How to Dress Up When it's Still Freezing Out!
We are just 20 short days away from spring, but as I sit here writing I can hear the cold wind howling outside and am reminded that it is still winter out there! I’ve seen many articles and blog posts in the past couple of weeks showing off beautiful spring dresses, flowy cropped pants and gorgeous sandals, but with a current wind chill of 29 degrees, those images are definitely not informing my choices for tonight! As I’ve written before, I sometimes have to dig deep for sartorial inspiration at this time of year, and that’s especially true when I have to put together a dressy evening look that is both stylish and warm. There’s always the basic LBD, which can be seasonless depending on fabric, but I’ve come up with some additional options that you can put together with items you likely have in your closet (or can easily add). Read on for simple and stylish winter dress up!
Simple Slip Dress with Blazer and Boots
A slip dress is a classic, and an item every woman should have in her closet. It works on most shapes, and can be found at every price point. I’ve styled it here with a velvet blazer, which is surprisingly versatile (it can also be worn casually with a t-shirt and jeans), and in this case adds some texture and elevates the simplicity of the basic slip. Wear with pull- on suede boots, and you have an effortlessly chic look!
Long Sleeve Maxi Dress with Boots
I absolutely love a great maxi dress, and pretty much wear them all year round. I’ve worn this one in the summer with high-heeled sandals, and in the winter with pull-on boots. Beautiful floral prints add a pop of color, and can be found at any time of year.
Textured or Tweed Tailored Dress
You don’t have to have a Chanel budget to find a great Chanel inspired dress. This one comes from Zara, and the winter white is a soft, gorgeous alternative to black that can take you through spring. A dress like this can easily go from work to a special night out, and requires very little accessorizing with such pretty gold buttons lining the front.
Silky Pants with a Camisole, Blazer and Booties
Sometimes you just want to cover up, and pants definitely make the cut for evening wear. Just choose a silk or other dressy fabric, and pair with a camisole top and jacket (you could do velvet or opt for a lighter silky or crepe jacket like the one I’m wearing here). High heeled booties finish the look.
Always Accessorize
Add some great jewelry to these combos to finish your look. I typically subscribe to a “less is more” philosophy, and like to keep it pretty simple- think a cool chunky gold choker or pearl solitaire necklace, paired with classic gold hoops and a bangle or beaded cuff. Diamond studs are also always a good idea, and pair well with a simple diamond pendant or silver choker.
Top it Off
As for the topper, at this point in the year you are probably set for coats- just leave the puffer at home and opt for a more tailored look. There are so many possibilities here, from a simple wool coat to my favorite this winter, the soft and cozy teddy bear coat. There are also some great faux fur coats out there, and now is a great time to add to your collection, as winter inventory is deeply discounted at this point in the year.
You can head over to the “my picks” page for some shopping inspiration. Stay warm, and stay tuned for some spring styles (as soon as I warm up)!