Winter Essentials Part 2a: Fashion

As the cold, brisk air moves in and makes us all shiver, it is time to unpack the winter clothing and give into layers. While being cold sucks, winter fashion does have its benefits over summer fashion. Think about it, when you are hot there is only so much you can take off, but when it is cold you can add layers at your hearts desire. Chunky knits, peacoats, hats, scarfs, long sleeves and furry boots are all staples of winter fashion. It may be hard and depressing thinking about having to bundle up for the next few months, but it is high time to toss that thinking and embrace the fashion choices we have this coming season. Personally I love winter fashion, everyone just looks so cozy. Also it is completely acceptable to be covered from head to toe without being questioned of trying to hide your flaws. The change in prints, textures, and colors are more than welcomed in my book, so lets jump on in and see the brighter side of winter.


1) Peacoats 

Now I would be lying if I said I did not love me a peacoat. It is just such a classic, timeless piece for men and women. For the longest time peacoats only were available in black, but honey times have changed. Not only can you get a peacoat in different colors, but there is also a wide variety of prints. The peacoat is a dressier option for coats/ jackets in the winter months and just pull an outfit together. I have two, a classic black, and a gray plaid one that I adore. I bust out the black one for more formal events, or when my gray one clashes with the outfit I have on. There is just something so fashionable when pairing a great cocktail dress with a black peacoat. It is a showstopper. While many stores have peacoats for all sorts of prices, I have found if you spend a little more than you were expecting, it will last longer. A winter jacket is not something you should skimp on, a cheap jacket means cheap material and then you are left out in the cold, literally. I spend around $50 to $70 on mine and I have had them both for years and I know they will last for years to come.

my exact coat

2) Knee Socks

Yes I know you are thinking "Kim what weird stuff are you into?" but when the weather cools down these bad boys will have you thankful. Obviously they are great for all the boots you will be wearing in the snow, but they also provide extra warmth. It is a great way to add warmth without bulking up. I mean they are socks so they are not that thick, but they are surprisingly warm. Also in a season where snow gets old fast and dirty snow is not fun to look at, knowing you have fun knee socks on at some cheer. I own many pairs of knee socks and all of them are in crazy colors and patterns. I could be covered in snow and wet as a dog, but there is a little pick me up when I take off my boots and see some crazy polka dots. All of my knee socks are from Target, they have a great selection of prints and textures and for only $2.50 you can buy a ton and they often go on sale.

I have these ones!

 

3)Scarfs

I love me some scarfs! I only wear them when it is cold, never been one of those people who wear scarfs as an accessory, but that because it would distract me too much. Not even joking. Anywho, scarfs are a great way to keep you warm, and to spice up an outfit. I love pairing a colorful scarf with a black peacoat. Adding some color to a dreary winter day is all it takes to brighten your day. Scarfs are so easy to toss in your purse as well, so if it warms up a bit or you know it will get colder it will be right at your reach. When I work late at the flower store I toss a scarf in my tote so I know when I leave I will not be freezing my behind off on the way home. Scarfs are also extremely versatile, every color, knit, pattern you can imagine at your finger tips. One of my goals for the winter is to make a scarf from one of the thousand I have saved on pinterest. There are so many ways you can wear a scarf as well, it is basically the best winter accessory you can ask for. Chunkier, tighter knits will keep you the warmest so stick with those if you are looking for something purely for warmth. You can pretty much find scarfs at any retailer and as long as you are not buying them made of fur or exclusive material at high end stores, you really do not have to spend a lot to get value. Shocking, I do not have any plain scarfs for the most part, but solid scarfs can go great with patterned coats and the more wild scarfs look great with black peacoats.






