Parties, presents, gifting, and sweets are not the only exciting pieces of the Holiday season; the clothes and accessories are also what make this the most wonderful time of the year. Just because the temperature is creeping further and further away from the below freezing mark doesn’t mean that our style needs to be sacrificed. The more layering necessary to keep warm, the more possibility there is to be fashionable. Also, the holidays are decked out with parties and cold weather activities, so while we all are taking a break from studying and the stresses of being a full-time college student, show your stylish side with these great options for some of our favorite occasions.
Cold weather dating
For those of you lucky enough to have an old or new beau on your arm this Holiday season, there is a necessity for cute date outfits. The perfect date for this time of year is the classic hot chocolate and ice-skating combo. It is a great way for your guy to find an excuse to pull you close, since not all of us can call ourselves Michelle Kwan on skates. Ice-skating is not really the time to show your guy just how great your body is; so, leave the short skirt at home and don’t risk flashing everyone your underwear with the graceful fall you might take. Either a classic pair of skinny jeans or jeggings are great because they will easily slide into your skates without bunching. Also, make sure to stash a spare pair of bulky socks in your purse for when the skates are on because your body temperature and toes will thank you later for it.
Here’s where the fun comes into your date wardrobe. A fun and comfy over-sized sweater is the way to go; your guy will think you are adorable and laid back, just the type of girl he wants to bring home to Mom and Dad. Pair this with a puffy coat and some accessories and you are good to go. Ear warmers or headwraps are huge this season and they also look cute without making your hair look atrocious. If you are feeling adventurous (or bored) this season, headwraps are the perfect knitting project for a beginner knitter! A chunky standard or circle scarf and mittens are also nice added additions, especially if you anticipate taking a couple spills on the ice.
If you want to check out some of my picks…
Sweater: Moose-print crewneck knit from Anthropologie
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23598576&catId=CLOTHES-SWEATERS&pushId=CLOTHES-SWEATERS&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=6&color=041&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-SWEATERS&templateType=subCategory
Headwrap: Faux-Fur Headwrap from Topshop
http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=4031661&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208709&parent_categoryId=208582&pageSize=20
Hitting the slopes
For those of you who haven’t found the right guy just yet, skiing or snowboarding is the perfect way to not only have fun with friends or family, but also to meet some active, sporty guys. Given the fact that there is a possibility for romance in the beautiful powder of the winter months, you have to look your best while doing it.
If you take more to skiing, a stylish alternative to bulky ski pants is ski tights. They look great along with a warm parka and traditional ski accessories.
If you are more of a snow boarding type of gal, then fun colors seem like a fun twist to traditional snowboarding attire. Don’t just be adventurous with the tricks you do on the trails, but add in some prints or neon accessories to accent your fun side.
Top picks for snow clothes…
Ski tights: Black tight from Columbia
http://www.columbia.com/Women%27s-Baselayer-Heavyweight-Tight/AL8635,default,pd.html
Snowboarding Jacket: Multi-colored ski parka
http://www.roxy.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11227351&cp=2818171.2818128
Holiday party
A Holiday party is a great way to get use out of the flirty and fun dress you convinced yourself you would get so much use out of. Holiday parties typically include extended and immediate family, whether that be your own/best friend’s/ boyfriend’s, so don’t go too over the top with how flashy you get. So, throw on a cute dress, tights, and boots or flats because you’ll be raking in the compliments from everyone there. If you play your outfit right, you’ll probably have a certain someone gearing your conversation closer and closer to the mistletoe.
My top picks for this season’s Holiday dresses:
A sparkly choice: Dress by Madwell
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/waistdefined/PRDOVR~53081/53081.jsp
Fun and conservative: Kelly green dress by Anthropologie
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20803672&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=36&color=001&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&templateType=subCategory
New Year’s Eve
Here’s to the night when there are no fashion rules, you are allowed to be flashy, glitzy, and a little over the top. This season sparkle and glitter is all the rage, so take advantage with your inner fashionista and sport this look. You’re sure to catch the eye of someone across the room in a flirty sequin dress or shorts, so don’t hesitate if you’re thinking this is too glitzy for your laidback style.
Sequin dress: Striped sequin dress by Ali Ro
http://www.cusp.com/shoponline/product.aspx?folderId=/shoponline/apparel/dresses/alldresses&itemId=T3S4G&ecid=CUALRJ84DHJLQkR4&ci_src=14110925&ci_sku=T3S4G
Sequin shorts: Sequin shorts by French Connection
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/french-connection-lucinda-sequin-shorts?ID=567854&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
I hope these winter style tips have given you new ideas on how to be stylishly cute (and warm!) this Holiday season.