5 Winter Style Formulas to Take the Stress Out of Dressing
We’ve all been there, standing in our closet, sipping our coffee with the clock ticking. You have to be out the door in 20 minutes! Your eyes blankly stare at all of your clothes hanging on the hangars. That’s when that all too familiar feeling sinks in and you think for the millionth time “I’ve got nothing to wear” Zero. Zilch. Nada.
Your eyes glance at the clock again. Now you only have 15 minutes to get ready! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Right?! Is it too late to buy something new? Definitely too late for that.
But wait! Hasn't Beth talked about style formulas on the blog before? Yes! Not only does a style or outfit formula come in handy when we’re short on time, but it’s a starting point for relying on those wardrobe staples we need to have on hand. No muss no fuss outfit formulas will not only save you oodles of time and energy but they’ll help create a polished and chic outfit that will help you step out the door in confidence.
But what is an outfit formula? Simply put an outfit or style formula consists of those go-to pieces in your closet that you can mix and match to create endless outfits.
Just think of it as a math equation. It can consist of several items like Jeans + a T-Shirt + Sweater + Blazer or fewer items like a Dress + Blazer. Perhaps you’ve heard of a French Style Formula.
Let’s look at former French Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt who is a perfect example of a style formula in action. Emmanuelle prefers relaxed jeans + button-ups + kitten heels. But she experiments with different colors, textures, and fabrics. Sometimes her uniform exchanges a sleek pair of black slacks for jeans or she’ll wear boots instead of kitten heels.
Once you have your equation in place you can get creative with different variations so you’re not wearing the exact same outfit every day. There’s definitely flexibility once your formula is in place.
While we’re in the throes of winter - January and February can be so challenging not only style-wise but every which way-wise. There’s harsh weather to contend with slushy snow and single-digit temps. Brrrr! Throw in light deprivation since the sun sets at 5:30 pm and it’s all too easy to pull the covers over our heads and stay in bed.
It’s easy to get in a style rut when the weather outside is frightful. Believe me, I trudged through many a snowbank all through my childhood, college, and beyond. My junior year of college was spent navigating mounds of snow that built up from a blizzard that blew through town in early January. I swear we didn’t see the sidewalks until April. No joke!
So I know firsthand that it’s easy to slip into a winter outfit that consists of oversized sweaters and sweatpants with an elastic waistband which is a style uniform of sorts but not one we’re happy to step out the door in with our heads raised high.
So let’s take a look at a few style formulas to get your creative juices flowing because it’s definitely possible to look stylish even when the winter winds blow. Let’s take a look!
The Summary
Today, I'm featuring 5 winter style formulas to take the stress out of dressing
For each style formula, I've pulled in a recent outfit to demonstrate
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5 Winter Style Formulas to Take the Stress Out of Dressing
1. Chelsea Boots
Chelsea Boots + Leather Leggings + White Shirt + Sweater + Puffer Vest
Since I rely on classic items to keep me at the top of my style game let’s take a look at an outfit that starts with the classic Chelsea Boot.
Fun Fact. Chelsea boots inherited their name from the popular and trendy area of London in the 60s named Chelsea. Both men and women were spotted wearing Chelsea boots which are close-fitting ankle boots with a tab on the back of the boot that makes it easy to pull it on.
Everyone from The Beatles to famous English supermodel Jean Shrimpton wore the iconic Chelsea Boots. Even though this boot rose to popularity during the mod, hip, and swinging scene of 60s London the boot design is credited to Queen Victoria’s shoemaker Joseph Sparkes Hall and was originally called Paddock Boots. Queen Victoria commissioned her shoemaker to create a boot without laces because they kept getting stuck in her stirrups while riding.
Now let’s take a look at one of our style formulas:
Chelsea Boots + Leather Leggings + White Shirt + Sweater + Puffer Vest
Note this outfit formula has several elements but again you can tweak this to suit not only your climate but your lifestyle.
This is an easy weekend look to put together that helps you navigate colder outdoor temps while staying stylish thanks to the Chelsea boots and a pair of cashmere socks. If you’re living in a colder climate layers are key so I added a white shirt underneath the sweater for extra warmth.
Vegan leather leggings are a chic elevation to your wardrobe and a nice change of pace from jeans. It gives the outfit a polished sleek silhouette. Since I live in a moderate climate I opted for a puffer vest but, again, it can easily be exchanged for a puffer jacket.
the outfit
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2. The Chunky Turtleneck
Chunky Turtleneck + Jeans + Booties + Puffer Jacket
Give me all the turtlenecks all winter long! They’re a practical yet stylish option to stay warm. Can you believe turtlenecks have been around since Medieval times?!
Knights wore them underneath their suits of armor to prevent neck abrasions. In the 1800s polo players in England started wearing turtlenecks as part of their uniform. That’s when the term “polo neck” was coined.
The rest of the 19th century saw the turtleneck reserved for the working class as fishermen and factory workers wore them strictly for warmth and protection against the elements.
Fast forward to the 50s and the movie Funny Face starring Audrey Hepburn. Audrey wore a simple black turtleneck, black cigarette pants, and a pair of black ballet flats. She stole the scene and our hearts and I daresay this classic outfit has stood the test of time.
