On Trend with REGARD Magazine ....Ask our Stylist... Staying Warm and Cute in Cold Weather

Dear Regard Stylist,

I just moved from Southern California to Washington DC. How do I dress for the cold weather (and be warm!) without looking like a walking, blonde, swollen tick? 

- Joelle O., Washington DC.

Dearest Joelle,

The frosty temperatures make it easy to want to shun fashion in favor of warmth and comfort, especially if you are used to a warmer climate. These tips will keep you warm and stylish during the cold winter months, regardless of your location.

First, Winter accessories are some of the most important items you can own this season. They will keep you warm and fashionable when it's icy outside. Purchase fun, but heavy scarves or pashminas, soft leather gloves, and cute hats that will keep the wind out of your ears. Thick socks are also important, especially if you live where it snows. Since heat escapes through your head, hands, and feet, make sure that the pieces you buy for covering those areas are ones you love; you'll wear them more often than anything else, guaranteed.

Next, embrace layers. Layers can help you cope with varying indoor and outdoor temperatures and add warmth with style.  Layering with thinner fabrics makes a difference for two reasons: the layers should be easy to remove in the event that you feel you may be overheating under your top layer and layering adds interest and depth to any basic outfit. Think fashion and function.

Finally, you must invest in a great winter coat, preferably one that covers your bum. Have fun with your coat. Choose a cool color or funky fur collar, or maybe an interesting print. Whatever you prefer, be sure your coat is fully lined. Find a good pair of boots. They are in season all of fall and winter. Choose a boot that goes with what much of what you will be wearing, (purchase boots a half size larger to accommodate socks) and remember, quality is important when it comes to cold weather foot wear.

Joelle, don’t give up your California style sensibility, simply because you moved to a colder climate. 

Try an outfit like this one..... Get the 70’s California hippie vibe, with a cold weather twist: A simple turtleneck, high wasted jeans, brown leather boots and a warm trench with a fur collar.

My last bit of advice is to be conscious of your body type and proportions. Winter wear can be very bulky. Beware!

Hope this Helps!

                                                                                                  

                                                    -Micah Riggins

Thanks to Couturious.com  for the outfit pictures and shopping details.