Are you (much like myself, a shivering Boston lifestyle blogger) struggling with how to look good this winter?
This time of year is hard for everyone who’s into fashion – not only does your coat cover up your look, but it’s hard to look stylish when you have chapped lips are are shivering at the same time.
Below are some helpful tips to keep you looking fit and fabulous, all winter long.
Treat Your Skin as Parisians Do
Think back to Isabel Marant’s show where all of the models received Caudal facials backstage before the show.
The Becca Cosmetics team then went to town with their Shimmering Skin Perfector, and hair was kept in ultra-low, loose rolls on one side (a very low-maintenance, protective style.)
Many of us look at ourselves in the mirror at the end of January and are unpleasantly surprised by what we see.
Not only do we tend to put on a few pounds over the holidays when we’re indulging a bit extra on festive treats, but it’s so easy to end up with chapped, dry skin and sore red hands and heels.
Taking a bit of extra time (and using cremes rather than lotions) makes a massive difference around this time of year (and even at the end of the Fall to begin prep.)
Make sure that you moisturize every morning before you put your makeup on and every evening before you go to bed.
Keep a small bottle of hand cream on your desk at work so you can moisturize any time your hands feel a bit tight, and make sure you keep exfoliating your face and lips to remove any irritating dry skin patches.
Know How to Fake Your Glow
With the growing number of makeup tutorials and new beauty bloggers popping up each day, everyone feels they need to be highlighting, strobing, contouring, and more.
Thus many of us have seen a lot of badddd makeup.
Know the right highlighter for you, whether it be a silverish undertone, or a golden/bronze one to get that perfect dew for your skin tone.
Make sure you invest in a good set of brushes, and go for a liquid foundation or BB cream over the winter instead of a stick foundation, as your skin is more likely to be irritated and dry.
If you need to use a lighter foundation and concealer because you’re lacking your summer color, make sure to purchase new products.
Go for darker lipsticks for a warm, Christmas look, and sweep golden highlighter over your cheek and brow bones for a glowing, healthy look.
If your skin is cool toned, go for a lipstick with blue undertones, and if you’re warm toned, orange undertones will suit you perfectly.
Protect Your Strands
During the winter, it’s easy for hair to become dry and rather sad-looking (just when you think you’ve recovered from the limpness and frizz of the summer.)
Make sure to begin a more serious conditioning routine for your hair, and potentially your scalp should you already experience dryness.
A way to get a bit of extra moisture when wash your hair (first thing when you get into the shower), don’t wash the conditioner out immediately.
Keep the conditioner in while you finish the rest of your shower, and incorporate and extra creamy deep conditioner with healing elements like shea butter should your texture be able to handle it.
When you’re outside in the biting wind, tuck your strands in your collar to prevent your ends from being further windswept and damaged by the elements day after day.
Consider investing in a silk pillowcase too, to keep the natural oils in your hair overnight and to keep it sleek and shiny.
Opt for Wintery Fabrics
One of the best things about winter is that you can really go all out when it comes to luxe materials and prints.
December through February is the perfect time for decadent burgundy, wine-colored dresses, structured brocade, supple fur (faux obviously) and, soft buttery leather jackets.
Throw a leather jacket on top of your regular outfits for a cover up that’s both warm and provides a bit of extra edge.
Crushed velvet is everywhere this year and provides a warm feminine holiday touch.
Dark green, red or blue is a great choice for holiday parties, however I love to opt for frosty pale pink or gray to
Black velvet is a classic, gothic look – pair it with crimson or purple lipstick to truly reclaim your teenage goth phase and make it into something much more cool and current.
Embrace Your Individuality
Your only rule should be to stay warm, so stay away from conventional hats and mittens.
Wear knitted turbans, arm and leg warmers and jumbo scarfs in colors and prints best suited to your style – throwing conventional winter fashion rules out the window.
When wearing tights let that same freedom apply whether they be wool, cable-knit (favorite), or fleece lined.
Elevate Your Layering Game
It is possible to wear a fair amount of your entire wardrobe all year round, when being creative in your layering.
Pay special attention to remain in the same color palette when mixing prints, and always, the cut.
Combine different textures layering a cozy wool boyfriend cardigan on top of a thinner silk dress, paired with thick tights, over-the-knee boots and an oversized scarf to keep you warm for a casual weekend look.
In need of a new way to layer? Learn about it at Madison Los Angeles.
Invest In Thermal Undergarments
Thermal underwear may not sound like the sexiest thing in the world – but long are the days of bulky pieces.
UK based Mark & Spencer has beautiful Heatgen thermal tanks (with lace detail), flattering cut leggings, pullovers with see-through details, and even onesies!
If you’re planning to spend a decent amount of time outside, thermal underwear is a must.
Whether if it’s a long commute that involves a walk or waiting for a bus/train, or an outdoor event – unfortunately that hot cider isn’t going to keep you warm all evening.
Prepare Your Winter Wedding Wardrobe Options
I love taking a more high-end bohemian approach when dressing up during cooler months.
Lots of layers, patterned boots, and gorgeous jewelry in gold and jewel tones.
Add a slip under a thinner dress for an extra layer, wrapping yourself in a faux-fur stole will ease your car to reception transition, and elegant evening gloves also provide a glam touch.
Take Mix & Match to a New Level
Think shearling lined leather for day, chunky knits under fitted-down coats for chic yet sporty, or a mini-sweater dress paired with a sweeping floor-length duster coat for a bit of evening drama.
Varying textures add dimension to your outfit while providing extra warmth!
Give Your Old Footwear the Boot
Not literally, but spice things up beyond the typical riding and bean boot.
Consider different heights (and materials) like Natalie on Duty did here to take your winter look from blah to a great deal more fab.
Be aware that a lot of good quality boots won’t be comfortable right away – wear them around inside your house with a pair of thick socks for a while to thoroughly break them in and prepare the bottoms for potential slick conditions outdoor.
Conceptualize Your Tailoring & Palettes
I am all about looping, tying and wrapping pieces to make them fit better, especially when dealing with layers. The same goes for color as during the wintertime, a lot of people go for drab colors.
Winter coats tend to be grey or black and although they often look great and chic and sleek and elegant, they aren’t always particularly interesting.
If you like to stand out from the crowd, go outside those seasonal norms and opt for something bright.
Pastel colors have the advantage of being bright and breezy without being too summery – try duck egg blue, mint green or pale pink for a color that will rock your winter and brighten up your day even when the sun isn’t shining.
Have a wonderful Black Friday (90% of the pieces above are below $100 so no need to search for sales!)
