No matter how much you love the summer and balmy temperatures, there’s a definite thrill to being able to overhaul your wardrobe as the seasons change and the mercury drops.
However, many of us make the same missteps when assembling a winter wardrobe. Some assume that an oversized trench is all that’s required to perfect cold-weather dressing, while others don’t have a handle on layering.
Do you struggle to stay comfortable during the winter months? Worried that staving off the chill calls for a compromise in the style stakes? Fortunately, staying warm and looking your best in winter is easier than you think. Need some pointers?
Read on for some essential tips on how to make the most out of your favourite winter fashion.
1. Switch to Skinny Staples
Think skinny jeans are out of place in your winter wardrobe? Think again. Tighter clothing is actually a smart choice for colder weather, helping to stave off the chill and keep bracing wind at bay. Skinny jeans, such as those from Canada Goose, should be a staple of winter dressing, so don’t be afraid to invest in some good-quality denim before the seasons change.
Do you prefer the figure-sculpting silhouette of a skirt or dress to denim? These style essentials can still be worn throughout winter, but you’ll want to introduce some tight base layers to keep the cold out. Up the comfort credentials of your favourite dresses by combining them with tights or reach for thermal tights when wearing a skirt.
2. Make the Right Material Choices
During balmy weather, breathable cotton reigns supreme. However, there’s no place for this comfort staple during a crisp December morning. When winter starts biting, it’s time to sideline those cotton-rich favourites until spring and break out the wool.
With its excellent moisture-wicking properties, wool keeps skin dry and locks in heat, making it ideal for colder weather. If you suffer from sensitive skin and find everyday wool a little too abrasive, consider switching to soft merino or luxurious cashmere.
3. Vary Your Looks with Accessories
Spent a small fortune on a new capsule wardrobe for winter? Premium outerwear can put a serious dent in the coffers, leaving you with limited options when it comes to outfitting. If you’re restricted to a single coat, a few knits, and a solitary pair of boots, you can still bring variety to your everyday looks with accessories.
Scarves make an inexpensive addition to any cold-weather ensemble. Stock up on a selection of colours and prints, then rotate them to ensure you’re never wearing the same outfit twice. Also, don’t be afraid to play around with texture. Chunky knits will add volume and a classic winter aesthetic, while merino scarves are ideal for a more low-key look.
4. Overhaul Your Outerwear
There’s no point investing in high-quality base layers and thermal accessories if you haven’t got your outerwear in order. If you have to buy brand-new pieces ahead of winter, a substantial slice of your budget is going to go on a high-quality coat.
You can opt to make a statement in shearling or faux fur or experiment with more practical looks. Brands like Canada Goose offer an impressive collection of functional yet stylish essentials that will see you through until spring.
5. Get a Handle on Insulation
Have you decided to bite the bullet and purchase a new coat? Pay close attention to the label when shopping around, especially when it comes to filling. Down-filled jackets and coats might seem like a good idea, as this premium material is lightweight and excellent at locking in heat.
Unfortunately, down isn’t exactly suitable for all-weather dressing. If you’re caught in a downpour, down-filled outerwear can lose some of its shape. For a harder alternative, go with a coat filled with synthetic down.
6. Perform a Bit of Maintenance on Old Favourites
A decent jacket or pair of boots should serve you well for many years. However, even the most resilient pieces can take a beating during a harsh winter. Before you haul out those old favourites for winter, show them a little TLC to ensure they hold up well until spring breaks.
If you’re someone who wears the same pair of boots day in and day out, there’s a good chance they’ll eventually need to be reheeled. You’ll want to attend to this before working them back into your regular rotation.
Next, take a closer look at your outwear. Coats and jackets might seem like they’re in decent enough condition, but their weatherproofing credentials might have taken a knock. Fortunately, an application of weather-proofing spray can help restore them to their former glory.
7. Learn to Layer
During the winter, the usual laws of layering go out of the window. If you’re eager to embrace winter dressing without feeling the chill, you’ll need to rethink your approach. The good news is that layering for colder weather is surprisingly simple, with most outfits requiring just three distinct layers.
Your base layer needs to keep you warm without being too stifling, so moisture-wicking materials are standard. Next, you’ll need to think about your middle layer. You should now be considering insulation, so consider adding a fleece to fight off the cold. Finally, you’re ready to apply your outer layer. Whether you’re reaching for a practical parka or statement-making trench coat, remember that your outerwear needs to withstand the worst of the winter weather.
Get Creative with Winter Looks
Just because you’re dressing to keep the cold at bay doesn’t mean you have to dispense with looking good. Once you’ve mastered layering and become acquainted with winter-ready materials, assembling killer cold-weather looks will come as second nature.
Eager to be more economical with your fashion choices this year? Rather than replenish your style stock with a whole new wardrobe, take another look at what you’ve already got crowding your closet. Boots can be restored, coats can be weatherproofed, and familiar favourites can be given a new lease of life by pairing them with bold new accessories.
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