much more expensive than their actual cost.
Skip the sandals if the weather is cold and wear this dress with some off-white booties. The look is so chic and definitely more practical. The Jarli Bootie from Nordstrom has a walkable stacked heel and fashionable pointed toe. You can easily dress these booties up or wear them with your favorite denim. Add an on-trend chunky gold necklace, and you are ready to be seen at Sunday service.
Outfit #2: Easter Brunch
Slowly but surely, restaurants are opening up again. I believe that holidays are so much better when I don’t have to cook. I am also a huge fan of brunch! So in the hope that we can do brunch on Easter, this quick outfit formula can take you out to eat anywhere you want to go, including your own kitchen if you so desire.
The quick and easy outfit formula: floral top, white pants, and structured blazer. Add shoes and accessories to match, and instantly you have a simple yet chic Easter look. I started this look with the pretty floral top from GibsonLook. I am partial to florals grounded in navy or black. They are less girlish and more dramatic. The light pinks and green make this top perfect for Easter.
I added the Dalton Blazer in Italian cotton-linen by J.Crew in this fabulous pale pink. J.Crew is my go-to for reasonably priced, high-quality blazers, and the Dalton Blazer is just such a jacket. The pants are Eileen Fisher Stretch Crepe. They are the perfect marriage of dressy and casual. You can wear these pants in so many different ways. They are definitely worth the investment.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, wear the booties, but if you are lucky to have a warmer day, opt for some fun loafers. The Sam Edelman Lorraine Loafers are a Gucci dupe for a fraction of the cost. The blue croc gives this whole outfit a luxury vibe.
A note on the Mansur Gavriel Clutch – I am obsessed with this bag. The leather is buttery soft, and the style is just so whimsical and fun. They are available in multiple sizes and in a ton of colors. You can wear this bag with literally everything. I am totally in love, and it is perfect for Easter.
Outfit #3: Early Morning Easter Egg Hunt
Maybe your Easter morning starts with an all to early wake-up call by the grandkids for an Easter Egg Hunt. You know there will be pictures. As a modern grandma, you want to represent since there will be no time for getting dressed before the egg hunt pandemonium, consider floral pajamas for this important occasion.
Add a warm robe for the cold morning air and possibly this cozy Ugg Ribbed Beanie to keep you warm. Slip-on some Ugg Boots for you and pick up these adorable gender-neutral Uggs for your grandchild. You are sure to be the ‘cool grandma.’
Outfit #4: Sunrise Hike
Do you celebrate Easter by visiting god in nature? Or do you take the holiday to explore the outdoors? Either way, you can definitely use the occasion to spring-ify your workout wardrobe. I am definitely feeling the tie-dye vibe of this Madewell sweatsuit. Wear the sweatshirt and sweatpants together or wear them as separates. Seriously, I want this sweatsuit. It is perfect for spring.
If you are a serious hiker, then maybe sweatpants are too warm for your hikes. Madewell also makes quality leggings. Or you could opt for my favorite and by far the softest and most scrumptious leggings made by Alo Yoga. Add a pair of the wildly popular On Sneakers in this mid-top style, and your Garmin watch to track your workout.
Even if you are just an urban hiker, this fun outfit is perfect for your trek to the local Starbucks or walking the neighborhood with your pooch.
Outfit #5: Easter on Vacation
This Easter, we will be in Washington D.C. touring colleges with my daughter. Almost every year, we take a vacation during Easter break. Since my kids go to a Catholic High School, our break is always during the holiday. I really miss traveling. I cannot wait to go back to Cabo San Lucas because I need warm weather and lounge time.
This year, I will dream of the beach as we check out how great Washington D.C. is. My daughter is seriously considering two colleges there but has yet to visit our nation’s Capitol. But in my daydreams, I would definitely wear these items on a beach vacation. First up, I must mention the Agolde Parker Cut-Off Shorts. They are ah-mazing! Agolde released these shorts this year in a slightly longer length which is perfect.
I tried too late in the season last year to pick up a pair, and they were sold out. These shorts fit everybody. They have the perfect amount of distressing, and now in the longer length, they offer a more wearable length. I love the shorter version, too, as a cover-up for the beach. They are sure to sell out again this year. Pick them up as soon as you can, if you are interested.
A good cover-up is a must at any resort. It allows you to quickly go from pool to restaurant. Ramy Brook makes gorgeous cover-ups. They are pricey but so worth it. For a less expensive option, I wear more often than not try the Sunset Smocked Romper. I have had mine for at least 8 years, and I still pack it every time I go on warm vacation.
Add some cool sunnies, a big floppy hat (this one is packable), and don’t forget the sunscreen. I love EltaMD Sunscreen because it is oil-free and perfect for sensitive skin. It has high-quality ingredients and a smooth finish. It is a favorite of dermatologists too. Stuff all your things in a bold beach bag like the Be Mine Straw Tote, and you are vacation-ready.
This Easter, we finally get a chance to celebrate a little. After a year of sweats and loungewear, take this opportunity to dress up. Sure the weather rarely cooperates with summer dresses and sandals, but you can still bring the spirit of spring to your weather-ready outfit. Or maybe you are lucky enough to be headed on vacation, enjoy the sun and relaxation but please still be careful.
We will be traveling to D.C., which will likely be cold. It will be our first time on a plane in well over a year. I am a little nervous, to say the least. I ordered these Face Shields for the plane and the Profound Disposable Black Masks. We will be well-stocked with Clorox wipes. What else am I forgetting? We are definitely looking forward to seeing the Cherry Blossoms and my dear friend Anne. I hope you get to spend your Easter with those you love.
I hope you have enjoyed some of our family Easter photos over the years. I am not exactly sure when my kids finally started looking at the camera. Probably just about the time, they stopped wanting to be in photos.
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