Sunless tanner makes me smell like Cheeze-Its. I discovered this in high school. When spring had arrived and heavy winter layers were shed, I would lather my body in sunless tanning lotion, not wanting to hurt others’ eyes (or my own) with my stark paleness. But the lotion must have had a funky reaction with my body oils, resulting in an aroma on my skin surprisingly akin to those cheese-flavored crackers.

I had to decide: Was smelling like cheese worth the golden (albeit orange-ish) tan that ultimately rubbed off on my clothes? Was I going to be that ashamed of my manatee-toned skin?

I realize now that there are many bad ways to welcome spring after the long winter months, poor sunless tanner usage being one of them. This transition from flannel, long underwear and big-ass boots to shorts, skirts and flip-flops is a tricky one, and some of us are more successful in accomplishing it than others. For those, like me, who have had some trouble making the jump from winter to spring, let me offer some suggestions:

Sunless tanner. If we’re going to use it, let’s make sure to get a quality product. Maybe go online and look at some reviews. Maybe do a spot test somewhere inconspicuous, like an inner thigh or lower armpit. Most importantly, let’s make sure we don’t smell like Cheeze-Its. Let’s be honest, not even James Franco can pull off Eau-de-Cheese.

Mini-skirts. We all have a tendency to jump the gun around this time, especially some seniors who would give their left leg to graduate now if it wasn’t so handy for walking across the stage to get their diploma. But just because the sun in shining outside doesn’t mean it is going to be warm, and just because we have a cute new mini-skirt doesn’t mean we can pair it with Ugg boots to keep our feet toasty. Mini-skirt season is called summer, and it’s coming soon, I promise.

Sunscreen. I cannot stress the importance of proper sunscreen application. We might all be eager to get that summer glow before everyone else, but wearing sunscreen is a very healthy way to go about getting it (see: sunless tanner).

Remember, parts of our bodies have not seen sunlight in many moons, so sudden exposure will cause our skin to fry like bacon in the Market Place during Chapel Break. Let’s avoid the skin cancer when we’re older and wear sunscreen. Plus, it smells like delicious coconut. Yummy!

Foot care. Our feet have been hibernating in snow boots and close-toed shoes, but now they’ve emerged, welcoming spring with their jagged toenails and rough heels. I’m not particularly grossed-out by feet, but I do know that some people are. Out of respect for these people, let’s make sure our feet are remotely presentable. Maybe remove the toe-jam, trim any freakishly long nails and scuff those calloused heals.

Scarves. This is a tricky one because of the wide range of warmth provided by scarves. There are winter scarves, usually made from wool or flannel and averaging about one inch in thickness, and then there are scarves for the other three seasons that are significantly lighter and do not make your neck sweat. These are the scarves that are appropriate in this transition time. As a general rule: If it’s plaid, exercise caution.

I hope these suggestions will alleviate some confusion about how to effectively transition from winter to spring. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be awkward or embarrassing if poor decisions are made, because nothing ruins a perfect spring day like snagging an unkempt toenail on wild grasses while frolicking in the Arboretum or shuddering when anyone accidentally touches your lobster-red, sunburned skin.