Trends come and go, but as you cultivate your own sense of style, there is a sense of empowerment. This is especially important in the colder winter months when people tend to bundle up and look a bit frumpy to stay warm. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from the elements, stay cosy, and look put together and stylish all at the same time.
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH A COSY SWEATER
A high-quality sweater is a great starting point for building a winter look. Seek out a sweater that is well-made and uses soft fibres, so you can wear it on its own, if you like, instead of always having to layer it to avoid constantly itching your skin throughout the day.
Sweaters in almost all weights are perfect for layering. Add a button-up underneath with a stiff collar and French cuffs for an office look. A denim or chambray button-up is more casual with the hem left untucked. Alternatively, a long-sleeved t-shirt with the sleeves and bottom peeking out a bit is unstructured, yet put together.
Regardless of how you style your new sweater, ensure it is a good fit. Big and bulky is obviously a style choice, but it tends to only work if the piece was designed that way. Otherwise, it is just a poor fit. If you are able, try the sweater on in a store. On second-hand sites like Vinted, look closely at the images. If you shop online, make sure they offer a reasonable return policy to ensure you get the right size and fit for your unique body.
OPT FOR DENIM
Denim is not only for a day out with your kids. A well-made piece that suits your body type will boost your confidence and make you look polished and put together. Jeans with a crisp white button-up and a navy blazer can easily go from a family breakfast before school to the office and then out for a quick drink with your favourite ladies after work before heading home again.
Look for a variety of jean styles that range from boot cut to straight leg, barrel leg to skinny, and jeggings to wide leg. The varieties are abundant, and you can select a different style every day of the week to suit your activities that day or your personal preference.
Jeans are well-suited to a comfy, high-end hoodie and a pair of stylish trainers sporting your favourite collaboration. They work with sweaters and blazers, as mentioned above. And they go perfectly with your beloved band or concert t-shirt and a ball cap for a quick run to the store.
A pair of jeans does not have to be trendy. Or it can be, if you so choose. If you like skinny jeans, you do not have to eschew them just because a younger generation has told you to. Wear what makes you feel good and moves well with your body.
ACCESSORISE FOR THE WIN
Accessories can make or break an outfit. They can elevate a simple style and make it more. They can tastefully and simply show off your unique style without being showy.
A pair of diamond studs or high-quality hoops, and a necklace will instantly take that band t-shirt, jeans, and hat from just rolled out of bed to polished and intentional. The same goes for any outfit. A long necklace layered over your new sweater adds sparkle and visual interest and is a way to display a piece of jewellery that might hold a story. Maybe it’s passed down from your grandmother or given to you to celebrate a specific milestone.
Scarves are another fun accessory that can completely change the direction of almost any piece of clothing or outfit. They can act as an alternate to a necklace, add warmth, or incorporate a pop of colour.
Watch this short video on 25 ways to wear a scarf. Note the edgy pattern on the woman’s scarf. An important point to mention is that you can make anything work as you create your own sense of style.
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DON’T FORGET FOOTWEAR
Your shoes should never be an afterthought. People notice them, and you will too. The first thing to know whenever you are selecting shoes is that they should always be comfortable. After all, being miserable in ill-fitting shoes just to be fashionable is no one’s idea of fun. That being said, if couture is your love, lean into it. Just find something that you can move in throughout the day or happily dance the night away in.
To revisit the blazer and jeans styling, you can completely change the look by pairing your outfit with classic penny loafers. Skinny jeans, a blazer, and riding boots go in another direction aesthetically. And lug soled boots give anything an edge that works.
Another way to make shoes work well for you is to make them the focal point of your outfit. Opt for an all black ensemble – perhaps a black sweater with flowy, wide-legged pants and simple, yet elegant, tiny gold or silver hoops. A pair of red trainers, red loafers, or cognac ankle boots with kitten heels will sneakily and quietly add something extra and unexpected.
FOCUS ON OUTERWEAR
Finally, you need a coat. Your outerwear should not be something you grab at the last minute from the coat tree. Over time, you can curate a collection of outerwear that ranges from the on-again off-again denim jacket to a cared-for camel overcoat, and a perfectly belted London trench coat to a puffer jacket for the coldest of days.
All of your outerwear should be in good condition and kept clean. Have a selection of soft, cashmere scarves on hand to add detail, colour, and comfort to every style. Leather gloves will keep your hands warm and top off the look, no matter where you are going that day.
The way you dress yourself each day should be a functional, comfortable, and stylish reflection of your unique personality. There is no one else like you, which is great, by the way! Inspire confidence in yourself, especially on those inevitable days when you feel a little less than or the weather is drab and gloomy. Put on a sweater and show off your sartorial goals. Be powerful and intentional in how you dress. Curate a sense of style that you enjoy and that helps you love your body. And most importantly, dress for yourself.
