Winter Is Long: Rethink Your Cold-Weather Classics to Get You Through in Style
Winter fashion doesn’t exactly give you much room to flex your creative muscles, what with surviving the mean conditions outside being the number one priority. And when you bundle up just to keep warm, it’s easy to fall into trusted formulas and well-meaning ruts. But if you’re ready to shake things up, there are other ways to do it than buying more clothes to play with. Instead, why don’t you try new ways to layer the sweaters you already own, a move that will promise to transform your wardrobe in seconds (and save you big bucks). Read on for 10 ways to get you started—get ready to change your winter garment game!
Start with a trusty sweater, then try it…
Layered Underneath Button Downs
Make use of those turtlenecks and thin sweaters by layering them underneath your collared shirts as Saray Martin of Dans Vogue did above. Not only will they keep you extra toasty during those meaner winter months, but they give you a chance to add a pop of color or print while still looking polished.
Paired With New Year’s Eve Skirts
Do you feel like your sequins go to waste by getting their chance to sparkle just one month a year? Move them into the weekday rotation by pairing your shimmery pencil skirts and party frocks with thick knits (the above street fashion shot from Pacific Coast News via Glamour shows how the look can be approachable without being over the top).
Underneath Suits Or Matching Sets
If you want to make a suit less stuffy, try pairing it with a cable knit sweater or a thick turtleneck like this look featured on Collage Vintage. The same goes with matching sets: for example, say you have a cardigan and trouser set made out of the same material and color. Adding a cozy knit takes some of the serious undertones out of the look, and gives it a cozy touch.
Layered On Top Of Patterned Sleeves
If you have a lace blouse or a top with a particularly fun print, try layering it underneath your sweater and rolling up the sleeves to let it peek out. This is a great way to add some pattern to an outfit when you’re not necessarily a fan of overdoing it. (Image via Harpers Bazaar)
Tucked Underneath Pinafores
Just because there’s frost on your car doesn’t mean you can’t wear your summer pinafores. Simply move them into winter weather by wearing your favorite sweaters or turtlenecks underneath, like fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois (right) did here, featured on Harpers Bazaar.
Paired Underneath Sleeveless Dresses
If you have a ton of party dresses and feel frustrated they don’t get much air time, Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko’s sartorial move is a genius workaround. Match those sleeveless frocks with clean-lined sweaters and sweatshirts, giving them a more “off duty” rather than “pink champagne” vibe. (Image via Harpers Bazaar)
Layered On Top Of Sheer Skirts
Sheer skirts are hard to style during the best of times, but one great trick to pull the trend off is to dress them down. And what better way to do that then with an oversized knit (the moto jacket in this shot from Stockholm Streetstyle is also a nice touch!) Select a sweater that goes down to your thighs, and pair the slouchy staple with a dainty sheer skirt. You’ll feel comfy and street-style ready all at once.
Double Layered
If you’ve been wearing your sweaters or turtlenecks half to death, a great way to shake up your formulas is to take a note from Blair of Atlantic-Pacific and double up on the knits you wear. So if you wear a thick turtleneck, try matching it with a printed, thinner turtleneck underneath, bringing print and color into the look. It’s a great way to breathe new life into old staples.