There’s no doubt about it; looking fashionable throughout the colder months can seem impossible. Slushy streets, giant overcoats and sudden snowfalls can all play havoc with your carefully-selected outfits, but the good news is that with a bit of planning, it’s possible to stay chic throughout the winter, whether you spend your time inside or outside.
From statement coats to cable-knit headbands, here are some tips and tricks for staying stylish, no matter how low the temperatures drop:
Take advantage of stylish accessories … without the hat head
Hat head is the bane of many people’s existence. Whether it’s frizzies, flattened cuticles or just disruption of your carefully styled beach waves, toques are a double-edged sword. On one hand they keep your head and ears so cozy during the winter. On the other, they’re a pain for messing up your hair.
If you still need to keep those ears covered and want to look stylish, why not opt for some earmuffs made from luxurious fur? Another option is to wear a headband. Many of them are wide enough to cover your ears, as well as the back of your head and neck. Try one in fur or cable-knit, for a cozy elegant look.
For an extra dose of glam, ask a tailor to add some trim or embellishments to any of your winter accessories.
Artful layering is key
Learning how to layer is not just a practical skill, but one that can up your style game as well. During the colder months, we sometimes find ourselves fluctuating between extreme temperatures. Consider a commute to work, which may see you alternating between a warm car, a frigid trip down a side street and back into a warm building again. Even within some offices the temperature often fluctuates thanks to inconsistent heating, meaning you might feel fine working at your desk one minute and be cold enough to see goosebumps at your mid-afternoon board meeting.
The trick? Knowing how to layer. Consider starting with a cotton or breathable camisole that’s airy enough to let air circulate against your skin. From there, add a cardigan or lightweight blazer. Make sure the fabric you choose is thin or soft enough to feel comfortable under your outside coat, if you have one. That feeling of a sweater bunching up under your jacket sleeves is a never a pleasant one.
Another trick is to wear a pashmina scarf or something that’s large enough to do double duty. Around your neck it can protect against the cold air, or wrapped as a shawl it can add an element of warmth and elegance.
Keeping your layering items in neutral colours is a great tip too, especially as you will likely be mixing and matching. If you want to add a pop of colour, try a camisole in a graphic or animal print.
Need some help altering a piece so it layers just the right way? Ask a tailor for expert advice.
Mix things up with a statement coat
In the colder months, throwing on a statement coat is quick and stylish way to upgrade your look. Even a basic outfit like jeans and a t-shirt or leggings can look completely different with the addition of just the right coat. Think oversized, bold in colour or a luxurious texture like mohair or velvet.
This year, the Teddy Bear Coat has emerged as an outerwear trend and it looks amazing, whether cropped or full-sized. It’s oversized, soft, and looks great in a neutral colour like pink or camel.
Keeping with the emerging trend of animal prints, this is yet another great way to play up your outerwear look. An oversized jacket in a muted cheetah print looks chic and on-trend, plus it’s a fun way to give your look an edge without having to commit to an item you’ll be wearing all day.
If you think winter coats exist just to keep you warm and can’t imagine wearing one that actually pulls your look together, maybe you’re just not wearing the right shape. A few alterations, like statement buttons or a sash to define your waist, might be all you need!
A word of wisdom: don’t forget to have your coat maintained seasonally! Make sure the zippers or fastenings are in good repair and that any small seam splits or small rips are dealt with promptly. This will keep your coat looking polished year after year and keep functional over longer periods of time.
Don’t let winter keep your inner (and outer!) fashionista from showing off. The cold and wet months might dictate what you wear, but they don’t have to dictate how you look and feel. Want to get your winter wardrobe looking its very best? For alterations, embellishments, tailoring, repair and more, contact Love Your Tailor today.