by Angela Huang
If you follow these easy guidelines, this will be—without a doubt—one of your most chic and warmest winters ever!
Understand Your Fabrics
Many reach for clothing made of the wrong fabric in the chillier months of winter. Thinking of wearing cotton long sleeves underneath a jacket? Think again. Cotton makes you feel colder as it lets air in. So put away your cotton t-shirts and continue reading. Understanding which fabrics keep you most insulated is key to staying chic in winter, as you won’t have to reach for that huge puffer jacket in the back of your closet. Wool is the perfect material for winter—it keeps you warm, even when it gets wet!
Undergarments are another thing. Silk is considered the perfect layering or undergarment material as it wicks away moisture and adapts to your body temperature. Having a silk undergarment is elegant, luxurious, and the ideal layering piece for fashionistas everywhere!
Tip: Worried that wool might not be fashionable enough? Find pieces that have leather or faux fur trims to transform them into chic, luxurious items!
Burberry Wool & Cashmere Intarsia Sweater; $495; saksfifthavenue.com
Andrew Marc + Richard Chai Lacey Leather & Wool Trench; $895; saksfifthavenue.com
Emilio Pucci Silk-Satin Blouse; $1,590; net-a-porter.com
Toasty Footwear
For those ladies who want to wear a dress during the colder months, just wearing tights with heels will not work. Consider wearing tall boots so that you can sneak in a pair of warm knee-high wool socks underneath. Or, look for boots that come lined with warm materials. Even better, wear boots like leggings and find thigh-high boots that cover the majority of your legs! Keeping your feet and legs warm is essential to staying comfortable overall in the winter.
Bonus: Some thigh-high boots can pass as pants or leggings. (Think Victoria Beckham with her coat and thigh-high boots.) Chic and covered up for winter? Yes!
Gucci GG Leather Fur-Lined Wedge Boots; price upon request; saksfifthavenue.com
Jimmy Choo Dart Shearling-Lined Leather Biker Boots; price upon request; saksfifthavenue.com
Stuart Weitzman ‘Lowland’ Over the Knee Boot; $785; shop.nordstrom.com
Paul Andrew Queensberry Suede and Leather Thigh-High Boots; $1,905; stylebop.com
Layer on the Accessories
Whether scarves, hats, or gloves, these accessories are fundamental for keeping you warm. Who likes icy hands and cold wind seeping in through the neckline? No one! Quality accessories will look luxurious and elegant when chosen and paired correctly. Dare to be different and look for accessories with a little more drama, whether it be in length, material, or color. Wearing short sleeves underneath a coat? Elbow-length gloves add a little surprise and drama to your look! Ears feeling a bit frozen? Add a standout blue earmuff!
Lanvin Long Leather Gloves $1,185; marissacollections.com
Karl Donoghue Shearling & Suede Earmuffs; $190; net-a-porter.com
Donna Karan Shearling Collar; $1,335; net-a-porter.com