Stateside beloveds, are you officially TIRED of winter yet?
I mean, unless you’re in Miami, Southern California or Hawaii, you’re probably experiencing crazy chilly winter temps. If you’re anything like me, you’re ready to go into hibernation until the spring. Wake me up after the first thaw!
Unlike our woodland friends, most of us can’t burrow under the covers until the vernal equinox (mark your calendars: it’s March 20th). Since we must brave the elements, we have to figure out a way to stay warm while we do it.
Sadly, staying warm usually comes at the expense of looking stylish. Yes, it’s possible to look amazing in winter gear (cue Olivia Pope) but once you take off your amazing winter coat, stylish wool hat, and spectacular scarf and gloves, is the remainder of your outfit lackluster and unstylish?
That ends TODAY! I’m going to give you my five favorite ways to “winter-ize” my wardrobe. Not only does this let me wear my summer favorites all year round, but it helps me to look polished and stay warm, too. Enjoy!
- Putting a turtleneck or blouse over, or under, a dress
One of my favorite dresses is a thin, pale pink, v-necked, knee-length dress. The color looks great all year round, but the weight of the fabric, combined with the v-neck, makes it a little too breezy for wintertime. I make this dress wearable in the winter by layering it over AND under a turtleneck or fitted cotton blouse. It makes the dress warmer to wear and it also adds a little preppy flavor.
The Charter School Turtleneck is thin enough for layering but thick enough to keep you warm.
The Chiffon Blouse with Bow Detail Collar adds a soft, elegant touch when layered with a dress.
- Patterned tights with everything
Tights are a no-brainer, but if they’re thick and patterned, you can completely uplevel an otherwise nondescript ensemble. This is best with simple shift and sheath dresses. Of course, you can also wear these under slacks, giving a peek of whimsy at the ankles when you sit or step. That v-neck summer dress that I mentioned previously looks great paired with charcoal, navy, or burgundy patterned tights.
These Into the Atmosphere Tights tights are ethereal and eye-catching.
- Knee-high boots instead of pumps
I’ll admit to being a bit of a boot fiend. I don’t care of they’re expensive or cheap: so long as they look good, I’ll wear them. My favorites are knee-high boots, either slightly dressy or riding boots. I often opt for these instead of pumps, since these cover more skin and keep my legs warmer. They can look great when paired with the right dress or pants. Knee-high boots can look fabulous with skirts of any length, so don’t feel limited to wearing only knee-length – or shorter – skirt lengths.
Perfect height, perfect heel, but the glitter isn’t for the faint at heart. Still, the Gone Glitzy Knee-High Boot is a gorgeous showstopper.
- Wear support garment and slips
These aren’t always the most comfortable option, but support garments are a great thin layer that not only makes you look better in your clothes but also keep you warm. The stretchy material woven into support garments (usually lycra or spandex) isn’t breathable like cotton, so it will help insulate your body heat. It’s not so ideal for warm weather, but great during the chilly months.
The Emphasize Aplomb Contouring Slip is shapewear and a slip all in one
If you don’t want to wear shapewear, the Loveliest Lining Full Slip is a fabulous alternative
Slips are a throwback to days of yesteryear, where women didn’t feel “properly dressed” without adding this additional layer between their skin and their outfit. Not only are slips beautiful, but they are super thin, so they aren’t obvious when you wear them, And thin layers are great for staying warm.
- Adding cardigans and blazers
It’s an obvious choice, but it’s often overlooked in favor of sweaters (jumpers) and scarves. Not only do these add warmth, but they can completely change the look of an outfit. Cardigans add a preppy flair, and blazers are a great professional touch. I prefer blazers in classic colors – black, navy, charcoal gray, and camel- but I have fun with cardigans. Pink, blue, arctic white, emerald green: no color is off limits!
The Fine and Sandy Blazer comes in several lovely neutral shades
Cardis (like the Charter School Cardigan) in bright colors are always fashionable
I hope you all enjoyed my short list of items that you can wear, to stay warm all winter. If you know of any other items that make winter a little more tolerable, feel free to let me know in the comments below!
(all photos feature items available at one of my favorite retailers, Modcloth)
Bronze Butterfly 