‘Tis the season to be festive when it comes to fashion. Now that you’ve hung the mistletoe and decked the halls, it’s time to focus on how to prevent feeling cold while keeping your style intact.
One of the most important things to take care of while getting dressed this winter is obviously staying warm.
Don’t let style go to the wayside when it comes to functionality. Designers always make a point to offer you plenty of options to keep from getting frostbite while looking ho-ho-hot.
As the holidays approach, check out these tips so you will be ready to dress for any occasion – whether it’s a stroll through town or a night out to celebrate.
Dress down
The Clothes
Oversized knits are an easy, yet fashionable, go-to during the cold winters.
You can throw them over skinny jeans or leggings (leather leggings will add even more style to your ensemble) and pair them with boots or flats.
These sweaters look cute, but they’re also very comfortable – perfect for going out to see some old friends or just lounging around with family.
They’re best in grays and dark browns and if you’re willing to spend a little more money, owning one in cashmere makes it all the more cozy and adds a little extra warmth.
If you want to throw in a more festive feel, sweaters in red or green are great.
Looking to get even more into the holiday spirit? Some of the most classic Christmas sweaters are printed with reindeer images.
The Accessories
Hats, gloves, boots: you name it. Aside from an oversized jacket, what else will keep you warm when you have to face the cold? Hot chocolate won’t always cut it.
Wool “headbands” are the new hat. While they do expose the top of your head, they keep your ears warm.
Scarves come in plenty of styles to keep you and your neck happy.
The infinity scarf will keep from unraveling, while the typical scarf comes in lots of lengths to compliment any ensemble.
When looking for the right pair of gloves, those referred to as “pop top” are by far the best. These are finger-less gloves that have a fold-over mitten, which allows for functionality and warmth.
All that’s left is to find a pair in a fun color or pattern, and you’re set to go.
Keeping your feet warm is just as important as keeping the top half of your body warm.
UGG comes out with more and more winter-boot styles each year that appeal to just about anyone, but they’ve made a breakthrough into more fashion-forward styles.
They’ve taken a classic leather boot and added some sheepskin for style and warmth.
But UGG is not the only one. Designers who are known for showcasing all sorts of styles are doing the exact same thing. Whatever your price-point may be, there is something out there for you.
And if you already have a pair of boots you love, snag a knitted leg warmer (aka “boot topper”) that adds extra warmth to your legs while adding a pop of color that continues past the rim of the boot.
Dress up
The Clothes
Holidays are excellent for bringing family and friends together.
Get-togethers and celebrations are hard to avoid, so there is no excuse to not have a holiday dress hanging around.
When it comes to these occasions, go for the iconic red and green, silver and gold or something with sequins (a sequined dress is a perfect transition piece for New Years, and it is OK to wear it twice).
The Accessories
Add some “oomph” to your ensemble with a pair of heels that have a touch of embellishment.
If you’re wearing a solid-colored red or green dress, adding a slightly more embellished shoe will help dress it up. Don’t feel like these dresses can only be worn for fancy events. If you wear it with the right accessories, you can dress it down as well.
So, to tone it down and stick with a more neutral, or black, shoe that has a smaller heel.
A sparkly bib necklace is perfect to pair with a simple dress. If the occasion is casual, keep the jewelry simple and to a minimum.
Stay warm this break, but don’t forget that you can still be your fashion-forward self even if you’re not at school.