4) Sweaters

Much like my fall essentials, sweaters are a must for this season. The only difference is in winter you can go a little heavier, and chunkier with the knit. It has gotten colder, so our sweaters must be updated to keep us warm. Everyone knows that ugly sweater parties are common in the winter season, but there are not going to be any ugly sweaters on this blog, trust me. The sweaters this time around should be heavier and full length sleeved. We want to stay warm right. All because the sweaters change, that does not mean we still can not be fashionable. Many of the sweaters on the market have embellishments added to them such as beading or sequins. That little added sparkle can turn a drab sweater into a fab sweater. Sweaters are great because they are available in all styles, colors, prints, knits, and so on. The great thing is they go with everything from jeans to skirts. Dress them up or down, they work either way. Nothing is more cozy than an over sized sweater that just makes you feel like you are wrapped up in a blanket. Target has some great options for sweaters.





5) Hats

Hats are a tricky thing, not every style looks good on everyone, and there is hat hair to contend with. I usually am not one to wear a hat unless I am going to a Red Sox game, but you bet your bottom dollar when it is cold out I am wearing a hat. Not a baseball cap, but an actual winter hat that covers my ears. My go to is a cable knit wool beanie. It does what it is supposed to do and it is cute. I have a pretty big head so I gave up on finding a hat that was going to flatter me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found it. You think it will not make that much of a difference, but let me tell you it does. I went to a school that had a huge campus so walking to class in the snow was not fun to say the least. I was worried about having hat hair so I would not wear a hat, but then my hair would get soaked and the wet dog look is good on no one. I love my beanie now! It is right next to my scarf in my purse waiting to be used. At the end of the day are you going to care if you look goofy with a hat on, or that your ears are not bright red and your hair is not soaked? Thought so.




6) Puffer Jackets

Listen, I am not the biggest fan of puffer jackets, but hell if they keep be warm I will be wearing them until the last day of winter. For me the puffer jackets I have kind of turn me into a giant ball, but it is worth it to keep me warm. Mine are bomber jacket style, but if I were to get something longer it would take that ball look away. There are tons of styles and lengths as well as colors and patterns. I have a plain black one as well as a brown and pink plaid one (is not as bad as it sounds). When the peacoat just will not do the puffer jacket comes out and gets the job done. They keep you super warm that layering underneath is not necessary. For the most part I could wear one shirt under the jacket and would still be toasty. Also they are more snow resistant than peacoats which make them great for outdoor activities.




7) Sweatshirts/ Hoodies

Yes, I am aware this is a repeat from fall essentials but tis the season baby. Now is the time of year where you pull out your biggest, thickest, warmest, unflattering hoodies in your closet and you wear them with pride. It is cold, shame goes out the window. I know I have some that should never see the light of day, but when it is cold out that will be the first thing I reach for. When you think about it, everyone else is as cold as you and chances are they will be more envious than judgemental. At the end of the day you wear what you want to and what keeps you from freezing. There have been plenty of times where I have worn my school pride on my sweatshirt and rocked a UMASS hoodie with jeans, and you know what I still felt good. As long as it is not some ratty, holey, stained, hoodie and you feel good in it, you wear that hoodie with pride.

I have these in every color possible. sorry not sorry

8) Mittens/ Gloves

Again this one might be obvious, but it still has to be said. I have a bunch of pairs of gloves because I usually lose them or like having a variety of colors. I do not have any mittens because lets face it I am already a struggle enough to have all my fingers trapped in one space. Like most winter items, these come in different knits and colors. They are small and easy to throw an extra pair in your car or purse. Also there are many stores that sell gloves with fingers that can be used on iphones and ipods. Target has some great ones, I love the first four of these. 

9) Sunglasses

 

Yes I am still rocking sunglasses in December, I need to be able to see and I am not trying to have wrinkles around my eyes. Even though it is cold out, the snow makes the sun much worse. Nothing is scarier than driving and not being able to see, add ice to that equation and it is terrifying. You may not be wearing shorts or a bikini, but it is still important to put them on when you leave the house. Keep your eyes safe and wear your sunglasses all year long.

There you have it, my winter fashion essentials. Come back tomorrow as I use polyvore to turn these essentials into outfits anyone can wear.