It’s official - winter is here. It has started snowing where I live, and showing up in the forecast repeatedly, so it’s safe to say we are now quickly barreling straight towards even colder & snowier times - I know, I’m sorry. Where I live, winter is a nightmare to like 99.99% of people. I’m the .01% who actually doesn’t mind the cold & the snow… I’d just much prefer to be cold than sweating like crazy, and the snow is just so beautiful, if you ask me, I can’t help but love it.

Before we get into the post, I’m going to start by saying I love fashion. I’m sure this has been well established on the blog at this point, but it really is something I’m super passionate about. In fact, my dream job is to work as an editorial layout designer for a fashion magazine - that’s how much I love it. And I must say, as much as I hate when my alarm goes off at 5:30am, I look forward to getting dressed for the day in something that not only looks great, but that I also feel confident in. I’ve always lived by the motto that you should dress like you’re going to run into your worst enemy, and that doesn’t stop in the winter just because it’s a little cold and wet and snowy. So, in today’s post I’m going to show you a few ways I like to style my outfits in the colder months, and accessories I like to use to add interest to my outfit. Sometimes, those accessories even double as something to aid in keeping me warm too. I know everyone wants to be comfortable and cozy in the winter, but that doesn’t mean that you need to look like you just rolled out of bed and grabbed whatever was sitting there.

Your Basic Outfit Pieces

So let’s start with the basics here. I’m a big fan of starting with neutrals for my “base” pieces. So, for example I’ll almost never wear multiple pieces that stand out, like hot pink pants with a polka dot top. I generally opt for things like jeans*, leggings, cigarette pants or a skirt.

And for a top, I like to grab a chunky knit sweater, turtleneck, or a t-shirt with a sweater or cardigan over it, depending on how chilly it is. I often lean towards colours like black, white, gray, or if I’m feeling a little more colourful, mustard yellow, baby blue or blush pink. I like to keep my base pieces as neutral as possible so that my accessories like a jacket, necklace, boots, or scarf can be more out there, and tie the whole outfit together when completed, without looking too overwhelming.

* Note: If I’m wearing jeans, I will usually opt for denim in a light wash, medium wash, black or white.

Adding To Your Outfit

Once I have chosen my base outfit, there are a few simple ways I like to add to it that covers both elevating the overall look, and providing additional warmth: layering, hats + headbands & shoe selection. Now, it’s not to say that just a sweater and a pair of jeans aren’t already super cute on their own, but adding some of these things to what you’re wearing, will just really take your entire look to another level. Adding accessories and layering your outfits make for a more visually interesting look, and make for a much more put together appearance, even if your style generally leans towards a less professional look, or involves more loose fitting clothes.

Layering

Layering doesn’t always mean just throwing a coat over your outfit and calling it a day, although it is an effective way of adding more warmth for when you head out. To make my outfit more appealing, and to add some warmth, I may decide to add a collared shirt underneath a sweater, and then put a long jacket over the outfit to tie it all together. If you’re still chilly, you can add an additional layer by throwing a scarf in a fun pattern or texture. Not only will you be warmer, but adding some pattern or texture to a sea of solid colours adds something to make your outfit more bold, but also isn’t overwhelming for the eye. This is also a great opportunity to bring in some fun or bright colours, if that’s something that fits your style; ex., a bright pink coat with a floral scarf. If you’re someone that struggles to find colours that not only look good on you, but you want a couple of colours in your outfit but don’t know where to start, I’d suggest going on Google and looking up some basic colour theory rules. This will help you to determine what colours compliment each other, and help you determine what colour palette(s) fit your personal style.

Another great way of layering, particularly if you don’t live in a cold climate where winter starts in November, is by adding some jewellery to your outfit, such as using necklaces. You can either opt for a bold statement piece, or if you prefer more delicate jewelry, layering multiple necklaces in various lengths. If I’m wearing a collared shirt under a sweater, I’ll generally opt to wear a statement necklace to add some pattern and/or colour to my outfit. However, if I’m wearing just a sweater on its own, I’ll usually layer two more delicate necklaces in two different lengths to add just a little something to the sweater. I love doing this particularly when I’m wearing a striped or patterned sweater so you don’t have two clashing statement pieces together.

Hats & Headbands

Another one of my favourite things to add to my cool weather outfits is a brimmed hat or a toque, of course depending once again on how cold it is. Where I live, it gets cold pretty quickly, but we do have some more mild-cold days in October, and sometimes at the beginning of November, this is around the time that I like to grab a brimmed hat from my collection, or even a headband, and wear those since I don’t really need to protect my ears from the wicked cold Canadian winds quite yet. I often find myself not wearing my brimmed hats to work so much, but if I’m out and about on the weekend, I’ll throw on a brown floppy brimmed hat with my outfit, but during the work week, if I’m looking to add an accessory in my hair, I’ll throw on a knotted headband. Headbands are also another really easy place to add some bright colours or patterns if you’re looking to spice up your overall look for the day.

On a colder day, when the wind is starting to hurt my face (why do I live somewhere that the air hurts my face for like, 6 months of the year?!), this is where I’d bring out my heavy-duty toques. I’m someone who is absolutely on the short side of short, so I prefer to get hats with the big pom-poms on top because, hint to all you shorties out there, and I’m sure you’ve been told this all the time, but that kind of stuff makes you look taller, and I can always use a little help with trying to make myself look taller. But of course, the best part of toques in the winter is the fact that they keep your ears and head warm while the winter winds freeze the rest of your face. Of course, in weather like that, function comes before fashion - looking good is absolutely never worth getting frost bite over, but I promise that there’s tons of cute toques out there so you can look good and be nice and warm!

Shoe Selection

The last thing I like to consider when getting dressed, is what shoes I want to wear with the outfit that I’ve picked. I know a lot of people like to think that anything other than running shoes isn’t comfortable, but I promise there’s some really comfy boots that are also really fashionable, and they range from ankle boots, to knee high boots and quite frankly, even the winter boots companies are coming out with now are actually really nice, and don’t make you look like you’re going on a mission to the Arctic. They’ve really come a long way with making winter boots both warm, stylish and a lot lighter.

On a more mild day, usually pre-snow fall, I will choose a cute pair of black ankle boots, or my knee high black riding boots to go with my outfit for the day. Both look super cute, comfortable and keep me a comfortable temperature throughout the day. There’s nothing worse than wearing boots in the office that are too warm. When the snow arrives, and it’s starting to get below freezing, that’s when I like to take out the above mentioned more stylish winter boots. And then of course, when it is officially freezing out, or there’s a snow storm coming, I will take out my Sorel boots. They’re not the most stylish boots ever, but you will be thankful when it’s -30°C out. Plus, if I’m being honest, Sorel’s make for some seriously cute winter photoshoot outfits!

* Tip: If you work in an office, keep a pair of boots or shoes at your desk in a neutral colour like black, tan or beige to change into for days when you have to wear your winter boots into work. They’ll match whatever outfit you’re wearing, and be a lot more comfortable that wearing big, heavy winter boots throughout the office.

I’m sure a ton of you reading this live where there’s a winter climate, so you’ve come to learn how you like to stay warm in the winter, but here’s hoping that this post helps you discover some new ways to accessorize in the cold months, and if not, gave you some ideas for new winter boots! Leave a comment for which of the four example outfits is you’re favourite & see you on Friday!

My Cold Weather Style

Your Basic Outfit Pieces