Winter Style {Advice from yours truly}

Good morning cutie pie

Looking well-rested and fresh faced as ever this AM. Some of you may already know that winter has definitely arrived in Calgary, Alberta. Cold weather = snow = winter = totally cute winter wear :) {YES}

Today we are chatting about my fav thing. Style {& shopping, duh}.

I am SUPER excited to share style tips and outfit options I’ve put together for you. It’s no secret that Santa is coming. And coming FAST. That means Christmas Party season is starting {if it hasn’t already}… DON’T. FREAK. OUT.

I’ve got some advice and options that would put even Ugly Betty on the Best Dressed page.

Super Stylin’ Guide to Women’s Winter Wear:

***NOTE: Santa may be watching you, but so is everyone else. Dress the part ladies ;) ***

A couple rules before we get into the specifics:

Winter wear is all about layers layers layers ladies!!!!
The last thing we want is to be frozen to the point of tears, which is NOT cute. Layers also bring not only warmth but texture and dimension to a mediocre outfit.

Earth tones are totally in.
When I say earth tones, I don’t mean neutrals. I mean rich taupe, brown, dark olive, black, grey and throw in some burgundy too.

• Accessories {Scarves, Gloves, Jewels & Bags Oh my!}

Accessories. Just as important as the outfit itself, especially in the winter. We want those chic leather gloves and warm, fluffy scarves on. I’ve hyperlinked some of my favs from Aritzia, H&M and Zara.  Go for big scarves that you can wrap a couple times for those super chilly days.

Possibly the best accessory a girl can have is a chunky, sparkly statement necklace. My top 3 favourite brands are Bauble Bar, Stella & Dot and J. Crew. Check em out. Bauble Bar is a great company with awesome customer service and constantly having sales! ALSO. Ear Cuffs. These are the hot new thing girlfriend. Check em out. {There is a great option on the Christmas Party Polyvore collage below}

{First: Marine Contessa Bib Second: Delicate Teardrop Frost Strand from Bauble Bar}

You gotta have a great bag for winter. I suggest getting something dark and versatile. Preferably one that can be cross body for easy carrying while bundled up but also can double as a shoulder bag which is always a great look. I’m a huge Zac Posen fan but also love this Rebecca Minkoff Moonstruck bag that I use everyyyyywhere. It’s very practical, versatile and edgy all at the same time.

{Rebecca Minkoff Moonstruck}

• Sweaters and Vests

I’m bringing back that leather vest from Fall we talked about. A great layering piece. Throw it on over a long sleeve, add a fluffy scarf and you’ve created yourself a trendy, edgy, practical outfit.

My FAV winter staple for every closet. A {faux} fur vest. It truly does bring all of the winter style rules into one super trendy clothing article. Warmth, layers, earth tones and texture/dimension. Have fun with it! Check my Frisky Fall post for great fur vest options.

Everyone needs at least ONE cashmere sweater. Check out Hudsons Bay Lord & Taylor sweaters for a great basic black sweater {necessary}. Another one of my favourites is from the Velvet clothing line. Their sweaters are ultra soft and keep me toasty on those cold winter days.

{Beige Chrissa Sweater by Velvet}

Lastly, I’m not a huge cape advocate being 5 foot 1 on a good day. Having said that, I am in LUVVV with this Ionic Cape from Aritzia. Just make sure you grab an earth tone {I chose Olive} ;).

{Ionic Cape from Aritzia}

• Pants

Joggers are trendy and totally in right now. They don’t have to be silk but I highly recommend it. Joggers paired with a chunky heel bootie are super trendy. LADIES, embrace it. Comfort and style ALL IN ONE. My favourite joggers right now are the Cebu Pant by Community at Aritzia. I also have the Marais Pant by Wilfred from Aritzia which is a staple in my wardrobe.

Leather leggings are a main attraction in my closet. Mine are a Wilfred Leather Legging much like these. Don’t be afraid of leather leggings. Pair them with long shirts, blazers, sweaters, etc. Anything that covers your bottom end.

Last but not least, Skinnies. Oxblood, Olives or black Skinnies {duh} are my go to for winter bottom wear. These earth tones bring outfits together. Also, make sure to check out the J Brands below {but in WEST POINT, a dark olive colour} or the Rag & Bone option featured here.

• Footwear

Okay, shoes. This is a HUGE area of discussion for winter wear. I HIGHLY suggest chunky heels {grip that ground girl}. No matter what kind of situation you are in, these sole grippers options will be well worth the price.

Also, zippers are totes in. My most fav options are featured in the Polyvore collage below. Make sure you go with either ‘black’ or ‘taupe’ coloured footwear to really bring your outfit together.

Lastly, remember, ankle booties booty booty.  These are the new THANNGG. I’m a believer in making your legs look long and lean which is a something certain pointed toe ankle booties can do {featured below}.

 

 Coats

VITAL. We need big, thick, warm coats ladies. I mean we’re tough, but not tough enough to battle Mother Nature.

There are several fashion statements going around: Blazer, Cocoon, Leather Sleeves and Fur.

I happen to strongly agree with Joel. Tailored is always best in my mind. Always go for a belt to define that waist. We’re not all kate moss look alikes. Check out my favs below. :)

Christmas Party Outfits

Christmas Party Season. Let’s explore some options here. We don’t alllllll wanna wear a dress and heels. Or a boring black dress pant and top. Sometimes we want to spruce it up and feel extra special. Welcome to my life.

Blazers, silk pant, maybe a crop top? Why not.

{Pants: Marais Pant from Aritzia; Top: Wilfred from Aritzia; Blazer: H&M}

Long sleeve blouse + skirt is a fav this season. Choose are dark, simple skirt on the bottom {super flattering} with a light or patterned blouse on top. High necks are super chic and look less business-y then compared to a button down option.

{Blouse: Zara; Skirt: Power skirt from BCBG}

Now let’s talk jumpsuits. Calm down. These things are a) comfy and b) stylish. They are everywhere right now and you NEED to get one. For shizzle. Check the collage below ;)

Lastly, let’s dress it up girlfriend. What about a dress + sparkly blazer {maybe some sequins?}. This is for the fancy Christmas Parties. Let’s show off that figure and bring in the holiday spirit with some saucy-ness ;)

Check out the collage below and ENJOY. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please leave a message below. Much love Munchkinz ;)

xxoo Drea Marie