The Cutest Winter Accessories: Boots, Coats, Scarves, Gloves, and Earmuffs, Oh My!

During the winter months, sometimes it feels like you have to sacrifice fashion in order to stay warm. Most women today associate snowy conditions with stiff and puffy clothes that are not flattering for the figure, and stocky footwear that is too practical to be cute. Here are a couple pieces that are sure to change your outlook on winter’s fashion potential. Remember—it’s not too late to add to your holiday wish list! Read on as HC lets you know how to brave the cold in style.

What to Wear to Combat Sleet, Hail, and Snow

Hunter Boots in Regent Neoprene Black

Woman’s Millcreek Ugg in Chocolate Metallic: $200

Michael Kors Stormy at Bloomingdales: $125
One word: waterproof. In an attempt to avoid the heavy and bulky boot that says “I’m-going-on-a-hike-through-the Himalayas-and-won’t-be-back-for-weeks,” here are a few looks that can inspire you to think differently about protecting your feet from all things wet and cold. All three are a stylish and more durable twist on the boring rubber rain boat, have an inner lining to provide warmth and comfort, and have a thick and textured rubber sole to give you traction on those slippery treks through your campus.

For slushy city streets: While Hunter boots are a rainy day staple, the Hunter Regent style is a sleeker and slimmer version of the classic rain boot, as its equestrian-inspired silhouette and patent-like shine gives these rubber boots a sophisticated makeover. The boots are recommended for both rain and snow conditions, and the Neoprene lining gives your feet some extra warmth for those cold climates.

For the bitter cold and heavy snow: Ugg is a reliable brand name for keeping your toes toasty during the winter months, but let’s face it: the traditional sheepskin exterior rapidly falls victim to unsightly salt stains and is not waterproof by any means. It’s also more than a little bit “last year” (or three years ago?). However, the Millcreek Ugg, shown here in Chocolate Metallic, is a new interpretation of the Wellington boot with its glossy shine and fully lined sheepskin interior and cuff.

For a fashion forward yet effective look: Try a shoe like Michael Kors’s Stormy boots, which are rubber waterproof boots with an edgy gold buckle and strap. This biker-inspired look is stylish and will help you stand out from the masses of boring boots, and they come in both black and “fatigue”, shown here.

Long Belted Puffer from JCrew.com in Chocolate: $235

Carreq Jacket by Ever. Found on Shopbop: $330

After you have decided what to put on your feet before you brave the blizzard, a puffer jacket is the warmest and most effective outerwear against wet or powdery precipitation. Hoods and large collars are also essential for keeping your head warm and your hair safe. Try something like one of these coats for a stylish alternative to your average puffer, the long belted puffer from J.Crew and the Carreq Jacket by Ever found on Shopbop. The Ever jacket’s asymmetrical cut and off-center zipper give it some edge, and the cinched waist on the J.Crew jacket prevents you from looking like a giant marshmallow and flatters any body type.

What to Wear to Battle the Dry and Biting Cold

Tall Chalet Boots from JCrew, desert brown: $250

See by Chloe Furry Fold Over Boot: $630

For bracing the cold on the way to the library: Even when there is no snow during the winter months the ground can still be frozen solid and just as harsh on your sensitive feet. Fully lined with a shearling interior and suede exterior, the Tall Chalet boots from J.Crew are the perfect cold weather boots, and the top has a slit so it can fold down and create a furry cuff for an alternative look.

For feeling sexy (and a little rugged): If you want some height in the winter, wedges are much safer to walk on icy surfaces with than heels. Try something like the See by Chloe Furry Fold Over Boot, which comes in both gray and camel, and have a warm lining and a waterproof rubber wedge heel.

Short Toggle Coat from Banana Republic: $180

French Connection Song Bird Coat: $298

Pea coats are a staple of the winter season. In order to stand out from the masses of black or gray, try picking colorful coats with interesting buttons or clasps instead of the standard look. The short toggle coat from Banana Republic has toggles instead of buttons, and the French Connection ‘Song Bird’ Coat has military style buttons. Both of these looks also have tall collars that help keep in the cold, which will come in handy whenever you dash out the door without a scarf.

How to Accessorize in the Dead of Winter

After picking out the basic outerwear, the accessories are almost as important. Always have a cute pair of mittens, the perfect hat, and a couple scarves lying around so you can grab them on the way to class.

Mittenberry in Blush: $24.99

For all those moments when you are too numb to remove your gloves and mittens in sub-zero temperatures to send a text, check out a pair of Mittenberrys: wool mittens with removable thumb flaps for those cold winter days so you can navigate your phone and ipod with ease. Vivian Weng ‘05 and Edward Weng ’10, two siblings both of Princeton, developed the line and this “modern spin on the mitten” is the epitome of practical fashion. The mittens come in gray, blush, and snow.

Burberry Earmuffs in Camel: $150

Faux-Fur Earflap hat from Free People: $68

For keeping your ears covered and your head nice and toasty, earmuffs and earflap hats are a must. Try these Burberry earmuffs or the Faux-Fur earflap hat from Free People for a fashion forward approach to warmth. Scarves are obviously a winter essential, and right when the season begins to transition from fall to winter you should store the lightweight silk scarves and break out the cozy wool ones. This waffle weave scarf found at Anthropologie can also function as a full wrap, warming your neck and chest with the extra cloth and volume. Extra large scarves create a beautiful draped look and provide much more shelter from fierce winds. The autumnal reddish-orange color shown here also spices up the typical black and gray color palette of the season.

“Brisk Morning Wrap” Scarf at Anthropologie.com: $52