As we leave the holidays behind and head into the heart of winter, it’s really easy to get stuck in pure neutrals. Sometimes, our outfits reflect the weather around us: black, gray, white, and beige. And that’s totally fine. Depending on your personal aesthetic, you may never want to wear bold colors. But it’s still nice to add a splash color to our winter wardrobe. Not only does a color pop serve as a pick-me-up in the dog days of summer winter, but for those of you working up towards those bold colors, it’s good to start small before going big.
Add color to your wardrobe with a scarf
Accessories are by far the easiest way to add color to your winter wardrobe. Shoes, handbags, jewelry, and scarves all allow us to create visual interest while maintaining a neutral base. A splash of pink here, a yellow highlight there—accessories can breathe new life into our classic staples. Today, I’ve added subtle color by incorporating a cashmere scarf (similar) into a monochromatic blue base. The pink gradation isn’t overwhelming by any means, but it takes a classic look at pushes it that extra mile.
Talbots is generally my go-to for scarves, and I’ve paired with them before for breast cancer awareness. (But check out these affordable options from Walmart and Target.)
denim (similar) | ruffle neck blouse | puffer coat (similar) | puffer coat (similar 2) | puffer coat (similar 3) | puffer coat (similar 4) | cashmere scarf (similar 1) | cashmere scarf (similar 2) | cashmere scarf (similar 3) | boots | handbag (similar) | handbag (similar 2)
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How to layer your clothes
Layering represents the intersection between practicality and pure fashion. In cold climates, layering is absolutely necessary, and in milder climates, it’s practically necessary, as we’re constantly moving inside, outside, and back in again.
As a basic rule of thumb, winter layering can be decomposed into four parts.
- First layer. Well-fitting undergarments like tees, turtlenecks, or thermals.
- Mid-layer. Vests, crop tops, button-downs, blazers, and the like. (Note you can have more than one mid-layer: think button-down & blazer.)
- Outer layer. Any topcoat or jacket, poncho, shawl will do the trick here.
- Accessories. Scarves, jewelry, hats, handbags, etc. (Again, the easiest way to add a pop of color.)
Athens never gets too cold, so I often forego the first layer. Today’s OOTD features a ruffle neck blouse from J. Crew as my mid-layer, paired with a puffer coat (similar) for my outer and a cashmere scarf (similar) as my main accessory. I’ve linked several more coats and blouses below if you’re looking for something similar, but not exact.
denim (similar) | ruffle neck blouse | puffer coat (similar) | puffer coat (similar 2) | puffer coat (similar 3) | puffer coat (similar 4) | cashmere scarf (similar 1) | cashmere scarf (similar 2) | cashmere scarf (similar 3) | boots | handbag (similar) | handbag (similar 2)
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Spice up your outfit with Vince boots
There’s no better way to add that little something extra to a winter outfit than with a pair of boots. Almost paradoxically, combat boots represent that timeless freshness, no matter your age and no matter the trends. To my mind, the puffer jacket/combat boot combo is a classic cold-weather essential.
Here, I went with a pair of Vince boots, and you can never go wrong with a pair from Frye, arguably the best winter boots. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out these WEARELLAS combat boots.
denim (similar) | ruffle neck blouse | puffer coat (similar) | puffer coat (similar 2) | puffer coat (similar 3) | puffer coat (similar 4) | cashmere scarf (similar 1) | cashmere scarf (similar 2) | cashmere scarf (similar 3) | boots | handbag (similar) | handbag (similar 2)
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In case you missed it
This month, we’re all about reset, refresh, and renew. Make sure to check out yesterday’s the best way to clean your closet, and stay tuned for more ways to start the new year off right.
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Beth, how do you keep your swooped bangs in place?
Love those boots!
Hi, I’d love some examples / advice on styling a scarf, rather than just hanging it around my neck for color. Up here in NE we have to wear scarfs for warmth — and no open jackets LOL.
I’ll be so happy when the unflattering combat/lug boots go away! Other than those you look fresh, warm and lovely!
Lovely outfit – the blue blouse is especially fetching and I love the pink in the scarf. Here in Florida, puffer jackets give way to puffer vests. I agree with the boot theory. I treated myself to some Doc Martens a few years back but went with black velvet vs leather just to soften them up a bit. Thank you for all the work in 2021. I look forward to 2022 with you!
For your many true northern followers a post with your advice about outdoor dressing for -20 degrees would be wonderful. Thermal pants, snow boots, puffer coats either long or short, hats, gloves etc. You make everything look chic and sophisticated. How do we do that in the depths of a true winter. thanks
accessories! hats, scarves, gloves add warmth but personality. buy coats in neutral colors then add accessories with pops of color and pattern.