Winter Vibes and Styling Ideas
or: some inspiration for the smack dap middle of winter blues
(Buckle up, it’s a long one…no brevity in 2024…at least not yet!) We are entering the time of year that I look forward to the very least. The glory of fall is in the rearview mirror, we’re through the holiday season and the initial excitement that comes with pulling out winter pieces has faded as we have to dress more and more functionally to make it outside and endure the weather every day. In New England, we will have cold weather at least through the middle of March (please don’t comment to tell me it will be winter longer than that. I know. I need to tell myself things change in March to preserve my mental health). As most retailers are releasing resort collections, and pre/early spring is not too far off, it will be a long time before those pieces are seasonally appropriate for us in the Northeast. It can be mentally challenging to see all those new, shiny, warm-weather pieces, but know that you’re not wearing them anytime soon! Plus, I’m in the midst of a no-buy month, so just window/internet browsing for me right now!
It’s easy to feel as though you are in a style rut, or have nothing to wear when the weather has you down. Or, when the weather makes you feel like you have no options or choices (boots I have to wear to be able to trek through 12+ inches of snow, I’m looking at you). It can suck a little bit of the fun out of getting dressed.
When I start to feel this way - like I’m not having fun anymore, or that I HAVE to wear something I’m sick of, the next feeling is usually that I have nothing to wear, my entire wardrobe sucks and I have terrible taste.
Cue - shopping. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. I love to shop! But, I’ve noticed that when my shopping is emotionally triggered (eg: the feeling that I have nothing to wear) it doesn’t always yield the best purchase decisions. It leads to an impulse purchase that delivers a dopamine hit but has probably a 1 in 5 of chance of actually being something I need or really want.
That said, January also feels like the real change of seasons. Like, “Toto, we’re not in autumn anymore,” you know? And so maybe it’s also a natural time to feel like your wardrobe needs a bit of a refresh. Plus, if you’re smart and a little lucky - you might be able to get a great price on something you will wear right away (since it’s sale season and retailers are clearing inventory!)
This past fall, when I wrote about how I approach the change of seasons, it was a really popular post. I talked about trends and vibes for the Fall (and winter) season, and then went into my own process for developing and executing on a seasonal wishlist, and about how to pull the pieces all together!
All of the vibes & trends from that post still apply, but the change of year and the change in weather have me thinking, “YES, AND!” I’ve been thinking about and noticing what everyone is wearing, what I’m inspired by, how I can incorporate it into my own repertoire, and, of course, how I can make getting dressing feel easier and more fun during this dark, cold time of year.
So, today - what are the winter vibes that have caught my eye, and how might you incorporate them into your outfits (without buying a whole new wardrobe - because, you don’t need more stuff, you need more ideas), or infuse one or two new pieces into your wardrobe to leverage throughout this season.
The Vibe: In Words & Visuals
As I did in the fall, I created an extremely official and data-driven summary of the vibes and fun things that I have been seeing, drawn to, and inspired by.
I use the notes app on my phone to “organize” (in quotes because it’s quite chaotic, if I were being precise in my language I would say that I document, not necessarily organize), my thoughts on everything, but, specifically, in this case, the vibes for this upcoming season. I’ve created it, edited it, added to it, removed things and modified things. I’m sure there are things that are missing/wrong/imperfect (like, if I even look at instagram again after I write this there will be some other trend people are raving about) but at some point (at many points), I have to remind myself that perfect is the enemy of good enough, and move on.
And then, of course (unfortunately?) no list is complete without an accompanying visual (thank you to Pinterest for still crushing it however many years later). I think the combo of the two creates a written and visual mood board. My brain needs words and pictures, I don’t make the rules. If you read my post about my No-Buy January, then you saw that I use the Notes app to cultivate my wishlist, as well as a list of someday/maybe purchases (aka my delusional desires), a list of closet gaps, and things I don’t like/will never wear but might be tempted to buy. All lists are supplemented with visuals from Pinterest boards to keep chaos and stimulation at a constant high (a healthy state of panic, you know?). I recently learned about Locker, which I haven’t had time to explore, but am extremely interested in diving into when I can!
Note: If you prefer, you can browse all the pieces in this post (linked & displayed)
Unpacking & Styling
So we have our list and we have our visuals, let’s unpack a few, and get into how you might style them!
