My Winter Fashion Mood Boosters
With winter comes cold and with cold comes bulky coats, winter boots and shorter days.
Sometimes it isn't always easy to find a sense of excitement for winter fashion but after many years of getting sick of compromising style for warmth, I have finally figured out a few ways to get the best of both worlds!
1. Get a long statement coat
If a majority of your wardrobe is neutral then opt for a coloured coat, nothing crazy but a more muted blue or emerald green will do the trick. The benefit of getting a statement coat is it allows you to elevate you're comfortable and most important; warm outfit. This is my go to in the winter (especially on my days off or to run errands) I will put on a matching tracksuit and put my statement coat over to polish off my outfit.
2. Upgrade your boots
This is a style mood booster as well as a fashion hack. Often times winter boots can be clunky and unfashionable, however we buy them for warmth. My hack to avoid this is to find a pair of tall black rain boots that are all season weather proof and then buy hunter socks to wear inside them. That way your feet stay warm and you get the aesthetic of having hunters without breaking the bank.
Another option is to buy a chunkier boot heel to wear in the winter (I don't advise on very snowy or icy days). Pick one that is semi neutral so it goes with most outfits but adding a printed boot (like faux crocodile etc) is
3. Layer your look
living in Canada, are winters can get unbearably cold! When I was younger when I thought of layers I thought of oversized and bulky. After having majored in Fashion and having two years experience as a stylist I now understand that, that doesn't have to be the case. You can layer your clothing in a way that is trendy AND keeps you warm. Here are some key tips:
- Colour is key: when choosing your look try to stick to 2-3 colour families. Adding a print is okay but keep it to one. Mixing neutrals is a great easy way to successfully achieve this look or use contrasting colours such as navy and mustard.
- Types of Fabrics: when layering it is important and effective to play with textures and weights of fabric. It’s easy to overheat with two many layers so try sticking to some lighter weight fabrics and adding a heavier weight pant or jacket to balance out the look.
- Play with proportion: Personally I believe this is the most challenging part of layering. You want to find pieces that break up your body. For example if you wear an elongated pant leg or high waisted pant and pair with a bodysuit and a longer coat to complete the look it will aesthetically look more put together and proportionate.
- Stick to one bulky piece: Adding more than one larger or oversized piece starts to look unflattering on your body.The key to mastering a proportioned outfit is keeping each piece on the lighter side and then add one big piece, whether it‘s a puffer coat, a big scarf or a oversized knit sweater .
Note: the larger chunky garment doesn’t always have to be the top layer. You could wear a chunky sweater and layer a lighter weight trench jacket on top.
- Have fun with it: Mastering the “art” of layering takes time and practice. Not always will it be perfect the first or even second time you try. Don’t get frustrated or discouraged, fashion is meant to be fun and as long as you portray confidence nobody will even know the difference.
Chances are others around you are trying to figure out their style as well and are probably thinking the outfit you aren’t sure about looks amazing!
4. Add colourful accessories
I understand there are some people that choose warmth most of the time but may struggle slightly with still wanting a pop of something to elevate their winter look. Accessories are the perfect way to do that! you don't have to sacrifice your warmth but can play with coloured or statement accessories; such as outerwear(coats or hats), jewelry, or my personal favourite, handbags!
This is my favourite winter fashion mood booster because there is so many ways to play with your look!
5. Find your winter uniform
what I mean by "uniform" its not the typical school or work outfit you HAVE to wear. I mean find pieces or a specific outfit that is comfortable, trendy, or your favourite colour./fabrics. Some people love the classic light wash denim jean and a white t-shirt (which in my opinion looks great on everyone) or others love wearing a pair of colourful leggings ( I recommend Aritzia butter leggings) and a hoodie or oversized button up. I believe its important to have a go to look that sets the standard for your everyday style.
Having a go to uniform is also great for those days that you have no idea what to wear or are having a bad bad in general. Creating this look will instantly be a winter fashion mood booster.
At the end of the day if you still feel stuck in a fashion rut reach out to me at simplyfearlessx@gmail.com. I'd be happy to help you regain confidence and spark joy in your everyday style. Especially in the winter!
Love: Simply Fearless