Once the temps drop and the first snowfall comes, it’s time to reach for your winter essentials. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style to be stylish and warm. If you haven’t updated your coat(s), boots, and accessories in awhile, now is a good time to spruce up your winter outerwear.
Let’s get started with the Winter Essentials Guide: Coats, Boots, and Accessories.
COATS
Before you make a new investment in a coat, I’ve listed a few quick tips to help with your search.
- Try the coat on with clothes that you would normally wear with the coat. If you wear a suit to work everyday and plan on using this coat for that, you want to make sure that the coat will fit comfortably over a suit jacket. A coat can look very different over a suit versus a dress, or with flats versus heels or boots.
- Know what suits your personal style, body type, and works for your lifestyle. This will eliminate a ton of options out there and make the process easier. Look for styles that will accentuate your frame, while still giving you the protection you need from the weather.
- Try on multiple sizes. Don’t be afraid to go up a size, so there is a comfortable fit when you layer. Do a sit and stretch test with the coat on and add a layer or two underneath. Remember that a tailor can make adjustments to the length and sleeves.
- Read the label carefully for fabric and care instructions. There are impostors out there that say they are “wool”, when in fact it has a very small percentage of wool, 80% acrylic and spandex. Polyester will not keep you warm in a snow storm. Wool is a great choice because it’s a low-maintenance option. It’s also wind resistant and will protect you against rain and snow. Down provides lightweight warmth. Shearling and cashmere are luxurious fabrics that are warm, but they require more care. In most cases you can machine-wash down, and will have to have a professional take care of anything wool, cashmere, leather, fur, and suede.
Here are some Outerwear trends for Fall 2015/Winter 2016:
I’ve included some shopping options for animal print coats, capes, belted coats, plaid coats, puffers/parka’s, and shearling coats. Click here or on the image to take you to see all of the options:
BOOTS
Whether you are looking for a cozy (warm) or stylish pair of boots, here are a few tips to consider before you make a new purchase:
- Look for the most flattering fit. Make sure you buy the right size. Sounds logical, right? Well, most people do not take the time to do this next step and then are left with an ill-fitting pair of boots. I’d also suggest bringing a pair of socks (think about the thickness of your sock) or tights that you plan on wearing with them. You will find the best fit at the end of the day when your feet are swollen.
- Pick the best material based on your lifestyle. Consider how often you plan on wearing them. Leather is always a good choice because it is durable and breathable. Suede is soft, but is going to be the least stain-resistant. Synthetics can be waterproof, just read the label.
- Get the most flattering fit that matches your personal style. A tailored silhouette will create the look of a long lean leg. If you have bigger calves, try booties that hit at the slimmest part of your ankle or boots that hit below the knee. If you have smaller calves, try a fabric boot or opt for booties (see tip #5 for another suggestion).
- Take the extra step and prep your boots. To take care of your investment and make them last longer than one fall/winter season, weatherproof your boots. When you purchase your boots add the spray to your order. You also can get this done professionally. If you know your boots are going to be taking a beating, add rubber soles to help them hold up in the bad weather.
- If you are not able to find the perfect fit for your boot, a cobbler can tweak the fit of your boots. A cobbler can add an elastic or leather insert to expand the calf size. If your calves are narrow, they can add a zipper to the boot shaft.
Take a look at some options for booties, knee high(right below the knee)/riding boots, over the knee, and snow boots. Click here or on the image to look at the options:
ACCESSORIES
Don’t forget to check your winter accessories – headbands, hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves. Click here or the image below to see some fun accessories to help you stay warm this winter:
If you are looking for some more style inspiration, head on over to Pinterest and check out my Coat Style Board.
Have you added any new winter essentials to your wardrobe this year?
