It happens every winter: First come the fallen leaves, then comes the fallen temperature, and then ultimately, your fallen ego as you’re forced to break out the dreaded winter gear that makes you look like a yeti bounty hunter (you know, the enormous, puffy coat with the clunky boots and yards upon yards of fluffy fleece and flannel). The truth is, we sacrifice a lot to stay warm, including fluid mobility and, well, looking stylish. But it doesn’t always have to be this way.
Believe it or not, it is possible to make practical winter wear fashionable. Think out-of-the-box layering. Think texture mixing. Everything you need to get sartorially inspired this season is down below. Scroll through for seven winter looks that are as chic as they are practical. Don’t you just love functional fashion?
1. PLAY WITH PROPORTIONS
Open the doors for proportion-play by layering a down vest over an oversized sweater. Pair it with some high waisted trousers and finish with a roomy coat.
2. LOAD IT ALL ON
Commit to this whole layering game and wear a coat over a fleece vest, over a matching sweater. But don’t just stop there. Pull on pair of stirrup leggings over combat boots over, chunky socks. Then finish with a hat and a pair of gloves for good measure.
3. AMP UP THE VOLUME
Pair a king-sized sweater with a voluminous women puffer coat for va-va-volume. Nix the pants and opt in for tights and a pair of statement boots.
4. MODERNIZE CLASSICS
Choose classics with modern twists, such this striped sweater with buttons along one shoulder. Style it with a pair of tried-and-true jeans, updated with raw hems. Finish with a women parka jacket.
5. POWER UP WITH COLOR BLOCKING
Go bold and play with color contrasts. A pair of super saturated gloves can do wonders when worn with a brightly hued fleece.
6. GO MENSWEAR
Rethink leggings as pants and wear them under a dress. In fact, while you’re at it, layer some more by adding a turtleneck underneath. Add a pair of wingtip boots and you’ll really take this menswear-influenced look to the next level.
7. MIX AND MATCH TEXTURES
Elevate your look with a pair of leather leggings that are as chic as they are warm. Then mix with cable knit and wool for a truly playful take on texture.
