Fashion Options for the Cold Days

CEBU, Philippines — The weather has always been unpredictable. But more so these days – cold, rainy weather suddenly seizes an otherwise sunny day. A day can start out sunny, become overcast towards midday, and pours by late afternoon.

A cold day is a double whammy – it is uncomfortable and quite a challenge as to what to wear. Okay, the challenge is only so if one wants to remain fashionable despite the drop in temperatures. It can be really hard to try to consistently wear something that’s both weather appropriate and figure flattering.

If the aim is simply to keep warm in going through a rather dreary day, it’s easy to just throw together as many pieces as possible and get out the door. But then again, if one cannot let go of the fashion side of dressing up, it’s a different story altogether. Planning things out is necessary.

The website https://40plusstyle.com assures that simple planning can actually keep one both warm and stylish on a cold day “without having to sacrifice function or aesthetically pleasing looks.” The website shares easy tips “that can turn around a less than inspiring wardrobe into one that excites you about getting out of your warm bed and braving cooler temperatures”:

1 Layer, layer, layer.

Style tip: Purposeful layering is the perfect way to achieve warmth while putting together a chic look.

Layering allows you to play with a mixture of patterns, while being functional enough to support all the varying temperatures you encounter on a winter day (from frigid cold outside to overheated offices and cars). The key is to get thinner pieces that offer maximum warmth (such as cashmere), layer on scarves to pull the looks together, and playing with varying lengths to flatter your body shape.

2 Go over the knee.

Style tip: Many women (especially those over 40) shy away from over the knee boots. This is the perfect strategy if you happen to come across a six-inch patent leather pair that you might have been inspired by on the runway, but stick in the back of your closet when it comes time to wear them.

Instead, opt for a flat or low-heeled boot in shades and materials you feel comfortable wearing. Get a chic and trendy look by either wearing the pair with matching pants (black-on-black, tan-on-tan, etc.), or making a skirt or dress more weather appropriate by pairing a skinnier shaft boot to cover more leg.

3 Take a walk on the wild side.

Style tip: When it comes to a cold day, (fake) fur is one of those sartorial no-brainers when it comes to keeping warm. From faux fur options all the way to fox fur, fur pieces (when worn tastefully) immediately elevate your look.

Consider substituting a peacoat or jacket for a fur coat. The change in texture creates a more high-end look that keeps you warm and au courant with the season’s trends.

4 Make a statement.

Style tip: If you’re willing to make a statement with shoes, bags, and necklaces, a great next step is to make a statement with a coat.

Don’t give in to the temptation to mimic less than sunny days by going with dark coats and jackets. Skip the gray and black, and opt for a statement coat in either a bright hue or a bold print. The key to pulling this look off is by keeping the rest of your look neutral and simple, and let the coat do all the talking.

5 Wear white.

Style tip: Most people will shy away from white during the damp and cold days. Much like the statement coats, white jackets and coats can actually brighten a look and still feel cold-day appropriate.

Pair your white piece with darker prints (such as a dark floral print pencil skirt) or dark solids for a contrast that is still lively.

6 Keep your head warm.

Style tip: On a cold day, quite a bit of your body’s heat can be lost by not protecting your head. So, a hat is absolutely essential when the temperatures get really low.

Think of this as an opportunity to invest in a hat you know you will want to wear and that flatters both your look and face shape. A great option for very cold weather is a quality fur trapper (real or faux fur works) that you can keep for years. It will always be on trend for the winter and will most certainly keep you warm. Another chic option is a wool wide brim hat. It keeps your face free, while the wool hat keeps your head warm.

7 Drape and belt.

Style tip: Create dramatic shapes and flow by opting for a draped cardigan. The additional material is a great option for keeping you warm and allowing you to feel like you are wrapped in a toasty blanket.

However, to keep it closed, either opt for a belted cardigan or select a coordinating or contrasting belt. Pair the heavier, draped top with leggings, slim leg pants, or a sweater dress to create a more flattering silhouette that is not too bulky on the top and bottom.

8 Statement scarf.

Style tip: Scarves are a cold-weather must-have and offer an opportunity to add color to a dark look. Statement scarves can either be oversized or regular-sized pieces, but they usually have a variety of textures (such as fur scarf) and/or offer bright prints and colors.

If you notice that you have a very dark and/or plain look that needs a little more life to it, consider a statement scarf to create a higher impact look.

9 Put a cape on it.

Style tip: Capes are always the perfect choice when you want a dramatic and chic piece that requires very minimal effort. From jeans to leggings to dresses, a cape is a nice way of pulling a look together while still keeping you warm.

Opt for prints for more unique looks that are a departure from your classic cape styles. As usual, pay attention to proportions when styling your cape. For many body shapes, keeping the bottom leaner and less bulky is key to pulling of this look.

10 All you need are gloves.

Style tip: Long gloves are the perfect opportunity for you to wear shorter sleeve coats and jackets.

Don’t feel confined to wearing only black pairs, opt for some color (like pink or brown pairs) that will not simply blend in but bring a life of their own to your look.