winter style: an unofficial guide

If you're like me, winter is your natural style enemy. The cold suffocates me, making me dizzy enough to believe that all I can wear for the next few months are cable-knit sweaters and boots.

My best outfits are generally for warmer weather days, so winter is a definite roadblock for me. I fear that I'll need to pack up my crop tops and sundresses, and unbox the oversized sweaters and leggings. (An outfit combo that was all-the-rage in 2013) Though, a lot of you who know me, know this is not how I operate. 

"The weather doesn't determine what I wear." A quote by me; a guideline set for me, by me. Generally if I say that, it's because a friend has asked why I'm wearing a crop top in 40° Fahrenheit weather. While I will probably always live by that rule (being that I'm too stubborn to not), that is not what I'm recommending in today's guide.

So, what are this season's essential pieces to keep warm without looking frumpy?

A quick overview of what this includes:

For the Romantics and the Street Stylers:

• Ascots, soft bandanas, and neck ties. (not those kinds of neck ties)
• Soft floral prints
• Big cardigans
• Sweaters!
• Basic tees and graphic tees
• Faux leather
• DENIM
• Velvet. Yes, velvet. The 90's just keep regurgitating onto the scene. 
• Embroidered decals, fabric patches, embroidered design
• Blouses
• Capes
• Long coats

And on the accessory side of things...

• Block heels
• Sneakers
• Caged flats
• Novelty loafers (not a trend I love, but I'll roll with it)
• Berets
• Broaches
• Cameo Necklaces
• Soft statement rings
• Decorated bags

And now, for some visuals.
p.s. I made these myself, and it took one million years.

Romantics: Soft, floral, and flirty. A style that is constantly evolving to keep up with trends as well as create them. This is the main trend for this month. Cape coats keep the Romantic vibe while keeping you warm outdoors.

Sweaters: The honourable mention of this post. Graphic sweaters are out, knit sweaters are in. Keep the neck lines interesting. Sweaters don't have to be the afterthought in an outfit. 

Jeans: High waisted, embroidered, black, blue, patched, or clean. Denim jeans, per usual, are in. Don't be afraid to up-cycle either. Grab the old jeans you have stuffed in the back of your drawer and embroider some floral on, or hand stitch some patches. Mix up the styles, too. Add some baggy boyfriend jeans into your wardrobe, it's comfortable and stylish.

Layering: THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you have to pack up all of your tee shirts for the season. A denim jacket or a bomber added to any tee can keep your "summer shirts" in use through all seasons.

Essentials: Mixing and matching is a life saver in the winter season, and thanks to jackets, coats, and cardigans, there seem to be endless pairings. Get a few basic long cardigans to add overtop any shirt or dress. To keep a laid-back vibe, use Neutral with an Accent as a guide when pairing colours this season.

Stay warm, stay cool.

Click here to find all of the pieces from this blog post! (my Polyvore account)

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