Don’t get me wrong, I adore the winter’s reverence (and forgiveness) to those days of less-than-ideal style moments. All too often, however, I find myself in the never-ending giant sweater+leggings rut as I battle the Connecticut cold for a 9am class. Trust me, I get it: to pull on those skinny jeans seems the equivalent of trekking Mount Everest when the weather doesn’t quite motivate you to take on the day, no matter how good J Brand looks on you. In the winter especially, comfort and easiness of wear supersede style for most school-going women, but they don’t have to! By mixing up the cold-weather basics we all so love with a statement accessory or even a standout lip color, looking put-together while exercising minimal effort (the dream team!) has never been so chic.
Belt it!
With long, cozy sweaters especially, adding a belt can instantly add interest to an outfit while drawing attention to your tiny waist (always a plus!). A few rules to keep in mind: with a thick-material sweater (think wool), the fabric should hang loosely at the bottom, not form-fitting (adding a belt to the latter type only adds unnecessary bulk--very unflattering!). Sweaters that hit above your hip generally look best with a thin belt, and longer sweaters work well with any width.

Courtesy: lookbook.nu, thisnext.com, fashionchoice.org
Bold Lip Color
I can’t emphasize enough how effortlessly beautiful a bright and fun lip color can look when contrasted with a low-key outfit. Try a bright red shade when wearing neutral-colored clothing with very minimal makeup otherwise—so chic, so easy, and an incredible mood-enhancer!

Courtesy: stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se

Courtesy: nylonmag.com

Courtesy: chictalks.com
Stand-out accessories
A handbag with a pop of color or a statement piece of jewelry can completely transform an otherwise basic, no-fuss outfit (read: your go-to winter look). Just don’t go overboard—one eye-catching addition is all you need. It’s the statement, not quantity, of an accessory that tells the best story.

Courtesy: netaporter.com

Courtesy: lookbook.nu

Courtesy: lookbook.nu

Courtesy: fashionited.com

