Staying Warm, Looking Hot:

The Weather Outside is frightful, but you still want to look Delightful!

By Kieran O’Brien

The same thing happens every year, the temperature dips below 40 degrees and your look changes from Audrey Hepburn to the Abominable Snow Woman. Put the Puffer Jacket down . . .Put it DOWN! We have a solution! Contrary to popular belief and every L.L. Bean catalog one might encounter next to their dad’s chair, Staying warm does not necessarily relegate you to wide whale corduroy and Norwegian sweaters!

With these simple techniques, you’ll be at ease in the outdoors without alienating your inner Audrey.

The first layer, let’s start from the ground up!

Thermals, that layer closest to your skin. The waffle knits of times gone by have long been banished from the kingdom of couture and been replaced by its far more appealing silky knit cousin. The pieces have a sleek fit and a hint of sheen. With a variety of necklines to choose from: v-neck, mock neck, and round neck they are versatile enough to be your first layer or your visual layer. The leggings are body conscious and won’t cause unsightly lumps.

The visual layer, also known as the fashion statement!

While it’s very tempting to roll into your 8 a.m. class in your sledding polar bear pajamas with matching travel mug, your outfit represents you to your peers, professors, and that cute guy in the coffee place!  The look for this season is all about layers; cute short sleeve sweaters over long sleeve shirts are a cozy option on a cold morning. If you’re looking for something crisper for daytime, a trouser jean with a fitted merino wool sweater and a coordinating (but not matching) jacket is sure to make you the standout in the lecture hall. With a change of jewelry and jacket to a longer coat you can transition the daytime look into a dinner look.

Going out for the evening? You still won’t be left in the cold!

For the thermally challenged, the sweater dress’ comeback couldn’t have been better timed!  From a more body conscious sleek fit to a universal flatterer the trapeze, the sweater dress, paired with opaque tights and knee high boots or skinny jeans for daytime will not only keep you warm, it will keep you noticed.

The final frontier! Outerwear and accessories!

 These elements of style protect you from the elements. Pick a coat which shape flatters yours. Wool and wool blends are classic choices for warmth. The new selections of down outerwear have utilized stylized shaping to flatter your figure and minimize the Michelin effect. Scarves, hats and gloves are where you can really have fun with color. Match them to your outfit and go crazy with patterns. For warmth, your best bets are fleece or wool. Ski gloves are never an option off the slopes! My secret for keeping hands warm and soft is simple. Apply moisturizer to your hands then put on moisturizing gloves underneath your usual gloves. They are made of cotton and elastane and trap the moisture and heat next to your skin.

Don’t let the bad weather trap you in frumpy winter wear!

Get outside and look good!