Christmas is over. The thrill of the first snowfall has come and gone. Your enthusiasm for wearing a puffy parka and snow boots is dwindling by the minute. The warmth of summer is so far away that you start to use Seasonal Affective Disorder as an excuse to sloth around in sweats and eat your weight in chocolate.

Chin up, buttercup; there is some light at the end of the tunnel. While it is still too cold to work flip-flops and halter tops into your wardrobe, there are fun ways to inject a little springtime into your winter ensembles without losing any appendages to frostbite.

In a lot of ways, summer is a state of mind. You can slip a few tricks into your beauty routine to aid in your delusions on a daily basis. Mix in a little self-tanner with your regular moisturizer (for both your face and your body); you'll achieve a noticeable glow that gives a natural look and avoids the 'Dorito effect' caused by fake n' bakes. Amp up your bronzer usage and use warm, golden shades of makeup to fit in with your sun-kissed aesthetic. Experimenting with pops of bold colour, such as choosing royal blue liquid eyeliner instead of basic black, can also lighten up your look and get you thinking spring.

In terms of clothes and accessories, it has never been easier or more on-trend to mix spring pieces into your winter wardrobe so you can fashionably transition from one season to the next. One easy way to add some colour is with neon accents on neutral pieces. Belts, bags, shoes and tops in basic beige, black, white and cream are elevated with thin piping in neon pink, green, yellow or orange.

Purses and clutches are being seen in all kinds of bold colours — especially tangerine, red and daring blue. Even if the weather restricts you to wearing your most drab duds, choosing bright accessories can liven up any outfit (and mood!)

Patterns are also a spring and summer trend that you can work into cold-weather clothes. Nautical navy and white stripes always work in summer months, but a simple striped top under a cardigan or blazer is just as appropriate midwinter. Florals, graphic prints in pretty colours, and pastel colour blocking are also light and airy options that can work for winter.

One last bit of food for thought is to consider mixing heavy and lightweight fabrics. Sheer, slinky and silky fabrics, while not altogether warm, can be appropriate in the winter, if you do it right. The key is layering. It's also best to keep lightweight fabrics on your upper half. I've never seen a woman wear a chiffon skirt in the winter and thought, how appropriate; she must be warm and fashion- savvy. However, I do admire a girl who can work a mint green bow-front silk blouse in the winter while staying warm, chic and seasonally appropriate.