As the first real snow of the year falls and fellow MoHos are already digging through their storage boxes for the thickest of winter coats. Even with the bipolar weather – hurricane, 60’s highs, 28 lows, snow, rain, and everything in between – temperatures are hitting the freezing points and the cool air remains throughout the day. But just because Mother Nature has bestowed this weather upon us does not mean that we should be flimsy in our sweats and hoodies. Fashion is about being comfortable yet presentable from classes to off-campus. Here are some winter pieces to add to your wish list (or to gift) this holiday season to revamp your winter wear!
Scarves
Scarves come in all different shapes and sizes and the best part is that they all generally do a fantastic job at retaining warmth to your body. Though usually worn in the winter, they can be worn all year around with appropriate pairings. Plus, they’re accessories that give volume to your otherwise “flat” outfit.
Pashminas & Cashmeres: Appropriate for the winter season and should be worn around the neck in a comfortable loose fit. Larger sizes are perfect for travellers this winter since they can be cozy wraps in the airport or on the plane. Pair them with any outfit, both semi-formal and casual.
(Cashmere Scarf, Patagonia, $119)
Silk: Suggested for summer, but definitely doable for winter with a formal outfit. Wrap around the neck and bow tie to the side to exaggerate your neck and present a taller look. Pair it with a blazer for a casual look and a dress for a semiformal look.
(Scarves 90 Cashmere and Silk – H en Voyage, Hermes.com, $660)
Puffy/Infinity: Full of warmth and volume, they will be your best winter survival scarves. Wear them loosely or fitted around the neck for extra volume. They can be wraps but can be too thin or thick depending on the fabric. Pair them with slim cuts such as skinny jeans and a fitted blazer.
(LuLu Infinity Scarf, Nordstrom.com, $22)
Blazers
For those cold days still above the freezing point, blazers come in handy for warmth without jeopardizing fashion.Fall and winter serve as the casual blazer seasons allowing pairings with jeans and corduroys and boots.They’re special pieces to the season because they serve the very specific in-between summer and the depth of winter temperatures that are not too warm for just a sweater but not to cold for a full jacket.
Tweed: The best fabric for a warm blazer – aside from wool – is tweed. It serves a very classic outfit – especially if they have elbow patches – and it is perfect for classes and other scholarly events on and off campus. Pair it with some corduroys and boots.
(Red or Dead Baize Tweed Blazer, BankFashion.com, $49)
Jackets
Pea coat: Simple yet elegant, one pea coat can be worn in a ton of ways. Because they’re so versatile, it can be dressed up or dressed casual chic without compromising for less insulating blazers. This coat will take you from classroom to a night out and from desk to dinner. It is an essential staple to your closet
(Majesty Peacoat, JCrew.com, $278)
Raincoat: For those not-so-snowy winter days with hail and freezing rain, a bright raincoat will change your mood from gloomy to sunshine. Wear it with simple neutral colors but avoid wearing anything that resonates a darker shade, like grey or brown – instead stick to khaki or beige. Great for casual wear.
(Modern Rain Trench Coat, LandsEnd.com, $100 sale price)
Down jacket: No matter whether it’s a slim cut or a big puffy one, they are the warmest of the warm and the best for the coldest of the winter. Many of them come with Gore-Tex fabrics that are engineered for wind resistance. Wear them with warm pants and boots for any informal occasion on campus.
(Kelly Funnel Neck Quilted Down, MonclerOffice.com, $240)
Boots
Leather tall: Almost a necessity on a New England campus, tall leather boots are great for casual day wear from class to off campus. They are warm if they’re 100% leather and versatile in English Saddle, Black, or Mahogany. Most leather tall boots resemble the riding boots, but for a more polished and formal look, opt in for ones that are similar to fox hunting boots. Pair it with jeans, corduroys or any warm pants for comfort and style.
(Archive Leather Boots – English Saddle, Madewell.com, $298)
Snow boots: Another necessity for the snowy – yet very bipolar – weather. Snow boots are designed with rigged bottoms that create traction on snow and ice to prevent any slippage. Pair it with warm pants and a down jacket.
(The NorthFace Nuptse Knee High, ShoeBuy.com, $149.95 sale price)
Wellies: An all season necessity, they are great for wet snow or cold snow with fleece inserts. Pair it with darker washed jeans for less-obvious water stains and warm pants.
(Original British, Hunter-Boot.com, $195)
Sheepskin boots: One of the warmest boots for winter, but not water/snow resistant. Nevertheless, they are versatile and interchangeable to wearing tall boots and they work from lazy Sundays to weekday classes. Because of the shape and the nature of these boots, they cannot be worn semi-formally and should be best paired with jeans or tights.
(Classic Tall, UGGAustralia.com, $195)
Heel boots/booties: For the cold winter weekend parties, they are a necessity. However, there is a fine line between looking good and looking hoochie when it comes to heel boots. Kitten stilettos are not appropriate for the snowy winter. Better stick to thicker heels booties than tall little heel boots. Pair them with tights and a skirt.
(Christian Louboutin Vicky Suede Platform Ankle Boots, SaksFifthAvenue.com, $995)
Hats and gloves
Leather/cashmere: For a semi-formal look, leather exterior and cashmere interior gloves will give you a polish look without compromising warmth. It is great for pairing with blazers. However, they will not resist to water/snow. Cashmere gloves are also warm but not sturdy and can cause peeling. They are great for gentle wear.
(Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves, JCrew.com, $118)
Snow gloves: For a day in the snow to build snowmen, thick fleece-lined ski/snow gloves are the best. They will keep you warm and keep the snow and water out. Even though they keep you insulated, they are not for everyday winter wears due to its appearance. They are casual outdoors winter gloves and should not be worn for any other reasons.
(Pipe Glove, Burton.com, $49.95)
Ski hat: Definitely a must if your ears freeze outside of a beanie. They are cute with any casual outfit and should be worn often. They can go from lazy days to class, but only depending on the design and fabric mixture of the hat.
(Devil Ski Hat, KateSpade.com, $88)
Beanie: Beanies won’t keep your ears warm but they are cute for casual wear. Pair with a casual zip-up or hoodie and jeans. Ideally, beanies should be colorful to vamp your snowy days.
(MARC by MARC JACOBS Clara Dot Sweater Cap, Nordstrom.com, $68)
Sweaters & Cardigans
Cable knit: Classic New England look that can be paired with polo shirts, button down shirts with shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, etc. They are form fitting, but thick enough to keep warm for both semi-formal and casual look. Layering a cable knit is the best for the coldest of the cold months.
(Club Monaco Aran Sweater, ShopBop.com, $140)
Long cardigan: The perfect pair for a slim and slender look with a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans and heels. Perhaps not enough to keep you warm but a good layering piece with longer jackets, such as a pea coat. Preferably wear with bootie heels – no tall boots – to contrast the longer-torso look.
(Huntington Sweater, LuckyBrand.com, $119)
Crewneck cardigans ¾ sleeves: ¾ sleeve cardigans are versatile for both casual and over-the-shoulders with semi-formal/professional dress look. Pair it with anything to polish a look, even lounge wear. Vamp the outfit with a round or long necklace to give a crewneck a new attitude.
(Jackie Cardigan, JCrew.com, $62)
Cashmere sweater: Classic, cozy, soft, and warm, this can be a go-to sweater for all occasions. Pair with anything and can be dressed up or down, but tend to be plain so accessories are a must. Layer it with a blazer over and a button-down under.
(Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Sweater, SierraTradingPost.com, $299.95 sale price)