Kill:
The Goyard Bag:
Brace yourself, ladies, because I’m about to offer you some seriously tough love. Why you insist on spending $1,000+ on a bag which – under apter circumstances – could easily pass for a target beach-tote, is a phenomenon that I will never understand. Not only is this bag far over-worn, and vastly impractical (to reiterate, this is nothing more than a glorified beach-tote), but your money can be far better spent on a far more worthy splurge. Think: Wang, Chloe, and Celine.
The Sneaker-Wedge:
Thankfully this trend is on its way out. Why it ever occurred in the first place is beyond me. If you *accidentally* purchased these, you’re forgiven. But unless your name is J-Lo and you’ve miraculously travelled back to 2001, I suggest leaving this “trend” for theme parties, or, you know, the trash.
Winter-Blues (Well, Grays):
I’m all about the basic black, gray thang. But relying too much on these classic shades can leave you looking far more drab than fab. No need for anything drastic. All I’m saying is a cran-hued skinny, or, alternatively, a hunter-green pull-over (to quote Rachel Zoe, I die), never hurt anyone.
Fling:
Winter Whites:
Sleek, cozy, and effortlessly cool, this “trend” is as chic as it is simple. Despite the runway craze, for day-to-day wear, this trend is best in moderation. See below (The Structured Wool Coat) for a little extra guidance. Sweaters, hats, and scarves, will be your best options. But if you’re daring, and well-stocked in your practical neutrals, a luxurious coat, or white-on-white ensemble may just be doable, and if you’re really on the ball, impressively chic.
Bold Patterns:
Bold patterns have dominated the runways for the past couple of years. This winter’s game? Revamped-classics. Think bold plaids, neutral-infused tribals, and ornate, 20s-inspired thread-work. A tweed pant, blazer, or statement-coat will all prove good options for (non-ridiculously) executing this trend. As always, though particularly important here, heed cut, fit, and form. And remember, balance is your best friend. I trust you’ve gotten the point thus far, but as I’ve said many a time, lean on your neutrals and you shall succeed.
Lace-Meets-Leather:
While I like to think of the “Lace meets Leather” trend as more figurative than literal (per, for example, an updated riff on luxe-meets-grunge) these two statement-materials – both together and separately – are definitely having a moment. Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Saint Laurent are all about what some have, accurately and somewhat hilariously, termed this season’s Belle de Jour-inspired trend (Google it, ladies). And though this look done wrong may indeed render your ensemble a tad too Parisian Pretty Women (vinyls and excessively-showy-furs are best left for the professionals), done right it can be pretty darn fab. And to be honest, I don’t hate it.
Marry:
The Structured Wool Coat:
While this “trend” has made a particularly marked appearance this season, as far as classics go, it may just prove your ultimate cold-weather go-to. Staple-neutrals – I’m talking camels, blacks, and navies – are, generally, going to be your best bets when it comes to tailored outerwear. I will, however, admit that I’ve been fiending for a white variety since, ohhh, the second grade. If you identify (or, perhaps, per the Bold Pattern “fling” below are looking for a little extra vamp) I suggest heeding my mother’s advice and ensuring your winter-white/statement pieces are “secondary,” rather than primary. Translation: if you’ve got your staple-neutrals down, you’re good to go. If not, keep to the basics and add your flare elsewhere (see below).
Luxe Winter-Ready Accessories:
Come the chilliest of months, there is, arguably, nothing more palatially satisfying than a luscious cashmere scarf, a sleek pair of leather gloves, or an only-marginally-over-the-top fur (faux included, of course). Higher-end items come with a price. So no need to go on an all out-splurge. But bear in mind that these items will indefinitely prove not only the ultimate cold-weather pick-me-up, but a time-honored wardrobe staple.
Elevated Sportswear:
I love an oversized sweater as much as the next gal, but when the weather gets chilly, it can be all-to-easy to place comfort over style. That said, let me introduce you to a handy (dare I say, life-altering) trick that I have aptly termed “comfy-cute.” Scoff as you may, but a stylish, yet comfy, knit-legging-boot combo can be quite the style life-saver. Mind you, when I say “legging” I’m talking more riding-pant than the Gap-Body variety you’re currently sporting in Butler. And when I say knit, I’m talking rich layer-alls (jerseys, cashmeres, silks) more so than your go-to graphic T. But given you’ve taken latter portion of the motto to heart, this elevated-basic lends itself to layers on layers on layers, and done right, stands on its own as pretty strikingly chic in itself.