Winter fashion review: A colorful look
John Naughton made plenty of fashion statements this season
If you saw a yellow and purple blur courtside at the state girls’ basketball tournament last month, it may not have been a colorful mascot.
As an ambassador for a colorful wardrobe, I took the opportunity to dress to impress at state.
On media row at Wells Fargo Arena, I wore a yellow suit and hat, a purple shirt, shoes and hat band, and a green and white striped bow tie with matching pocket square.
As I walked past a group of students in the stands, I received a cheer. An actual cheer from the crowd. I tipped my hat.
John Naughton on media row at the state girls’ basketball tournament in March. (Photo courtesy of John Naughton.)
Winter ran from December 21 to March 20. It was a mild one, and I used the season to dress colorfully.
The winter fashion season for me requires weather-appropriate attire. It’s also a bit of a transition time. Fall’s dominant colors (yellow, orange, brown, maroon among them) were still a part of my wardrobe. I also wore a few lighter shades that are more common in spring. If it’s warm and dry outside in Iowa, I may dress in all sorts of things.
One of the principal goals for me is the philosophy that dressing colorfully can bring fun to yourself and others. Mission accomplished.
Nothing brings the holiday spirit like Santa, or my festive wardrobe. (Photo courtesy John Naughton.)
Which brings us to the holiday season.
I have a collection of Christmas ties, red and green clothing, and suits and jackets that feature holiday lights, trees and snowflakes.
Some of these items may be restricted to December and early January.
Consider the suit with the holiday movie classic “A Christmas Story” theme. I’ve always enjoyed that comedy, and the suit draws the attention of fellow fans. With Ralphie in his pink bunny suit set upon a red fabric background, it’s an eye-popping sight (unless you’ve shot your eye out).
The suit inspired by the holiday film “A Christmas Story.” (Photo courtesy of John Naughton.)
The most outrageous winter outfit I wear is the well-known holiday dinner table costume.
A foam board supports the red tablecloth. Attached through duct tape are two dinner guest settings: plates, silverware, napkins and champagne flutes.
The crowning touch — I insert my head through a silver platter and emerge wearing a turkey hat.
The most famous (and prize-winning) costume I’ve created: The holiday turkey dinner. (Photo courtesy of John Naughton).
Holiday outfits are a major part of my winter wardrobe. But if I wear solid green and red or red and white, it’s more subtle, but I still get the message across.
Spring’s weather has been erratic, but the warm days have allowed me to wear all sorts of things.
Iowa’s winter wasn’t bad, and I used the warm and dry days to wear light fabrics and any kind of shoes I wanted.
When the weather was cold, I dressed in a heavy (and warm) brown and white sheepskin fur coat from Overland Sheepskin Co. in Fairfield. I also try to be careful with footwear on snowy or rainy days — I don’t want to step in a puddle or snowdrift if I’m wearing fancy shoes.
Our early spring weather has given me the chance to wear a variety of colors — we’ll revisit that later this year. Until then, have fun with whatever you wear.