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April’s showers bring May’s flowers, but in the chilly month of January I’m thinking more about how winter’s weather brings cute sweaters! Spring isn’t the only time of year I can refresh my wardrobe as winter is the season to don more pieces than usual and create unique textures through layering. One thing I’ve learned about layering is that there is a line between looking cozy and cool or clunky and crazy. To keep warm this winter and look stylish while doing it, here are a few of my favorite fashions that you can rotate through your looks, and how to assemble multiple pieces without feeling bulky.
1. Tops
For starters, your base layer should be the thinnest; that way it’s comfortable over everything you will put on top of it (also so you don’t succumb to overheating once you’re indoors.) Hal Rubenstein makes some of my favorite sweaters for just this purpose. His Racing Stripe Sweater is sleek for work and going out with friends after, and its bold stripes will slim your waist and lift the eye’s gaze. It’s also made of a stretch-sweater knit so it’ll keep its shape through the winter.
The next layer to pair with your sweater can have added vibrancy since your base was tame. The Casey Puffer Jacket adds just enough color and pattern to make the weather already feel warmer with its energy. The vintage, floral pattern will definitely make you stand out from the standard jacket crowd, and I envision highlighting the beautiful purple patterns in this coat with accessories or a soft magenta lipstick.
Other easy layers for your winter wardrobe are cardigans and scarves. These are some of my favorite pieces to mix and match as they make it easy to refresh an outfit with a bright color, or keep a style from being overly-polished by adding relaxed texture. Jamie Gries hits on these ideas with her Cozy Chic collection that is built around the art of layering. Her Cardigan and Cable Knit Infinity Scarf Set look great together but can be used separately to add more personality to your outfits.
2. Bottoms
Getting dressed shouldn’t feel like the same old song and dance every day, so why not introduce a new pair of bottoms to change up your routine? Jeans are a staple for every wardrobe but I want to give mine a twist. Jeggings have gained momentum in the last couple of years but have found a true home in winter apparel. The slim leg and hip-hugging fit is the perfect contrast needed against heavy sweaters and coats. Diane Gilman provides a variety of jeggings in different colors to refresh your look this season, and their unique fabric blend gives the look and feel of real denim with the flexibility of a legging.
3. Footwear
Shoes for winter don’t have to be boring! There are so many styles of boots this season like booties, over-the-knee, the stacked heel, flat boots, and the Moto that I need to invest in a bigger closet. Picking the right style of footwear is the finishing piece on your outfit, and should be weighed against how heavy your top layers look. Vince Camuto makes stylish and comfortable shoes that can be worn with your new winter pieces and throughout the rest of the year with appropriate styling. The Wexle Moto Boot is definitely on my radar for pairing with the DG jeggings and Hal’s Racing Sweater. My eye also lighted on the “Piercee” Tasseled Moccasin that I could see looking smart and modern with menswear-styled slacks.
How are you refreshing your winter wardrobe?