Is it Possible to Look Chic AND Be Warm?
To a certain exent, the answer is yes – it is possible to stay chic and warm at the same time, all thanks to some ingenious styling hacks. I live in a cold climate, and understand what it means to sacrifice a good outfit in order to avoid frostbite. Yes, sometimes this does have to happen. So these cold weather styling hacks are for looking chic and staying warm – going in and out of doors for weekend activities, brunches and errands, or heading to meetings, events, and work when it’s cold outside. For plenty of visual examples, as well as 5 looks that I’ve “winterized”, watch the video!
I’ve divided them into three easy outfit building steps. Here they are!
Step 1: Base Layers
Dressing for cold weather is all about your layers. Contrary to popular belief however, big and cozy layers does not equal warmth.
Base layers should be thin and fitted, so as to trap warm air closer to your body. Ideally, these layers are made of a natural, breathable fibre like Merino Wool. Ice breaker makes my favourite base layers. I wear them running as well as under all my clothes during the winter. Ice Breaker is also incredibly conscious about their environmental impact and sustainability sourcing.
Secondary layers should also be on the thin side and fitted. This continues to trap heat close to the body. Then you can add a third more bulky layer (bring on the chunky sweater!)
Silk base layers are also an excellent source of heat without adding bulk, as well as the combination of a bodysuit and tights.
Try adding colour and print to your base layers to create a more interesting look if you like bolder outfits.
Step 2: Styling Hacks
.After base layers. Now it’s time to put your outfit on and use styling hacks to make your outfit chic. Here are a few styling hacks I keep in mind during cold weather:
– fully tucking in light or medium shirts and sweaters. More fabric closer to the body, the warmer you are!
– center tucking chunky sweaters into my pants to create some shape vs. bulk
– choosing heftier belts so as to balance the volume in chunky sweaters. I find thin belts look awkward when paired with bulk.
– wearing over the knee boots underneath wider trousers and skirts for an added layer and chic texture.
– mixing styles of clothing to create an interesting look. For example, a chunky sweater with sleek tailored pants.
– adding texture via leathers, patent, heavy knits or faux fur.
step 3: Add and Accessorize
Accessorizing in the winter is very different from accessorizing in the summer and spring. Here are some ways I add to and accessorize my cold weather outfits to stay chic.
– swap out dangly earrings for statement studs to avoid getting caught in bulky turtlenecks and scarves.
– roll up sleeves and show off those base layers!
– tuck your pants into your boots instead of cuffing them for added warmth and a polished look.
– swap out normal booties or clunky winter boots for a combination style/winter boot. Uggs, Aquatalia and La Canadienne all do great things to stay warm and chic.
– adding socks not only keep you warm, but super chic when they’re in a complementary colour or print to your outfit. Wear your socks peeking out over your boots for a sweet chalet chic look!
– as well as mitts and hats, a blanket scarf has additional use because it can be worn as a shawl both over your coat (a very chic look!) as well as over your outfit if you are indoors and still cold.
Here are some cold weather staples I’ve found online that can keep you warm and chic! And below, I’ve created a little graphic for you to Pin and save these tips for when you need them 😉 Thank you so much for reading!
