It's that time of year again! The holidays have come and gone, and a brand new year has officially started. We're entering the time of year when the weather is coldest as well. Right now, we're all looking for ways to stay toasty warm and 100% protected from the elements. However, we want to do it as stylishly as possible.
Trust us when we say you don't have to choose between the two. This winter's most exciting looks don't just keep you warm. They're chic, contemporary, and fun to wear. Here we'll give you some tried and true tips for staying warm this winter while continuing to look like a million bucks. We'll go over how to make the most of this season's hottest new fashion items.
Invest in a chic overcoat.
The key to staying warm when the weather turns truly bitter is to have the right outerwear to add the finishing touch to any outfit. This season, people everywhere are swapping their bulky parkas for slim-fitting overcoats and trench coats that flatter their figures while protecting them from the cold like a charm.
No matter if you're headed into the office or dressed for a night out on the town, top your outfit properly by reaching for a stylish trench coat that's belted at the waist. Cozy, practical fabrics like wool keep you warm while keeping you looking classy. Pretty but understated shades like rust, hunter, navy, or butternut are as versatile as they are seasonally appropriate. Just make sure your coat's hemline is longer than your skirt's to ensure your entire look feels in sync.
Balance bulky items with sleeker, slim-fitting ones.
Some of this season's most sought-after fashion items - like looped mega scarves -- do happen to be on the bulky side. If you've been wondering how to add such items to your own wardrobe without looking clueless and out of fashion, you're not alone. The key to success is to pair the bulkier items with close-fitting ones to create a balanced, put-together look that hits all the right notes.
Style a cozy item like this pretty infinity scarf from North Face to perfection by pairing it with a close-fitting jacket in a cold-defying material like leather. Complete your look with skinny jeans or slim-fitting wool slacks and your favorite pair of booties for a look that's always appropriate.
Make cozy vests your jacket alternative of choice.
Most seasons, your choices in outerwear are strictly limited to "coat or jacket." However, this season has reintroduced us to a refreshing third option - the vest. Vests have been popping up everywhere over the past few seasons, and they're not going anywhere now that we're facing the dead of winter.
This season, look for long, coat-length, fitted vests that hug your shape. Materials of choice run the gamut from ultra-cozy shearling to polished leather, to luxurious wool, so take your pick. Pair yours with denim or leather pants and a matching turtleneck for a fantastic alternative to your go-to jacket.
Swap your snow boots for a sleek pair of leather boots.
Unless you're on your way out the door for your annual ski trip or facing a bona fide blizzard, retire your shapeless snow boots to the back of your closet this winter. This season, the popular looks revolve around sexy, stylish footwear options that elongate and flatter the leg.
Pull a pair of knee-high leather boots on over jeans for a chic street look that will help you beat even the bitterest cold in style. A knee-high or thigh-high pair of luscious suede boots in a warm neutral look great over your favorite pair of leggings as well.
Look for ways to accentuate your waistline.
There's one thing pretty much all unpleasantly bulky winter looks have in common. They fill in the area around your waist with heft instead of accentuating it. This season's most stylish winter looks do the exact opposite. They highlight your lovely hourglass figure instead of covering it up.
The key to success is to stock up on a good selection of belts and look for new, exciting ways to wear them. Add shape and style to your favorite winter dresses by finishing off your look with a pretty braided or metal belt. You can even use belts over outerwear like cardigans or thick winter coats.
Channel your inner rock star.
If you're like a lot of people, you probably really dug the way the past few seasons threw back to the 90s when it comes to signature looks. Expect that look to stick around throughout the rest of the winter with a variety of fun vintage accessories that are as edgy and fun to wear as they are practical and warm.
Swap your generic mittens or traditional wool gloves for a snazzy pair of fingerless gloves instead. Not only will they keep your hands just as warm, but you'll find it a lot easier to use your smartphone on the go. Make sure to complete your look to perfection with a 90s-inspired knit beanie from North Face.
Create contemporary layered looks with chunky sweaters.
Most of us practically live in sweaters when the temperature really drops. This year definitely won't be an exception. However, the style icons among us will be reaching for chunky, fisherman-style cable knits and looking for fun new ways to incorporate them into chic layered looks.
Again, the trick to pulling off bulkier items with panache is to pair them with other pieces that are ultra-slim and streamlined. Try starting with a pair of slim-fit dark denim blue jeans, a plaid button-down, some warm woolen slouch socks, and your favorite pair of leather booties. Then layer a cable knit sweater in a solid shade that complements your ensemble over the top. Cozy, chic, and - most importantly of all - effortlessly cool!
