As the weather gets colder, the outfits get better - or at least that's how I feel every year when winter rolls around. However, there seems to be a stigma around getting dressed in the winter; no one wants to leave the house, everything feels too bulky, and somehow the cold always seeps in.
I like to turn these potential pain points into opportunities to see my wardrobe in a different light - rather, a different temperature. For me, frigid days call for adding in strategic layers and functional textures, making for infinite possibilities to shake up your look. When we view our wardrobe as an asset instead of a burden, the doors open up options you might never have thought about before.
Clockwise from left:
- Shrug from The Badasserie Workshop
- Tank from Rinkel Clothing Supply
- Jeans from ThEnsō
- White tweed dress from Regal Status
- Blanket sweater from the unfinished archive
- Satin dress from MR
Even on the days where I am staying home, snuggled on the couch with snow on the ground, I want to feel like I'm getting dressed for the day. That's where one-of-a-kind sweat suits always save the day: like this incredible up-cycled blanket turned crew neck by the unfinished archive. I mean, who doesn't want a literal blanket perfectly wrapped around your body all day long? On the other hand, you can dress it up with a pair of slacks and a blazer for the office, jeans and fun flats during those hectic shopping days running around town, or layered over a patterned skirt to jazz it up for an at home holiday party.
A wise woman **cough cough** Heather **cough** once told me, "You must learn the rules in order to break them". If it's not evident to you already, we don't exactly believe in "rules" when it comes to fashion. Wear what you want, how you want, and if you feel good in it, nothing else matters. This applies even more specifically to the archaic "rules" rooted in classism, like not wearing white after labor day. Me, personally, I think white is trés chic in the winter. Gorgeous, even. Picture those white denim pants by ThEnsō, hand-painted by the design's own brother, in the dead of winter, surrounded by snow, truly showing off it's contrast design. STUNNING. Take this as your sign to wear white, pastels, and all the "summer colors" you love all-year-round.
Speaking of this cozy white and baby blue look, an absolutely underrated cold-weather must have: shrugs. If you're like me, some tanks and tees are too good to hibernate in my dresser drawers all-year-round, and this one shoulder tank from Rinkel Clothing Supply is a perfect example of that. The best way to bring that summer staple into winter is by adding layers! A long sleeve or turtle neck is a classic choice, but a shrug? A shrug says, "I'm not like you other girls." A shrug is a nuanced layering piece that will surely add something special to your favorite basics and extend their wearability past the last heat wave, without adding bulk. The Badasserie Workshop has a few versions of this thick knit in pastel hues, perfect for winter.
I don't know about you, but for me, holiday parties have always been a source of stress for me when it comes to finding the perfect festive fit. I never want to buy something for just one occasion and never wear it again. I appreciate versatility in my wardrobe and require all pieces to be multi-funtional. Yes, I am an outfit repeater and you should be too! The best way to make your favorite dresses feel new again is through accessories. It's doesn't matter if you're styling an already show stopping dress, like this gorgeous silky red number by MR., or a classic twead A-line from Regal Status. Adding colorful tights, a statement earring, or a bitchy boot is an unbeatable way to winterize and refresh classic dresses from any season.
And that's how I beat the winter wardrobe-blues.
mwah!
