The winter season is a tough time not only for your car and your skin, but also for your wardrobe. No matter how much you experiment, it’s always difficult to find the right combination of clothes to keep you warm without compromising on your sense of style. Wearing the most fashionable items from your closet will leave you cold and wearing the right winter gear will make you look like a marshmallow.
But, it doesn’t have to be like that. With a few tips and tricks, you can easily find the right balance between function and fashion. Start with layers – a thick sweater, a light jacket, a chunky scarf, and a pair of jeans. Choose colors that complement each other and that can be easily mixed and matched. Don’t forget about the accessories, and more importantly, don’t forget to take proper care of your clothes. You don’t want to ruin your favorite grandmasaurus shirt with your winter gear. Read on!
Choose the Right Materials
The material of your clothes is just as important as the color. You need to choose fabrics that will keep you warm but that will also allow your skin to breathe. Wool is a great choice for both the base and the middle layer. It is a natural fiber that will keep you warm even when it is wet. Cashmere is another good option, but it is a bit more expensive.
For the outer layer, look for clothing that will survive the extreme winter conditions. A coat made of water-resistant or waterproof material is a must. For that, reinforced polyester is the king, at least when it comes to cost-effectiveness. If you want something a bit more luxurious, go for waxed cotton or leather. And with the latter, make sure you get some care products to keep it in good shape, otherwise, it may break after some time in the cold, humid weather. If you cannot find them in your area, you can consider checking foreign online shops too. For example, if you’ve found a shop in the UK that sells to local inhabitants only, you can use a UK parcel forwarding service and have it delivered to your home anyway.
Start with Layers
Layering is the key to staying comfortably warm in winter. A heavy leather coat will definitely keep you warm, but it is no use unless you plan on spending the whole day outside. You need to be able to take off a layer or two when you go indoors or when it gets warmer. Start with a base layer made of a material that will wick away sweat and keep you dry. A cotton t-shirt or a thermal top are good options.
Add a middle layer for insulation. This can be a sweater, a fleece, or a light jacket. Top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. A coat or a parka will do the trick. If you are not a fan of coats, go for a long cardigan or a duster jacket. And don’t forget about the accessories. A scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves will keep you warm and add a touch of style to your outfit.
Go for Dark Colors
Light color clothes are not the best choice for the rainy and snowy days of winter, as they will get dirty quickly. Stick to dark colors such as black, navy blue, or dark green. They are timeless and they will go well with everything in your wardrobe. If you want to add a pop of color, go for a brightly colored scarf or a pair of leather gloves.
For example, darker leather shoes will go great with black jeans and a white sweater. Or you can wear a black coat with a pair of blue jeans and a light-brown turtleneck. Darker shades are also slimming, so they are a good choice if you want to hide a few extra pounds – coming from extra layers, of course.
Opt for the Right Fit
Tight-fitting clothes may look great on the runway, but they are not the best choice for everyday wear. They will make you look slimmer, but as you should be trying to layer up, you don’t want it to be too tight. Go for a looser fit that will allow you to add a few layers underneath – and remain comfortable. The last thing you want is to feel like a stuffed turkey.
The same goes for the shoes. In the cold weather, you’re likely going to wear thicker socks to keep your feet warm, so have that in mind when looking for a pair of winter boots, even if they have fur on top.
Keep Your Clothes In Good Condition
During winter, your clothes will sooner or later get dirty with all the sleets and blizzards. Picking darker shades, as mentioned above, will help you minimize the effect, but there’s much more you can do. Start with a water repellent and dirt protection spray for your shoes. They’re always in contact with snow, mud, and road salt, so making them more resistant is a no-brainer.
The damp weather may also ruin the rest of your apparel, say, your leather gloves. Even if you don’t engage in snowball fights often, natural leather may absorb moisture from air, leaving you with cold hands. Applying a layer of silicone spray can prevent that from happening and keep your gloves looking as good as new.
Lastly, let your clothes dry in peace. You can experience a thermal shock when entering a hot room after a long walk in the cold, and so do your clothes. Don’t toss your wet coats and shoes next to the heater, and don’t put them in the dryer. Let them air-dry for a few hours – or even overnight. This will prevent them from shrinking or losing their shape.
Wrapping Up
Winter is a difficult time for your wardrobe, but with a few tips, you can easily master the art of putting together clothes matching the conditions and still look like a fashionista. With the right combination of layers, materials, and colors, you can easily stay warm and look great at the same time. And by taking proper care of your clothes, you can extend their lifespan and save some money. Now that you know how to dress up in winter, go out and enjoy the snow!
