Winter looms closer each day, so if you haven’t swapped out all of your tees and shorts for sweaters and jeans, you better get to work.
Some people see winter as an excuse to drag out their lazy sweats, which is cool if you’re into that kind of thing. But let’s face it, they’re not exactly eye-catching. So how do you assemble an outfit that’s cozy but still stunning? The good news is you can stay warm and fashionable this winter.
Here are some ideas for both men and women on how to spice up the ol’ winter wardrobe:
#1 Pick for Guys and Girls: Peacoats
Few articles of clothing are as timeless or beloved as the peacoat. Popularized by American and European naval sailors, this classic wool jacket has remained virtually unchanged since its emergence in the 1720s. It’s an unending battle to keep warm in the frigid tundra of Michigan at wintertime, but with this indispensable staple, you’ll surely have the upper hand.
In addition to its inherent warmth, peacoats possess a sleek, refined look that compliments just about every style imaginable and adds instant class to any ensemble. A simple black peacoat will go well with nearly anything you can dig out of your closet. For a little more flair, try finding one with a plaid design or an added hood for a little protection from the elements.
#2 Pick for Guys and Girls: Scarves
When you want to add a bit of versatility to your wardrobe, nothing comes close to the simple yet useful scarf. As you’re most likely well aware, scarves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and fabrics, making them ideal for mixing and matching with your other clothes.Just when you’ve thought you’d squeezed every possible look out of your favorite shirt, the addition of a scarf can make it pop in whole new ways.
The ever-popular knit scarf is a winter necessity, and whether it’s store-bought or crocheted by your dear grandma, it carries an extra bonus of keeping your neck and face warm.
Trendy, sophisticated circle scarves and exotic, artsy square scarves make up for their lack of warmth with an extremely fashionable look making nearly any outfit, for both men and women, instantly stylish. Floral scarves are also on the rise — try one paired with a pale pink sweater or gray cardigan. With most being made out of lightweight materials, floral scarves can double as a cute spring accessory, too.
#3 Pick for Girls: Ugg Boots
Go ahead and put all of your preconceived notions about the Ugg to rest. Worn with the correct outfit – certainly NOT short shorts – the Ugg is far from ugly. They originate from Australian sheepskin boots, though you can find cheaper “fake” ones made from synthetic material without much hassle.
The fleece on the inside of the boots is useful for keeping your toes nice and toasty when the weather outside is chilly — a trait that won the boots popularity among surfers in the 1960s.
Decades later, college students can still benefit from this comfy boot.
With typically neutral colors, Uggs are a safe choice to match the majority of your clothes. Wear them with jeans or leggings, or if you’re feeling daring, try a tasteful dress with a sweater jacket.
#3 Pick for Guys: Cardigans
In a world of dull hoodies and super-casual baggy sweatpants, you might be looking for a way to dress up your winter wardrobe while retaining that soft, fuzzy feel. Guys, let me introduce you to the cardigan. This spiffy sweater, named for a British military commander, is a surefire way to help you kick your hoodie habit.
Want a cool, casual look? Layer it over a t-shirt. Striped cardigans, especially ones made in bright colors, are great for this. For a more formal look, you’ll be sure to impress with a gray or
navy one over a button-up shirt.
#4 Pick for Girls: Knit Berets
To inject a touch of class into your usual style, knit berets are invaluable. Available in every color imaginable, the chic hats can be a splash of color to an otherwise neutral outfit or worn with a matching scarf. These hats are often worn loosely, with some girls securing them to their head with bobby pins.
Although knit berets look adorable with any hair type, feel free to experiment with loose waves, especially if you usually wear your hair straight. Hats also do wonders when it comes to disguising pesky bad hair days, so it’s best to keep at least one handy.
#4 Pick for Guys: Leather Jackets
When peacoats aren’t quite rugged enough for your taste, channel your inner James Dean with a leather jacket. Almost as timeless as the aforementioned peacoat, they have screamed style for more than half a century, owing its popularity to greaser culture – think “Grease” – and the Fonz from “Happy Days.”
There’s a wide variety of choices out there — you can find black, brown and many other colors, go faux or even buy a style that incorporates fleece for extra warmth. One worn with tight black jeans will create a chic, retro look influenced by the suave, legendary bad boys of yesteryear.
#5 Pick for Guys and Girls: Flannel Shirt
Plaid flannel shirts have become increasingly popular in the past few years, which means we have more options than ever when it comes to shopping for them.
Associations with grunge rockers and lumberjacks aside, flannel shirts can be very stylish when worn correctly, not to mention very warm and soft. For a unique look, wear a cami under your flannel and tie the front. This also works nicely with dresses, making an otherwise masculine article of clothing flirty and feminine. Additionally, you can wear leggings underneath a longer flannel shirt with a scarf and hat for another cute look.
Guys, you can’t go wrong with dark denim jeans and a pair of solid colored Vans.
