As we approach the coldest and dreariest parts of winter it’s easy to fall into a fashion rut, with endless days of your comfiest sweats and forgetting that you do, in fact, have a body shape underneath those massive parkas. And no one really wants to put together an outfit on the freezing mornings where getting out of a toasty bed seems like enough of an accomplishment for an entire day. But perhaps the hardest part of winter dressing is attempting to dress in a cute and fashionable way, while still remaining climate conscious. The good news is that winter trends this season lend themselves to super cold weather; huge textured wool scarves, lined boots, and comfortably over-sized knits. Here are a few options that reconcile warmth and style, in a fashionable and functional way.
L to R (clockwise): Winter Cowlneck Sweater, jcrew.com, $50; Long Parka, fatface.com, $115; Cable Waffle Beanie, warehouse.co.uk, $8; Mustard Diamond Stud Earrings, dorothyperkins.com, $9; Hollister Super Skinny Destroyed Jean, hollisterco.com, $50; Shearling Suede Military Boot, allsaints.com, $148; Billabong High Five Gloves, swell.com, $20; Geneva Gold Round Case watch, target.com, $20
This outfit is the perfect way to dress for class or errands on those days when you want to be comfortable but still look put together. A sweater with a large collar that can double as a scarf is a great option if you want to take some bulk out of your look. Another great way to stay really warm is lined boots, like these combat boots lined with shearling. For some added warmth to boots you already have, add either cable knit or patterned wool socks that show over the top of the boot.
L to R (clockwise): Jennifer Zeuner Monogram Necklace, charmandchain.com, $144; Crop Back Collarless Blazer, topshop.com, $100; Phase Eight Deep Cowl Neck Sweater, johnlewis.com, $76; Rhinestone Jeweled Studs, yesstyle.com, $15; Oasis Belted Coat, johnlewis.com, $62; Leather Gloves, zara.com, $17; Marc by Marc Jacobs Lace-Up Bootie, net-a-porter.com, $125; Sima Bangle Set, amritasingh.com, $40; Calvin Klein Straight Trouser, theoutnet.com, $180
This look would be perfect for the office, or a job interview. It’s really polished but still appropriate for the cold weather months. Layering a sweater with a slim fitting blazer keeps you warm but also allows you to change it up throughout the day if you’re hot or cold in the office. I also like the look of having the top of this sweater come over the collarless blazer. This lets you forgo a scarf, which can sometimes be too informal for work. The booties here are a really good option in place of a heel, because you can wear it to work in the cold weather, keeping your whole foot covered and out of winter sidewalk sludge. Major plus.
L to R (clockwise): Rick Owens High Neck Motorcycle Jacket, barneys.com, $2,510; L’agence Washed Silk Shirt, net-a-porter.com, $175; Kenneth Jay Lane Large Link Necklace, kabiri.co.uk, $420; Faliero Sarti Blue/Multi-colored Scarf, stylebop.com, $535; True Religion Cape Town Skinny Jeans, stylebop.com, $270; Basic Messenger Bags, zara.com, $20; Jeffrey Campbell Rumble Ankle Boots, jildorshoes.com, $78; Tallulah Tu Square Stone Ring, asos.com, $13
This would be great for a date, or a night out at the bars. Worse case scenario for a night out in the winter is the dreaded no-coat-check bar. Holding your coat or stashing it somewhere and wondering if it will still be there at the end of the night is a definite downer. Leather is deceptively warm (sorry PETA!) especially the lined options, and it’s less cumbersome than a typical winter coat. This top would look great tucked in and loose with the statement necklace, and pop of color with a large stone ring. And again, booties like these are a great alternative to pumps; they still give you height and the benefits of a heel without leaving your feet exposed to the elements.
L to R (clockwise): Unisex Circle Scarf, americanapparel.net, $28; Ochre Collarless Coat, dorothyperkins.com, $37; Damas Earrings, mango.com, $29; A.L.C. Florence Striped Dress, boutique1.com, $330; Fogal Touch Tights, barneys.com, $69; Black Over the Knee Riding Boots, debenhams.com, $260; Lee Angel Five Strand Bracelets, intermixonline.com, $59; Hobo International Sadie Wallet, nordstrom.com, $65
This outfit is great for a girl’s night out, or dinner and drinks. Over the knee boots and tights are such a great winter staple because you can basically pair them with any dress or skirt for a warmer outfit option. This let’s you shop your closet and wear pieces that you may have thought weren’t suited for the colder weather. Adding pops of color to an otherwise dark wintry outfit is also a great way to make a look more fun.
Hopefully this takes the guesswork out of getting ready, and makes it a bit easier to dress in a way that reflects your personal style without compromising coziness. Hypothermia isn’t a good look on anyone, and with all the great winter trends cold weather can no longer be an excuse not to dress your best.
Posted by Tallin on January 18, 2012 at 03:52 PM EST #
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