Wearing stylish outfits can be tricky in the winter, what with the unpredictable-to-downright-nasty weather, the necessity of function over fashion, and the general malaise of the season. However, by adding a specific accessory or incorporating a few styling tricks, you can go from just wearing clothes to walking out the door in a finished look, no matter what the weather. Here are a few accessory styling hacks to see you through this season.
First up — scarves. There are skinny scarves, triangle scarves, knit scarves, silk scarves, square scarves, and, of course, super long, oversized scarves. I love the drama (and warmth) of a big scarf here in winter. You probably already have a big, woolly scarf, but if you’re in the market for an update, Arctic Fox & Co.’s Reykjavik Scarf, made from recycled materials, looks super soft and super stylish when worn with a tailored coat. For a budget-friendly option, check out Uniqlo’s Souffle Yarn Chunky Scarf. Both come in a variety of colors, while the safe choice would be a darker/neutral shade like gray or black, why not be bold with a brighter color like purple or off-white? The off-white can refresh your darker puffer coat.
If a big scarf just creates extra bulk for you, then look to silk square scarves. These have a less practical application than a wrap-yourself-all-up scarf, but they can still add a touch of polish to a standard button-down-and-jeans look. For smaller scarves or bandanas, fold the fabric into a triangle, then tie two ends around your neck and wear it on the inside of your shirt, kind of like a cravat. This trick works with any V-neck or open front shirt. For larger silk squares, triangle them as well and tie them over the shoulders to wear over a turtleneck or crewneck shirt. Either approach lets you add a touch of color and pattern to a neutral outfit. Again, you probably already have square scarves; if not, this is a great accessory to thrift. Or if you’re longing for some whimsy this winter, check out Heading Print’s variety of silk scarves and bandanas. They have vintage-inspired, classic, and quirky prints that feature butterflies, foxes, chickadees, and landscapes.
Another practical accessory that can amp up your overall style this winter is a pair of leather gloves. Most pairs are versatile enough to wear with any coat, creating an elegant, sleek look. You can go with a standard black pair, like Cole Haan’s Ruched Leather Gloves, available at Nordstrom Rack, and wear them as part of an evening look. Or, for more of an investment and pop of color, there’s Maguire’s Alpi Gloves with cashmere lining in a powdery light blue to give your daytime look a ladylike twist. To look elegant on a budget, add vintage gloves to your thrift store shopping list.
From hands to head — a hat is a must-have item in winter. However, if your standard knit beanie is dragging you down style-wise, consider swapping it out for a wool bucket hat. Target has the Nostrand Hat by Nirvanna Designs currently on sale in burgundy, off-white, and light grey, which will bring a touch of coziness, especially if you are also donning a fuzzy, oversized scarf, to any outerwear. For a more bespoke look, check out Etsy seller MaMaMooUS’s Wool Winter Bucket Hat in wine, grey, or purple. This hat comes with an adjustable strap to customize the fit and features a lovely floret detail above the brim that gives cottagecore and homely (in a good way) vibes. Overall, the shape of this hat is sleek, neither too gaudy nor too casual. It’s the perfect balance for any winter outfit.
From head to feet, if the weather allows, as in it’s a dry day, try switching up your standard shoe choice to bring an unexpected element to your look. So often one wears heels with dresses, sneakers with jeans, loafers with trousers, which makes sense; these are all standard. But if you’re looking to create some discord, swap these pairings up a bit, try sneakers with wide-leg dress pants, heavy boots with a casual dress, and chunky heels with jeans. As long as pant hems and weather allow, consider picking a random shoe after putting on your clothes and see if that elevates your look into an outfit.
Lastly, brooches. Everyone loves the look of a sweater wrapped around the shoulders, but then you spend your entire day tying it, retying it, and worrying that it may fall off. You can solve that problem with a strategically and practically placed statement brooch. Pin your sweater sleeves together and attach them to your shirt/dress with a brooch. Will this work under a coat, maybe. If you’re wearing a sweater as a layering piece to brave the cold outside but anticipate draping once inside, bring along your brooch and excuse yourself to the ladies to make that stylish transition. Yet, another item to thrift or, better yet, borrow from an older relative.
Hopefully, one, if not all, of these accessory tricks will help you reboot your sense of style as we carry forth this winter.
