By Solana Dulin
While fashion is a form of self-expression and creativity, it is essential to human survival. Clothing is used to protect our bodies from harsh weather and environments, and this is integral to winter fashion. While many people dread the cold seasons and reluctantly turn to ugly sweaters and dusty jackets they drag out of their closets, they often forget that winter is arguably the most fashionable season of all. While warmer seasons such as summer and spring allow for light and comfortable pieces such as skirts and t-shirts, winter provides a more mature and wise mood when it comes to clothing. From dark color palettes to unique silhouettes, winter (in my humble opinion) is the cool older sibling of the seasons. If you or a friend seek to elevate your winter fashion and cringe at the thought of wearing a sweater knitted by your loving yet unfortunately unstylish aunt, I encourage you to follow these tips and tricks.
Tip #1 - Layering
Ah, layers. Layering is key to creating an outfit with dimension. It also can be used to create some awesome color combinations. However, if you’re still getting used to this technique, using solid color garments to layer under patterned or more colorful ones is a super-easy way to level up your outfit. Using simple colors to layer under louder pieces makes the loud pieces pop even more. Black and white are my go-to solid colors for simple layering, and they’ll look good with pretty much everything. On top of that, layering keeps you warm, so it’s honestly a win-win for all winter fashion lovers like myself, and even winter fashion haters. I encourage you to use bold colors and patterns to layer underneath other garments. Below are some examples of awesome layering, using both “plain” colors, and fun patterns.
“Plain” layering uses a lot of muted colors and simple shapes to create an elegant yet effective silhouette. Usually is seen most in pastel aesthetics such as light academia and soft aesthetics.
Popular under-layering pieces:
Turtlenecks
Collared-shirts
T-shirts/cropped shirts
“Bold” layering uses unconventional colors and uses unique pattern combinations. Can be used for many different styles, such as alt, y2k, retro, and more.
Popular over-layering pieces:
Vests
Bralettes or corsets
Tip #2 - Oversizing
Incorporating oversized pieces into outfits allows for you to stay stylishly warm. Whether it’s a sweater (not the one knit by your aunt), or a colorful jacket, oversized clothing will automatically make you feel wrapped in a warm hug. Like all of the tips in this list, oversized clothing is incredibly flexible and can be styled to fit many different aesthetics. Large tops and sweaters can be used as statement pieces, or they can use any color in the rainbow to fit the wearer’s style.
Oversized clothing is limited not to tops! Below are some awesome examples of using oversized bottoms. I recommend combining an oversized bottom with a tiny top. Combining different sizing and shapes creates amazing outfits in general.
Tip #3 - Warm Materials
The appeal of warm materials is the best way to bring those winter fashion-haters to the dark side. The love of warm materials comes from their functionality and practicality in the winter seasons. Other winter fashion shortcuts, such as layering, cleverly combine multiple garments constructed from thin fabrics and layer them to create warmth. One of the downsides to this strategy, however, is the fear of losing form and shape in an outfit, and instead becoming a marshmallow made out of t-shirts and sweaters. This tends to be a turn-off for winter fashion haters, but a quick remedy to this is the usage of warm materials. Warm materials are warm to begin with. When using warm materials, layering is not needed, and the construction of shape and form to an outfit becomes much easier. Below are some popular warm materials used to create simple yet effective outfits.
Denim
Ever since its popularization in the United States in the 1950s, denim has always been praised for its durability and its ability to appear so stylish, despite mainly being restricted to shades of blue. Of course, denim has evolved with the rest of fashion throughout the decades and is now available in every color of the rainbow. Denim is popular in all 4 seasons and can be used in all kinds of garments, such as jeans, jackets, skirts, and more. One of the only downsides is that it is not ideal for conserving heat, and thus makes it more popular during warmer seasons. I recommend investing in denim garments combining other warmer materials. A fur-lined denim jacket is a perfect example.
Leather
Leather is a truly magical material, and a godsend for those (like myself) whose bodies can’t decide whether it wants to be hot or cold. Leather is popular in its ability to warm to the body temperature of the wearer, which means it will adapt to the wearer’s comfort and needs. On top of its amazing natural weather tech and durability, leather itself is an ideal material for statement pieces with its shine and polished look that automatically elevates any outfit it touches. Leather can also be made artificially, and you can choose to buy sustainable leather clothing that is not made of animal. While leather can be used in a multitude of garments, I’m a sucker for a classic leather jacket. (especially when it’s oversized!)
Corduroy
For those who want to feel hugged by a warm blanket in the shape of clothes, corduroy is the fabric for you. Renowned for its warmth and unique texture, corduroy can be used for a variety of different garments. While denim is popular in shades of blue, and leather is popular in darks and neutrals, corduroy is often colored in several colors and prints. It is probably my absolute favorite of winter materials, and I recommend finding the perfect pair of corduroy pants.
Shoutout to Jasmine Le, absolutely adore her style
In Conclusion
Fashion can be used for all seasons, and winter is definitely not an exception. For all you winter-fashion haters out there (WFHs for short), I hope these tips and tricks will allow you to have an enjoyable and stylish winter. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, and a happy whatever else you celebrate.
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