Cozy & Practical: Essential elements for a fashionable winter:
BY WENDY RITZ
Living in upstate New York brings cold and snowy winters, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on style. You can still be cozy and practical while remaining stylish and comfortable. As we hunker down this winter, take advantage of these winter wardrobe essentials and tips, that will leave you feeling comfy, cozy, and rosy!
Winter Wardrobe Essential #1– Turtlenecks:
Layer under blazers, cardigans, dresses, sweaters or wear alone tucked into denim or your favorite pants. Turtlenecks are timeless and classic. Invest in neutral colors and pair with almost anything in your closet.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #2 – Tank Tops:
Find the ones you love and buy in bulk. Stick with the classic colors – white, black, cream – and layer under cardigans, jackets, blouses, and sweaters. Tanks always give a smoother look to your body. I recommend having at least two shapewear tanks for extra smoothing.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #3 – Athleisure:
This trend gives you an instant, effortless, chic vibe. Whether it’s sweatpants, yoga pants, cargo joggers, sneakers, or sweatshirts, comfort is always on point. Pair with a dressier piece to look chic and polished. For example, a lightweight cashmere sweater paired with athletic pants, ankle booties, and a blazer.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #4 – Vests:
I love vests because they add warmth and style without too much bulk. Try faux fur, puffy, suede, or an on-trend print this season. Pair vests with long sleeve shirts and tall boots. Having your boots match your vest in color will make you look even more pulled together.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #5 – Cardigans:
These are your. “comfort food” of sweaters. Cardigans are a year-round fashion accessory because they come in full length and 3/4 sleeves. Make sure to purchase a cardigan one size smaller so that it fits snug to avoid looking frumpy. Wear it open (never closed). The point of a cardigan is for extra warmth and to cover your arms. They also add color and style to a simple outfit.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #6 – Sweaters:
For the coziest and luxurious sweaters try knit, cashmere, cotton, chenille, and pair them with jeans, pants, and leggings. Don’t forget to add a scarf when heading outside.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #7 – Leggings:
Make sure you have lycra stretch pants or fleece-lined leggings in black, charcoal, and navy. These are your staple bottoms and three important building blocks of a smart functional winter wardrobe. Pair them with long sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, blazers, and jackets. Add a classy heeled boot and you’re ready for anything and anywhere.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #8 – Dark denim:
A great fitted pair of dark wash jeans are a must! Purchase bootcut or straight leg with a bit of stretch in them.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #9 – Winter boots:
Get out your all-time favorite slip-on boots and match them to a scarf, sweater, coat, or purse for a put-together look. Nothing looks more chic than a pair of boots that match a coat and a stylish handbag.
Winter Wardrobe Essential #10 – Black leather jacket:
A crop leather jacket is not just for the young; they are timeless and ageless. Wear it with everything you own. Invest in a quality black leather jacket (or faux) that fits at the waist.
Winter Wardrobe Essential Bonus Tips:
- Clothes look best when they fit well
- Define your waist no matter how big or small
- Keep your skirt and dress length to the knee
- Don’t show too much skin
- Keep it simple and add some great accessories
- Choose solids over loud prints
- Invest in a good, fitted bra
- Invest in shapewear
No matter what stage of life you are in, always remember to stay true to yourself. Cozy up and have a wonderful, warm fashionable winter season!
Wendy Ritz, owner of W Boutique in Glenmont, NY, is a fashion stylist and designer. Visit wboutiquefashion.com to learn more and follow her on Facebook for live shows.
