"Winter’s arrival has always come with a bit of existential dread attached. Swapping out my lightweight jackets for my puffy parkas sent me into the five stages of grief over losing my personal style for the next six months. Although I still struggle to openly accept the cold-weather season, I’ve since realized that warmth and style can coexist after all.
For the sake of fashion, I used to choose to risk a small dose of hypothermia every time I left the house rather than concede to my black anorak and snow boots. But thanks to a few cold-weather styling hacks, I no longer feel like I have to choose between feeling chic and feeling my toes. Regardless of how you’re feeling about winter’s recent arrival, these six cold-weather fashion tips have allowed me to embrace winter style rather than dread it.
6 Cold-Weather Fashion Hacks
1. Invest in a Statement Coat
Hands down, my best (and most-complimented) purchase to date is my leopard coat. While at my wits end with my winter style last season, I sought out to find a piece of outerwear that felt more “me” than my plain black coat did. While I wasn’t specifically seeking out a leopard coat, I knew I had to have it the second I saw it. If animal print isn’t really your thing, there’s a host of colorful wool coats and embellished puffers that can liven up your everyday looks just as well.
2. Stock Up on Layering Pieces
These days, I can’t get by without my stack of fitted long-sleeves. I picked up a few from Everlane last year not yet knowing the effect they’d have on my winter wardrobe—but after months of repetitive wear, I figured it was about time to order a few more. Between them and my handful of trusty turtlenecks, not a day goes by without a tee layered underneath a chunky sweater or a lightweight layer.
3. Use Cold-Weather Accessories to Your Advantage
I’ll be honest, as a 30-year-old survivor of an adolescence marked by infinity scarves and hand-knit toboggans, it took some time to warm up to the idea of embracing cold-weather accessories again. Now though, I can’t get enough: hot pink cashmere wraps, leopard-print leather gloves—I want it all. Whether you own a statement coat or not, choosing to invest in a handful of stand-out accessories is the quickest, most budget-friendly way to revamp your winter wardrobe overnight.
4. Never Leave Home Without Jewelry
At this point, I probably wouldn’t recognize myself without a chic set of hoops or an over-the-top wrist stack. Sure, there are times when I have to finagle my bangles juuuuust right when adding a pair of gloves, but I fear my style would be abysmal without ‘em. I could be wearing the simplest of looks (let’s say jeans and a tee), but with the addition of a jeweled piece or two, I give the illusion of someone who’s insanely put-together. In the winter, I like to focus on one specific category—be it bracelets or earrings—so I don’t add to my winter overstimulation (IYKYK).
5. Build Up Your Sock Drawer
No matter how insubstantial it may sound, investing in your sock drawer (tights included) is the power play that will set you apart this winter season. The key to looking more put-together is to think about your look from head to toe. Be it a chunky pair of cashmere socks or a colorful pair of fleece-lined tights, the additional layer is an outfit finisher that’ll keep you both stylish and warm.
6. Embrace a Little Color
My previous trepidations about welcoming the winter season were largely due to my assumption that I’d need to forgo the use of color until the sun reared its head again. In a season dominated by black coats and fur-lined boots, forgive me if I was a bit apprehensive to jump in. Luckily, in the years since, I’ve learned to hold space for the mood-boosting effects a bright color can hold in the dead of winter.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.