Yes, we know, Ottawa gets very cold. However that doesn’t mean that fun outdoor dates are out of the question. Actually, winter is a great time for outdoor dates, especially in Ottawa. It may be incredibly tempting to stay inside and cuddle up for a Netflix date, but that doesn’t provide much opportunity for excitement. One of the main attractions in Ottawa is the Rideau Canal, and whether it is your first date or two year anniversary, skating with your boo is sure to be fun. Still interested in an outdoor date? Let’s talk about keeping warm without sacrificing fashion.
The key to success with winter accessories is using bright colours and fun patterns. These will stick out amongst the whites, grays and that weird brown slush left behind by the buses. It may seem safer to go with neutral plain colours, but bright colours and patterns will help you stand out in a fun way.
Hats vs. Headbands
The ultimate showdown, do I wear a hat or a headband? You’re going to have to wear one of the two if you are going on an outdoor winter date or even just walking to a restaurant or movie theatre. I suggest a hat if you are staying outdoors for practicality purposes. I have also been the victim of hat hair and I know it can be a serious ding to your outfit. However, if you stay outside the whole date choosing a fun colourful hat will keep your head warm while adding oomph to your outfit. Plus side, you only have to do the bottom half of your hair.
If you are trekking it to a restaurant in the cold or anywhere will you be removing your winter layers, I suggest going with a headband because it keeps your ears warm enough and doesn’t completely destroy your hair. Headbands are the ultimate cute accessory because they come with sparkles, bows, stripes and anything your little heart desires.
Fleece Lined Leggings
Jeans may seem like the go to because of the weather, but they aren’t overly exciting or even that warm. Fleece lined leggings however are incredibly warm, can be layered over other leggings or even just tights and can come in a multitude of fun patterns. Think patterned tights with an oversized black sweater.
Or even a plain black pair of fleece lined leggings with an oversized bright sweater. These warm buggers will save you in the winter months and are fashionable and versatile.
Knee High Socks
Only have regular black leggings and are pressed for time or cash? Have no fear, knee high socks are here! Most accessory stores, like Claire’s, Ardene’s, and Icing carry knee high socks or leg warmers. There are differences between the two, but either will spruce up your leggings and keep your gams warm. This more uncommon trend will help you stand out amongst drab winter outfits like that! *snaps fingers dramatically*
Suspenders
Unfortunately, leggings have the tendency to slide right down. Getting up from a wipe out on the canal AND flashing the cutie you just met? No fun. Even so, it is just a pain to continuously pull up your leggings all day. Don’t lose faith in me at the mention of suspenders. You can put them over your bottom layer and continue to layer over them and nobody will have to know! You can also attach your suspenders over the top layer and rock your new look.
Gloves vs. Mittens
To prevent any miscommunication, gloves have fingers and mittens do not. I thoroughly confused myself on this topic and wanted to prevent spreading such confusion. Anyhow, your fingers freeze fast, so winter is not an ideal time to show off your manicure. Plan on doing some hand holding? Maybe go with the gloves because as cute as clumsy hand holding in mittens seems, it is simply not efficient and painfully awkward. Or it is possible I’m painfully awkward. Anyways, plan ahead and bring gloves because nothing takes the spark out of a date like blue fingers.
Tops
Personally, I fall quite a bit on the canal and therefore refrain from wearing my white winter coat while skating. If you find yourself in the same position (aka head over heels on the ice), I suggest ditching the coat and layering for your life. Make sure you have some sort of thermal under layer on, then load on those knit sweaters and plaid shirts! It gives you more opportunity to show off your style while keeping the warmth of your coat.
Want to add that last little bit of sparkle to your outfit? A swipe of coloured eyeliner or a dab of pink lip stain will look extra stunning against that gray sky, gray snow, gray sidewalk… you get my point.
If all else fails and your date lands on one of Ottawa’s unreasonably frigid days, you can always pull a Spring Breakers look like Jessie J and call it a day.