Living in Canada means that as soon as the temperatures start dropping, getting dressed becomes
a whole new challenge. Trying to look cute while walking to class in freezing temperatures is not
for the weak. At some point, it seems like you have to decide whether looking good is worth
losing feeling in your hands and toes. But I’ve learned that you can actually have the best of both
worlds.
As much as I love fall and winter fashion, figuring out how to dress for the colder weather can be
tricky. I’m not exactly looking to freeze for the sake of an outfit, but I also refuse to wear the
same three sweaters every day. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe when the seasons change,
just a little creativity (and an unreasonable amount of Pinterest scrolling). Here are some of my
favourite ways to style winter outfits:
The More Layers the Better
Just because it’s getting cold doesn’t mean your summer clothes have to disappear until June. A
few extra layers can make a surprising difference. Try wearing a long sleeve under your
favourite top, adding tights to a skirt or throwing a sweater over an outfit. Before convincing
yourself you have absolutely nothing to wear (we’ve all been there), take another look through
your closet. You might be surprised by how many outfits you can put together without buying a
single thing.
A Good Jacket is Everything
A good jacket can completely change an outfit. Trench coats are great for a more classy and chic
look, while leather and suede jackets can make even the simplest outfit look more put together
and elevated. You can throw one over leggings and a basic top and suddenly look like you put in
way more effort than you did. Honestly, I’m all for working smarter not harder.
Add a Pop of Colour With a Scarf
I love neutral outfits, but wearing black, grey and brown every single day can get a little
repetitive. Adding a colourful scarf is such an easy way to switch things up without having to
change your entire outfit. Whether it’s red, burgundy or a fun pattern, it adds a little something to
an otherwise basic look. Plus, it actually serves to keep you warm, unlike some accessories.
Small Details Go A Long Way
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make an outfit. One thing I love adding is lace, especially
lace-trimmed tops peeking out from underneath sweaters or cardigans. It’s a simple way to make
an outfit feel a little more put together without doing too much. It’s also a good way to make a
basic sweater look like you actually planned your outfit.
Cardigans Are a Closet Essential
Cardigans are probably one of my most-worn pieces once the weather gets colder. They’re easy
to layer, comfortable and can be styled in so many different ways. Wear one with jeans, throw it
over a basic top, or wear it on its own. They’re also perfect for those days when you want to look
like you got dressed but still feel like you’re wearing a blanket.
Matching Sets Make Life Easier
Matching sets are a lifesaver on mornings when putting an outfit together feels like too much
work. Whether it’s a knit set or a matching sweater and sweatpants, everything already goes
together, so there’s very little thinking involved. The best part is that you can wear the pieces
separately too, giving you more outfit options. It’s basically two outfits for the effort of one.
Pinterest Is Your Best Friend
If you’re anything like me, Pinterest is probably your go to when you have nothing to wear,
despite having a closet full of clothes. I can easily spend hours scrolling through outfit ideas and
saving looks I’ll probably never recreate. My solution? Save a few realistic outfits for inspiration
and try recreating them with pieces you already own. Sometimes all it takes is styling a basic
sweater differently with a cute jacket and scarf to make an old outfit feel new. Just don’t spend so
long scrolling in bed that you run out of time to actually put an outfit together.
A few good layers and a little creativity can go a long way. There’s no reason to sacrifice your
style just because it’s below zero.