Staying warm and looking good is anything but easy in the winter months. While, in theory, we all want to look our best, it can be a challenge, and a lower priority as temperatures turn to freezing. There are always going to be days where you end up resembling the Michelin Man, or my personal favorite, Randy from “A Christmas Story.” But for times when you have a chance to put your best-booted foot forward and leave the house looking presentable, it can still be tricky figuring out what to wear. So, here are a few tips and tricks to stay stylish and warm this winter.
I always like to keep a cardigan handy no matter what else I’m wearing. For workdays, a medium-weight cardi in a neutral tone like grey or beige adds an easy layer to a button-down and trousers. To add some color as well as warmth to basic jeans and tee, try a rainbow knit, which is a great way to brighten a dreary winter day. Or try pairing a thick cable knit cardi with a long-sleeve tee and corduroys for optimal warmth and texture. No matter your cardigan of choice, if it’s comfortable, try tucking it into your pants to keep in your body heat. Another trick to say warm is going for straight-leg or skinny pants and tucking those into your boots.
Speaking of boots, there are so many great options for winter. Of course, when the white stuff starts falling, you want a proper snow boot. But on days that are clear yet cold, you can have fun with an unexpected boot choice. I like the idea of pairing combat boots with a sweater dress, or Chelsea boots with a cropped wool pant and blazer, or hiking boots with a jumpsuit and turtleneck. The aforementioned knee-boots can also work over flared or wide-legged pants by folding them over and tucking into the boot; the heavier the tread, the better.
Tucking in shirts and pant legs are great ways to maintain body heat and are also aspects of clever layering. The standard layering advice runs along the lines of having a base layer, mid-layer, and an outer layer, which is a practical methodology. To switch things up this winter, experiment with “hidden” layers. With all-in-one pieces like maxi-dresses, jumpsuits, overalls, and boilersuits, you can create a cozy underlayer with thermal long underwear or fleece-lined leggings and a long-sleeved bodysuit. Other hidden layers options include tights underpants, shapewear, camisoles, and fitted fine-knit turtlenecks.
Of course, clever layering tricks can be tricky, and on most winter mornings, who has time for it? On the days when you just need to get dressed and stay warm, a never-fail outfit combination is a button-down and sweater, jeans, and boots. Throw a long woolen coat over the whole thing, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how put together you appear, no matter how crazy, or messy, or cold the day.
Wearing a loose yet tailored coat over any outfit gives you a cozy extra layer and, when cinched with a fabric or leather belt, can create a sleeker silhouette in a sea of bulky coats. A shearling-lined suede-style jacket is both a chic and practical throw-over-anything outerwear option. But a good coat is not the only way to bring a bit of panache to a humdrum winter look. Don’t forget about accessories. There are the obvious: Scarf, gloves, and hat. But these don’t have to match; consider a woolen beret, fuzzy scarf, and leather gloves. Or experiment with leg warmers, wrist warmers, and snoods for extra coverage and visual interest.
With all of these layering and coat options, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you still can’t have bare legs well into the season. Ensure the rest of your look features classic winter staples, such as a wool coat, a chunky knit, and boots, and you’ll be surprised at how your overall body temperature equals out. This leads to my last tip; there’s no need to banish your minidresses, either, particularly if they’re knitted, and especially sparkly numbers for upcoming holiday parties. Just add a pair of patterned hosiery and a chunky boot for a fun, festive, and functional look!