During the 90s Steve Jobs was seen wearing nothing but a black turtleneck. He claimed he had 100 iterations of the wardrobe staple by Japanese designer Issey Miyake.
These days the turtleneck has been reimagined a gazillions times by emerging designers and luxury fashion brands alike. From sleek and skintight to chunky and oversized there’s definitely a style you will find to your liking. They look fantastically layered underneath a blazer or a peacoat.
One of my favorite style formulas starts with a:
Chunky Turtleneck + Jeans + Booties + Puffer Jacket
It’s a casual outfit made in heaven thanks to an oversized turtleneck with a relaxed silhouette that’s comfortable yet sophisticated. It looks fantastic with any pair of jeans you throw it’s way but I decided a pair of on-trend cropped flares would add a modern look as well as give me a chance to show off my suede booties. Add a plaid puffer jacket that’s toasty warm without being too heavy or bulky and I’m ready for the weekend.
the Outfit
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3. Classic Breton Top
Breton Tee + Relaxed Jeans + Cardigan + Loafers
Did you know that the Breton striped tee started life in the French Navy in 1858? The original sailor tee sported 21 stripes, one for each of Napolean’s victories. The distinctive pattern of stripes made it easier to spot a sailor in the sea if by chance he fell overboard. Yikes!
At the turn of the 20th century, on a visit to the French Riviera, Coco Chanel spied the tee on a navy seaman and knew she wanted a striped tee in her 1917 nautical collection. Coco originally paired the tee with flared trousers and a trend began.
This look was a breakaway from the heavily corseted fashion popular at the time so you can imagine the outcry from the critics. Women in trousers? Striped tee? Separates? It seems so matter of fact these days, sporting a Breton tee and trousers but way back when it took one brave woman to change fashion forever.
This style equation starts with the iconic:
Breton Tee + Relaxed Jeans + Cardigan + Loafers
Again, I’m keeping the look easy breezy, and oh-so casual as my lifestyle is very casual from day to day. I chose a long sleeve timeless Breton tee in heavy-weight cotton from St. James from Normandy, France I purchased on one of my trips to Paris.
It’s one of my favorite striped tees, and believe me: I love and own a number of stripe tees. I added a pair of relaxed jeans for a casual chic look and added a pair of black loafers in keeping with the classic lines this outfit offers. A sporty letterman’s cardigan is added for not only warmth but a little fun!
the Outfit
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4. A Neutral Look
White Denim + Camel Turtleneck + Camel Coatigan + Leopard Pumps + Leopard Belt
A style formula that starts with neutrals is a go-to any time of year. But many of you ask if it’s appropriate to wear white denim even in the dead of winter. To which I reply “yes” unless the streets are slushy and sloppy.
So always let your weather dictate your fashion choices. But, if you have blue skies and sunshine then by all means wear white denim all winter long. It’s a fashion “do” these days.
Personally, I love how white brightens a dreary winter day. But the best part is white is a neutral that goes with everything. Black, grey, and camel are my favorite neutrals to pair with white. There’s something so chic and simple about any of those color combinations. But I think my very favorite is camel and white.
This next style equation starts with neutrals:
White Denim + Camel Turtleneck + Camel Coatigan + Leopard Pumps + Leopard Belt
White denim for winter is a perfect way to start your day. Add a sleek camel turtleneck and camel coatigan for a sophisticated look that’s still very casual.
Since my climate is typically mild I added leopard pumps and a leopard belt to add a pop of pattern. Leopard shoes, belts, and handbags are wardrobe staples I love to pull out any chance I get.
Similar Outfit
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5. Add a Black Base
Monochrome Base + Statement Piece
Basics are essential to creating versatility in your wardrobe. Most of us have a black turtleneck and black pants on hand. It may sound counterintuitive but basics are anything but boring. As a matter of fact, they can create a simple outfit that lets a statement piece take center stage.
The next style equation starts with a:
Black Base + Statement Piece
Again, having your closet stocked with closet staples in neutral colors will make putting together an outfit as easy as 1,2,3.
It starts with a monochrome outfit or in my case a black base with a sleek turtleneck and black pants from Spanx. They’re the Perfect Wide Leg pant that are designed for a roomy and relaxed fit. I think I’m in love!
Wear this outfit with boots or pumps and you have a beautiful outfit that will take you to work or the weekend. And since I’m wearing a monochromatic outfit I can amp up the volume with a statement piece. And nothing looks better on a cold winter day than a pop of color. Step in a bold red coat that brightens any gloomy day!
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A great reminder for those moments when we’re feeling we have nothing to wear. Love your Poshmark Closet. Too bad we’re not the same size. Good luck with this newest endeavor.
Ha! The wondering if I have time to shop crosses my mind on the regular. Thanks for these style formulas to save my sanity and my wallet.
Hi Beth,
Great post! I have been following you for a number of years and have printed out pictures of outfits that I particularly love and keep copies in a little binder in my closet. When I have the sinking “I don’t know what to wear” feeling, I pull it out and put together a cute outfit quickly. Many thanks.