Those of us who have to endure real winters, understand that cute and warm are not mutually exclusive terms. Obviously, you can’t show skin like you do in the summer months, but style is a year-round gift that must be shared.
I don’t know about you, but I’m too old to be standing outside of some nightclub shivering in a mini-dress and bare legs because I’m trying to be cute in 20-degree weather.
Here are a few tips for how to stay cute and warm at the same. Make your hot cocoa bring all the boys to the yard!
Add hats to your accessories closet.
You can’t lose with a dashing hat. You don’t have to go with a boring ol’ skully either. Pick your hats like you would pick a shoe. Select something that fits and complements the rest of your outfit as far as color and style. Add a broach to punch up the fashion factor.
Take time to create a few hat-friendly hairstyles.
To avoid the dreaded hat-hair, play around with different hat-friendly looks. A neat bun, a straight do and braids are just a few hairstyles that are virtually hat-proof. My fellow Big Hair Don’t Care Club members can use their hair as hats (when it’s not windy).
Insert a little drama with a scarf.
Like Wu-Tang said, protect ya neck! A below-zero breeze wrapping its icy fingers around your neck is not the move. Use a scarf to add a pop of color to your probably black or grey winter coat. Try different knots and different ways to wrap your scarf. Oh and don’t forget, you can wear a scarf as part of your outfit not just as outdoor gear. Have fun with it!
Wear gloves that have some attitude.
Your instinct is to either buy gloves that are clunky but warm or buy some thin little leather gloves that don’t keep out any of the cold. Resist these urges. Take the time to buy gloves that are actually stylish not just functional. They do exist! Try some different colors too.
Rock some big girl tights.
For those days when you must show your gams, don’t expose them directly to the frigid temps. Pantyhose don’t really offer any measure of protection, so have fun with tights. Perhaps you haven’t worn tights since you were a wee little girl, but you can find some grown up tights. Try some different textures and patterns.
Give yourself scrumptious layers.
Layering is really the central theme to being cute and warm. Got a form fitting turtleneck? Top it with a funky vest. For a sweater with a plunging neckline, put a colorful tanktop on underneath it. Just make sure each layer makes aesthetic sense. You don’t want to end up with odd lumps and bumps from adding too many layers.
Wool and cotton are your friends.
Pay attention to those labels and stay away from polyester blends. Natural fibers are the way to go for warmth, texture and for long-lasting clothes.
Long johns aren’t just for hunters.
Manufacturers offer tons of different styles of long johns, including ones that are thin and warm. They even make tops with different necklines to suit your outerwear. Long johns allow you to stay warm without bulking up with piles of clothes. You can still show your figure, girl!
Jazz up your winter coat.
One thing that kinda makes winter fashion boring is that most people only have one or two good winter coats, so bundling up for the weather becomes one big snoozefest. Break up the monotony by adding a little flavor to your winter coat. Use different belts from your closet on your coat. Add a broach every once in a while. Put those accessories to use.
The boots!
Shoes can make or break an outfit and there are no winter exceptions. Sky-high, pencil thin stilettos are great in the summer, but not so much on icy winter sidewalks. Invest in some high-quality, stylish boots with a modest heel or even a wedge.
Are you a cold weather Madame? What do you do to stay warm and cute at the same time?