LONG COATS (double-breasted, wrap-style or menswear-inspired)
Let’s start with the thing you see most often - outerwear. Not just a layering piece in the winter (well, if you live in a cold winter climate). Many of us have high functional needs for our coats! Length is the name of the game in coats right now - whether it’s a double-breasted coat, a wrap coat, or anything oversized or menswear-inspired - the silhouettes are leaning long. An elegant coat that you love is one of the best ways to feel put together and “dressed” no matter what your other clothes look like. The idea of a coat “making” outfit is one that I’ve historically resisted because coats are expensive. Although the idea of the cost per wear argument is one we all know, it is still hard to dedicate that much $ to a single item. However, if you shift the way you think about it a little bit into not just cost per wear, but also - how wonderful it is to find something that has beautiful form, the needed function, and you actually CAN wear it every day - how wonderful is that? In the past couple years I’ve focused on (slowly!) adding coats/jackets into my wardrobe and I think it’s paying off. This season, I went for navy with the coat I added to my closet this year, it was a moderate investment (I could have easily spent much more, but this was also a very fair price for a mostly wool, consciously made, fully lined coat) and I feel great when I wear it. Like, really great. It elevates everything I am wearing. I wear my coat with everything (and you can wear any great full-length winter coat with anything).
A little tip: If you don’t want to buy anything new, or spend a lot - GO TO A THRIFT STORE. There are so many older coats out there that give this chic, classy, oversized vibe. Take it to a tailor if you need to. You could find something amazing on a major budget.
GLACIAL BLUE
In the colder months, I lean into my love for neutrals - my wardrobe is filled with black, navy, brown, white, cream, greys (and all the shades in between). But, I also love to add a pop of color every now and then. I don’t see this so much as hopping on a trend, but more as a carefully selected colorful piece (usually a shirt or sweater for me, in a shape/style that I know I will love) will make a statement, but can still be worn with mostly everything in my closet. I love blue, but lean towards darker shades in the winter, and I’m loving the sky or glacial blue that I’ve been seeing little snips of over and over again.
This sweater specifically, has me drooling - I have many stripes (and several Marins) in my closet but the plum and ice blue feels like a unique take - I don’t have anything quite like it in my closet. Plus, we know you will wear your sweater so many different ways! Another great blue option if you love stripes!
I LOVE a slip skirt - it’s one of my go-tos for anytime I want to feel dressed up in winter, so a skirt would be a great way to add some color, because I could wear this with basically any other top I have in my closet.
LEATHER
Arguably leather is always in, but I feel like I blinked and all of a sudden I am seeing leather everywear - not just in your standard pants or moto-jackets but also in blazers, bombers (I really, really love this one), full-length coats. I love the look of a leather jacket (if I were picking something I would probably lean into the moto-direction) now with sweaters and other winter layers, but then also in the spring/summer over dresses. I love the way they play with more feminine pieces!
A little tip: Another fantastic piece to thrift! There are amazing pieces to be found!
LAYERING WITH SWEATERS, BUT NOT AS A SWEATER
If you follow anyone “fashiony” on instagram, then you have undoubtedly seen sweaters being worn over the shoulder (obviously), but also across your body, around your waist, as a scarf, over a blazer or your jacket. I love this! Without buying anything new, you can make an outfit feel really fresh!
I have been doing this over long sleeve shirts, over dresses, and putting sweaters over the top of my blazers and coats. I always have a sweater on my wishlist, and this one is high up there to wear normally, but also as a layering piece. It’s a great way to tie a color into your outfit in a sandwich. Meaning - if you have brown shoes, and are wearing jeans and a white top, you can add a brown (or tonal) sweater over your shoulders to sandwich with the brown shoes. Or, if you’re feeling like your outfit is just boring or missing something, play around with the sweater - simply draped or tied, it can make a big difference! See the styling collages below for some more ideas!
