Turning Winter Woes Into Wins

One of the things that I mourn the most in the winter is the absence of flirty frocks – as soon as the gray skies and wintery winds kick in the fashion landscape seems to become more and more barren. It’s an especially sad situation in my hometown in northern Canada and, since I am planning to spend most of November there, I’ve been thinking about the drab coats, frizzy hair, and depressing scarves that I usually see there during the winter months.

But winter doesn’t have to result in the banishment of dresses and cute shoes! Granted, tottering around in high heels on icy streets may not be the best idea (and usually results in a series of rather ungraceful spills) and bare legs in minus zero temperatures are also not an option, but there are still plenty of fun and fashion forward looks that one can execute in the midst of an arctic chill. Cute tights and graceful flats with embellishments can be a great way to make a fashion statement while staying warm and navigating the frigid streets. Winter also doesn’t have to result in the total banishment of dresses in favor of slacks and jeans (although I love me a good pair of jeans and boots in the cold).

A dress made from a warm material with a v-neck, a cozy cardigan, and a statement necklace can be a great way to stay chic in a chilly climate. And while a warm coat is obviously a winter essential, there’s no need for it be a frumpy and drab affair. Houndstooth can be a fabulous way to incorporate a bit of color and pattern (without looking like a lunatic for wearing a parka covered with a penguin pattern – yes, I’ve seen someone in just such a coat) into your winter wardrobe and cinched waist or belt adds shape in spite of all the layers that you may be wearing under it.