Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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.


Turning Winter Washouts Into Winter Wins




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.

19 comments:

Closet Fashionista said...

These looks are all so cute! I am going to be wearing dresses with tights a LOT this fall/winter :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I love the 1st dress!

Collette Osuna said...

Love these looks..and when its Winter..I always use some really great color on alot of outfits so its not so drabby...:)

Statements in Fashion Blog

Isabel said...

in winter i always stand infront of my closet not know what to wear...its a balance between staying warm and still looking cute LOL

Onyinye FaFi Obi said...

wow.. i love this.
so chic.
we dont have winter in my country,!

www.fashionphoenix06.blogspot.com

jess said...

Great tips. I love the first dress.

Pamela said...

Look here, lady. Seasons are a good thing. The cold should be welcomed! Winter clothes should be embraced! I live in L.A. and we have two seasons. Summer and cooler summer. It's 80 today! I wear my gorgeous coats and sweaters about 5 times a year. I don't want to hear it from you, lol!

Call Me Ishmael

Ashleigh said...

I am trying to do better about layering instead of opting for jeans. I always buy cute tights with good intentions but the wind whips and I'm a goner :(

Courtney Erin said...

Don't get me wrong - I love winter (just not all of the fashion choices)! My biggest complaint about no longer living in Edmonton is that there's no properly cold winter where I am now -- I miss the snow and wind and frost!

Becca [Free Honey] said...

You know, I was just lamenting to another blogger that I feel like I'm in a work outfit rut and it's really killing my mood. In the summer and spring I usually wear a lot of skirts and dresses. In fact, I hate pants. So now that cooler weather is rolling in, it's so hard to get dressed. And, truth be told, I'm not wearing the things I love. I think this year I need to invest in some season-less dresses and funky cool tights! I'm looking forward to seeing how you cope with dressing for Canada! I'm sure you'll do it in style.

Jessica Weingarten said...

Aaaah amazing choices!I love that tweed dress!
I know how you feel about dreading the ol' Canadian winter...I never look forward to it!

-Jess

Kelly and Sara said...

I still try to wear skirts and dresses all the time. Just can't give them up! Great choices :) Have a great week :)

J. said...

I need to stock up on tights big time! I'm not ready to give up skirts and dresses already!

Jessie said...

All of those look awesome :)

xx
Jessie
http://87life.blogspot.com

o said...

Great picks, Courtney! Gosh, loving that red coat! I agree, why limit ourselves to drab dresses just because it's winter?;) It's definitely all about layering!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

Cherie said...

i wish we have winter here *sigh* i totally adore the red herringbone coat! the color and pattern are just love ;)

xo, cherie of Parade of Dresses

Anna Grostina said...

love the clothes.

Oh to Be a Muse said...

the flats are really cute.

http://ohtobeamuse.com

Anonymous said...

I love dresses, too, and I just got some cute knitted ones at Zara!