TWEED, HERRINGBONE, AND PLAID
Especially in blazers - tweed, plaid and herringbone patterns are in. It feels very old school Ralph Lauren, or Ralph Lauren Rugby (Does that line still exist)? Very academic and british and I love it. Not only are these patterns that add texture, visual interest and warmth to your outfit, they add literal warmth because they are seasonally appropriate. Plus, these are the types of blazers that I have a much easier time styling with dresses and skirts (in contrast to a black blazer which I never love with dresses for whatever reason). I have and love this one (on sale for $199 right now)
MENSWEAR-INSPIRED
I think this started with loafers, and many different oversized styling of items, but it’s going to keep going. I’m into an Oxford shoe, tailored shoulders in blazers and coats, and trousers. Even some flats with a square toe & strap feels masculine to me. Also, anything with a kitten heel and a t-strap. Overall, this is captured more in a vibe than a specific piece - which I think is really fun because if you want to experiment - it’s a way to do so without buying anything new.
Think - things that you used to reserve for office days, but worn everyday. Mix multiple pieces to create that masculine feeling in your outfit, with feminine balance. Meaning - it’s the layers of leather, tweed, and long coats that give that menswear-inspired feel, and then you balance with the costume jewelry, with your sweaters, with your pops of color that you love.
COSTUME JEWELRY
I have been getting aggressive Heaven Mayhem adds since the early fall, and it looks like their ads are working because now I’m seeing the pieces on everyone I follow on Instagram. I love a big earring, I think it’s so fun! A great way to change up a simple outfit.
A little tip: Don’t sleep on etsy or ebay for great vintage earrings. If you want the look but not the exact same piece there are TREASURES to be found on both sites without digging a ton or spending a lot. If you find a piece you love, check both sites to get the best price. Drooling. These too.
INCORPORATING ATHLEISURE INTO YOUR LOOK
Veronica Beard has been doing this for years with their dickie jackets. And this is another one you can do without buying a single new thing. Put a loafer on with your sweatpants. A blazer over a hoodie. Your wool coat over joggers. The tension works and you feel great - it makes the “dressier” piece more casual, and the more casual piece dressier. I caught my husband wearing his double-breasted wool coat with his beloved Rhoback hoodie and he said he was (and I quote) “feeling stylish.”
SOCKS AS A WHOLE “THING”
Not anything new, I know. I’ve never considered whether or not I’m wearing the right sock outside of thinking about whether or not they are comfortable until the past year. But now, we’re in the season when we actually need socks so that our ankles don’t freeze off our bodies. It’s a great way to add a pop of color, some texture, or something satirical to your outfit.
And thoughts on how to (realistically style)
Just tons of outfit inspiration if you’re thinking about leaning into any of these trends, styles or aesthetics.
(R to L)
Athleisure styled with dressier pieces is a great place to start - pair your sweats with a dressier jacket. Maybe it will make you feel way more put together than just wearing your sweats do. Another way to do this would be to pair a loafer or ballet flat. This is an outfit I would wear (I plan to wear this winter) with a beanie.
Then, you can also wear that same dressy coat with your fancier outfits.
If you’re into leather, can you pair your leather jacket with something more polished and sophisticated to get tons of mileage out of it AND incorporate some tension into your look?
Throw a blazer on over a sweatshirt and pair with jeans and flats to elevate a weekend look, or transition it to be workday friendly. Add a little glam with a lab-grown diamond bracelet.
Drape any of your sweaters over your shoulders (or wear as a sweater backpack) to mix up any base outfit. Dress up or down with your shoe choice!
Instead of wearing a sweatshirt with your sweatpants, opt for a great button down and pair in a blazer and any flat shoe you have.
Add some edge and feminine balance to a utility trouser with a cropped, slim moto-jacket.
Wear a slightly oversized, woven blazer as a shirt (cinch the waist with a belt if you need to!). Add in a fun earring.
Pair a bomber jacket with althletic pants and suprise people by wearing a ballet flat with a square toe for your shoe (or swap out the flat for sneakers or boots).
Wear your dresses in winter with tons of laters - a leather jacket, sweater over your shoulders, fun earrings and boots to keep your legs warm!
Thanks for reading!
Especially if you made it to the end. Thank you for taking the time to read this post, I am so glad you are here. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy creating it. I am working to figure out how I can stay consistent with this substack this year, and also playing around with the best day to post (do you care??) I have lots of ideas for new content, the restricting resource is time! If there is anything you would love to see from me, please share in the comments.
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Amazing post! The collage pictures and corresponding paragraphs with tips are so so helpful!!
So many great ideas & appreciate that they’re accessible!