The recent and sudden drop in UK temperature has been a shock to the system. After a fairly mild October and early November, we are now firmly in single digit days, and my wardrobe certainly wasnât prepared for this! However, just because we now need to reach for our big coats every time we want to leave the house, this does not mean that we should get boring or sloppy with our outfits! It can be tempting to want to put on the same hoodie and pair of jeans every day and become best friends with a black puffer jacket, but I wonât let that slide. So here are some of my best hacks to ensure that we can still have fun with clothes in the winter and not let the cold get to us (literally).
Turtlenecks and Long-Sleeves
Still want to wear your strappy summer tops and dresses? Put on a turtleneck or a long-sleeved top! When I was younger, I always got the impression that it was geeky to wear turtlenecks, they always seemed to be out of style. But now, I think theyâre quite cool! Layer them casually under t-shirts, under pinafores to live your best âdark-academiaâ life or use them as a base for more formal dresses. Both turtlenecks and long-sleeved tops can also be worn individually, without something on top, and still keep you warm in the winter months. If you find yourself outside particularly often, it may also be a good idea to invest in a thermal long-sleeve. This will act as a secondary layer to help fight the cold. Mesh long-sleeved tops are also a great alternative; some even come in patterns and can add dimension to a plain outfit. Simple, but effective.
Dresses with Jeans
Although some people may consider this a fashion crime from the 2000s, I would disagree. Those short dresses that we all love to wear in the warmer months can very easily become long tops in the winter. Jeans act as a great foundation to build an outfit on because they can be fairly understated and neutral. Meanwhile summer dresses add a pop of colour. But it doesnât have to just be jeans! You could try formal work trousers, flared leggings or practically any other kind of bottom. Pretty much any type of trouser and dress can be combined, which creates endless outfit ideas.
Tights
Unfortunately, cheap, 20 denier tights arenât going to help much when it comes to staying warm in the winter. Having a good selection of tights that donât rip after one wear is essential to ensuring that you can wear skirts and dresses in the winter without freezing. Tights come in varying thicknesses and itâs good to figure out what works for you. For the cold, Iâd always suggest 60 denier or above. You could even venture into the world of coloured and patterned tights! Coloured tights always make clothes more interesting and if youâre in the mood, go monochromatic. Matching your outfit to your tights is a great way to test out how garments work together. But if you want your tights to stand out, weave them into contrasting colour combinations. Once you start wearing fun tights, you wonât want to stop!
Coats and Jumpers
I will be the first to admit that I love my black puffer coat. The puffer jacket is always the easiest and it will certainly keep you warm. But long coats will always be in style and will look good for both formal and informal occasions, meaning that you donât have to spend money on more than one. Although, this is where it is worth splashing out a little more and finding one thatâs lined, as this will provide an extra later against the cold temperatures. Now, hoodies are cozy, however, a warm, knitted jumper is an item that everyone should invest in. Not only are they cute, theyâre soft and stylish and you can wear them with anything. Whether itâs jeans and boots to go to your classes in, or over a skirt for a family dinner. Youâll get so many wears out of a good coat and jumper.
So next time you find yourself freezing in the winter, think about your layers. And if youâve already given them a thought, then why not mix them up and try something new?