Dial your look up a notch with faux fur.
The practical need to stay warm during the cold winter months can make it challenging to look as fashionable as you'd like when it's time to dress up a little. If you can relate, then you'll be thrilled to know classic items like capes, stoles, and wraps in faux fur are very much back in style.
Looking to do a little shopping in the city this weekend and want to look like a million bucks? Swap out your go-to wool scarf for a classy faux fur alternative instead. On your way out to a fancy dinner date and want to make sure all eyes are on you? Layer a pretty faux fur cape over a chic wool dress and tall leather boots. You'll have people stopping you on the street to compliment your look.
Top your favorite look with a ski jacket.
If you're a ski enthusiast, then you most likely already think of waxed or quilted ski jackets as winter essentials for practical reasons. They're also one of this winter's hottest fashion items thanks to nods of approval from designers like Balenciaga. This extends to the work wardrobe.
Try layering an option in a pretty color - like this ruby red ski jacket from Columbia - over a posh blouse, a pair of tailored slacks, and a great pair of coordinating heels. Finish off your look with a sleek pair of gloves and stylish hat, and you're all set!
Double your wardrobe options by recycling suitable warm weather options.
Some of this winter's hottest looks are all about creating balance via contrast - bulky items with sleek ones, coarse textures with smooth ones, and so forth. Some of the most fashion-forward among us are creating truly unique cold weather layered looks by incorporating warmer weather items into the mix.
The key to success here is to eschew anything that looks undeniably summery. (Gauzy pastel floral skirts come immediately to mind.) Instead, reach for long sleeveless dresses in pretty jewel tones that will blend easily into a winter look. Layer them over thick turtlenecks and leggings. Finish the look with boots, tights, a belted overcoat, and a scarf for a fun way to get more use out of your favorite summer and early fall pieces.
Add visual interest with a kicky pattern.
The colder and more inclement the weather, the more your street look of choice needs a little visual interest to keep it from blending into the background. You'd be surprised how far even one touch of color or one eye-catching pattern can go when added to the mix.
Add pizzazz and energy to monochromatic looks by wearing a pair of bright-colored booties and a few carefully matching accessories. Lend your outfits a helping of visual appeal with a scarf or handbag in a fun animal print like cheetah, zebra, or snow leopard. Even a little extra flair goes a really long way on the grayest of winter days.
Get creative with how you wear your scarves.
Long, cozy wool scarves in playful plaid or stylish stripes are everywhere this winter. However, there's more than one way to beat the cold by wearing one. Today's most serious fashionistas are taking their scarf game to the next level by finding fun, creative new ways to style them.
Got a particular scarf that you just love because of the color or the pattern? Try making it the focal point of your outfit instead of just an accessory. Wear it instead of a sweater by draping it over your shoulders and belting it at the waist over your favorite turtleneck. Instead of tying it at the neck, let it hang loose to your waist underneath your go-to overcoat. Tie it to your bag if the sun unexpectedly makes an appearance for a few hours. You get the idea.
Try monochromatic layers in shades other than black or white.
Going with all black or all white when it comes to your go-to winter looks is a great way to add drama, flair, and polish to your look for the day. However, this season's best monochrome layered looks think outside the box when it comes to color.
Think head-to-toe neutral tones that are in sync with the season, but aren't either black or white. Stone, taupe, beige, dove, and camel are incredibly popular options this season. Add warmth by going with layered looks, but keep things visually interesting by mixing textures. Try pairing something soft and fuzzy with something sleek and shiny, or something rough with something smooth.
Add warmth and style with hooded items.
Once upon a time, hoods were only for raincoats, parkas, and actual hoodies. However, this season will see hoods popping up in fun, exciting new places. Think oversized hooded cardigans, hooded capes, and even hooded shawls.
Try layering a pretty and practical hooded cardigan underneath your winter coat but over your go-to turtleneck or sweater vest for an easy way to beat the cold and rock the season's latest trend. Don't forget to mix and match when it comes to patterns as well.
This winter, embrace your creativity to battle the winter blues. Fashionable folks from all over are taking classic looks to the next level by experimenting with fun new ways to wear them. They're mixing and matching when it comes to colors, patterns, and textures. They're staying cozy and snug without disappearing under bulky layers.
Don't be afraid to take these suggestions and discover fascinating new ways to make them your own this winter. Explore the possibilities today!
