Stylish warm winter clothing

Stylish warm winter clothing

During the colder months, it may be tempting to hunker down in baggy sweats and bulky coats. Of course, keeping warm is a priority in winter, but that shouldn't mean compromising on style. Getting outside in the colder months can have a number of health benefits, such as enhancing your mood and helping to recharge your immune system.

In order to look and feel fabulous while you're out and about, you'll need a capsule winter wardrobe - the idea being that a handful of well-chosen garments can be worn over and over in different ways to create a number of practical outfits for the season.

Practical doesn't always have to mean unfashionable, so here are some top tips on keeping warm while looking fabulous in the colder months.

Layering

Layering is both functional and stylish. It allows you to experiment with different styles, textures, colors and lengths while looking glamorous. Most importantly, it offers the benefit of being able to shed layers throughout the day - the morning commute may be bitterly cold but once you hit the warmth of the office, you'll want to strip a few of those layers away. Think about wearing a chic chiffon blouse under a cashmere sweater under a stylish, knee-length coat. Add a chunky scarf for added texture, and you'll have nailed the layered look.

Chunky knits

Knitwear sometimes gets a bad reputation for being old-fashioned, uninspiring and boring. But a slouchy, chunky knitted sweater or cardigan is a winter wardrobe staple that provides cozy comfort and effortless style. A fisherman’s sweater; a boxy, athletic sweatshirt; or a grungy cardigan are all super easy to throw on with a pair of jeans and sneakers for a cool, casual look for those cold days.

Faux fur

If glamour is your thing, faux fur is your friend during winter. It's warming, elegant and will elevate any outfit. It is lightweight, soft against the skin and timeless in style. Opting for a faux fur coat is apt to make a big statement, but if you don't want to go that far, fur trims can also add texture and glamour to your outerwear. Fur-trimmed gloves, scarves or hats are another simple way to nail the look.

Tights and boots

Tights and boots are a faultless winter combination that allows you to bring at least a few of your summer favorites into winter with you. Your favorite summer dress can be worn with tights, boots and a few clever layering options to totally transcend the look between the seasons. For additional warmth, consider over-the-knee boots, which come in a variety of colors, fabrics and heel sizes. These can also look great over pants and are fabulous for navigating icy, slippery sidewalks.

The ultimate winter coat

Your winter coat is probably one of the most well-worn garments you'll own during the colder months. It's also likely to be one of the most expensive. Studies suggest that the average American will spend anywhere between $100 and $300 on their winter coat, so make sure yours is a great one. It can be tempting to try to blend in with the dreary months by wearing dark or neutral tones, but picking a vibrant, bold or printed coat can be a good way to add color and detail to those dark days. If you do decide to opt for a statement coat, make sure your outfit underneath (or at least the parts that can be seen!) remains neutral to avoid clashes of colors and prints.

Statement accessories

Accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves can add texture and detail to your winter outfits while keeping those extremities toasty warm. An oversized scarf in a bold animal print, for example, can add detail to an otherwise plain outfit. These days, scarves that are practically as wide as blankets are available on the market, and cinching these into the waist area with a belt is another great style tip in winter.

Wide-brimmed or beanie hats are warm and always look great. Gloves are available in a range of styles - leather, tasseled, and woolen - to complement your outfit. Think smart with your accessories, and you can elevate any winter outfit.

Don't forget to look after you!

Looking great in winter means taking care of your skin and hair, too. Remember to exfoliate regularly to remove dry, flaky skin and give way to the glowing layer underneath. Invest in hydrating masks for skin and hair to replenish the moisture that the cold can strip away.