Since daylight savings time started, since seasonal affective disorder (SAD) set in, itâÄôs hard to wake up in the morning and decide to dress like an active member of society. But it can be done without too much effort.
To some, winter means cashmere sweaters, knit scarves and pea coats. To others, it means sweatpants tucked into four-year-old Uggs and giving up on life entirely.
No matter what your body type, getting ready in the morning should be enjoyable. Finding staple pieces makes dressing easy, as it should be. The human species doesnâÄôt hibernate, so look alive and look sassy.
First, ditch the sweatpants (and toss your light-washed flares while youâÄôre at it). Trade in this terrible excuse for leg-wear for winter leggings or multiple layers of tights. American ApparelâÄôs winter leggings are thick enough to be worn on their own or under a pair of jeans for extra warmth.
Second, invest in some sort of fur âÄî real or fake. A fur coat is always classy. It can go with jeans, a skirt or dress without failure. Fur coats are cheap at most second-hand stores, so donâÄôt use cost as an excuse.
Leather is also a durable and swank alternative to your Columbia. The sheer density of leather will keep out the wind better than one of those dubiously named âÄúwind breakers,âÄù which, aside from their seasonably inviting nomenclature, suggest publicly breaking wind.
If you simply cannot part from your Uggs, just donâÄôt wear them with a skirt or, again, with your sweatpants tucked into them (but you already ditched those, so that shouldnâÄôt matter).
No matter how much people bash Ugg boots, it cannot be denied that they are practical. The warm fur on the inside keeps your feet nice and cozy. The keyword there is âÄúinside.âÄù Boots with fur on the outside is a fashion choice that should be avoided at all costs. ThereâÄôs a reason women shave their legs âÄî you donâÄôt want fur around your ankles.
Note to the adventurous: Winter doesnâÄôt mark the end of heels. The well trained can effectively sport elevated footwear. As long as your feet are sufficiently covered and not shoveling up snow as you walk, spiked heels can work as crampons.
Third, layers donâÄôt mean bulk. Wearing a hoodie with a front pocket brings attention to the stomach and, no matter how thin you are, will be unappealing. Invest in cashmere. ItâÄôs lightweight, snug and one of the softest fabrics around. This, too, is cheap at second-hand stores (donâÄôt forget to pick up a fur coat while youâÄôre at it).
With less sunlight, some automatically want to paint it black. While black is appropriately slimming against the blinding white urban landscapes of the University of Minnesota, sweaters can be found in a variety of colors, so donâÄôt be shy if you fall in love with a bright pink mohair.
Winter is the time to put away the pastel florals and seersuckers and break out the perennial favorites such as houndstooth, argyle and plaid. These patterns should replace all of your tie-dye from summer.
Dressing for winter doesnâÄôt have to be a chore, and you donâÄôt have to appear as if you are in a slight coma. A proper outfit can be assembled inexpensively and getting dressed in the morning will be fun once more.
Whatever you wear, you have to own it. Be bold, wear four-inch heels in the winter. As Betsey Johnson said, âÄúGirls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, theyâÄôd just walk around naked at all times.âÄù
And winter is far too cold for that.
