Ward off the indoor cold with style

It seems insane, or at least counterintuitive. But the hotter it is out there, the more we find ourselves huddling indoors, half frozen, all goose bumps and icy limbs.

Don't get me wrong. I love air conditioning. And after my near meltdown at a recent wedding in an un-air-conditioned church, I came to love and appreciate A.C. even more. But we all know that after that first refreshing blast of cold air, it can get downright frigid inside. One woman I know keeps a thick winter blanket at her desk in the summertime because the temperature in her cubicle plummets to rival a meat locker when the mercury outside soars.

The more practical, portable equivalent of my friend's office blanket is the hugely popular pashmina — a fringed shawl or scarf that is lightweight, packable, affordable — and everybody has them. Serviceable, yes. But boring and predictable.

To help you battle the chill, whether from an aggressively cooled inside or outside when the sun goes down, I went shopping for some stylish wraps that will let you give your summer shawl a much-needed vacation.

shopellen@tribune.com

Your black and white go-to basics come alive with a garden's worth of flowers splashed on a well-priced cardigan that also works with sleeves tied around your shoulders. Merona, Target, $19.99 reduced to $15, target.com

Beading at the neckline adds

texture, and the bright color of this lightweight cardi lets you stand out in the crowd. Merona, Target, $24.99, target.com

The same fabric as a sweatshirt makes this little on-trend military jacket perfect for throwing in a tote and emerging pristine. Black hides the inevitable spills of travel — and goes with everything. Frenchi, $38, Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

Crochet detail lets your shirt peek through, and shorter sleeves are perfect when you need just a little cover. Say What?, Discovery, $10.99; for stores, discovery clothing.com

Peekaboo fabric folds small, emerges wrinkle free and can go from beach to evening. Add a rhinestone pin for extra nighttime sparkle. Wear it tied or loose. Eileen Fisher, $198, Bloomingdale's, bloomingdales.com

This full-service wrap can even keep your legs warm in a freezing movie theater and is ideal for airplane travel. Wear it open or cocoon style. A Snuggie with style. The DKNY cozy, $195 reduced to $70.20, Bloomingdale's, bloomingdales.com

A little black sweater with pizzazz you won't find in your old pashmina. Works well with black and white or would add pop to a simple jewel-tone dress. Marina Luna, $19.99, Marshall's; for stores, marshallsonline.com

New York & Company, $14.95 reduced to $10.46, nyandcompany.com