We all want five more minutes under the covers when we wake up in the winter.
Or five more hours.
And tempting as it is to try to attempt to recreate the duvet look by hiding under layers of clothing, it’s not the most stylish way to get through the season. Instead, here are some tips that will keep you looking fashionable even when it’s freezing outside.
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Dress up an old coat with a (faux) fur stole.
Chances are, you wore your coat to death last winter, and now you’re feeling sick of the sight of it in your wardrobe again. They’re certainly not cheap, so before you rush out to buy a new one, think of ways you can update an old friend. Throw a (faux) fur stole or collar over the shoulder of one, preferably in a bright colour if you’re looking to liven up a neutral coloured coat, and voila. This old thing?
Bundle up in a HUGE scarf.
Think picnic blanket, double it, and you’re almost there. Thank your lucky stars that gigantic scarves are in vogue at the moment, because they will be a saviour for your neck this winter. You don’t have to pull a Lenny Kravitz to nail this trend – there are actually online tutorials to watch to make sure you don’t look like you’ve just crawled out of a pile of bed sheets. Aritzia do a great line in blanket scarves to get you started.
Don’t let your accessories get lost in the bundle.
Sure, it’s easy to forget about the finishing touches when you’re trying to dress for sub-zero temperatures. But additions like jewellery really complete the look, so don’t throw it all away because you’re cold (ok, very cold). Dangly earrings will be at the mercy of strong gusts of wind, so opt for studs. On the bracelet side of things, choose robust cuffs that will look good over sleeves (this principle works for any watches you want to show off too).
Get into turtlenecks.
Drake brought turtlenecks into the public consciousness when he wore a very cozy looking one in his video for ‘Hotline Bling’. But they’ve been wearing them on the catwalk for months, which works out very nicely for those of us trying to stay stylish in the cold. Though Drake’s was a little on the slouchy side, there are an abundance of more flattering options – some of which are sleeveless, so you can layer without fear of melting the moment you step on the subway.
Shop vintage.
Winter clothes are thicker and thus more expensive than summer articles of clothing. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get great pieces – so long as you don’t mind doing some rifling through the rails for hidden treasure. Plus, if you’ve ever noticed how snug your grandma’s cardigans look, you won’t be averse to recreating a little old lady chic at some of the great thrift stores out there. And if you only wear them a couple of times this winter, just hand them back in when you’re done, and continue the circle of sartorial life. Luckily, one of the best vintage sales in the city is happening very soon in Toronto – The Koffler Couture Designer Vintage Sale is not to be missed.
Wear a cape.
This winter your superpower will be staying warm. Capes and ponchos are both practical and stylish, and some of them even come with a hood for added warmth. Don’t discard these as too cold when the big chill sets in – if you opt for one of medium thickness you can actually wear it under your winter coat unbuttoned for all to see.
Don’t buy one hat and stick with it.
It’s a hat, not a family car. You don’t have to choose carefully and you don’t have to live with your decision all winter long. Buy many hats, in many colours. That way you will always have one that matches your outfit and you will never have the feed your poor frozen head excuses about how it just didn’t go with your look that day. Fedoras, berets, or a toque with a cute bobble are all fantastic options.
Wear boots with a furry lining.
I’m not ready to wear a pair of full on snow boots yet (ask me again in February). But since keeping your extremities warm is of the utmost importance, good boots cannot be disregarded. Try to find a pair that are working silently behind the scenes to keep you toasty, like these waterproof leather boots with cozy shearling lining from the Bay.
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