When the weather cools down, the fashion heats up and this season is no exception. 

Although I am not a believer in fashion “rules,” I must say one rule I typically follow is wearing muted, darker tones in the colder months. It fits the “seasonal depression” era we all find ourselves in one way or another. I’d be lying if I said layering a scarf, cashmere hoodie, and oversized wool coat didn’t give me some sort of serotonin spike in the stony segments of snow season. But as I begin to stuff my shoebox of a closet with coats built for the North Pole and comprise every sweatshirt I have stolen from male family members into its designated spot in my tiny room, I am starting to think about how I can elevate an otherwise bland season of fashion. In the winter months, there is so much opportunity to explore different styles as we are completely covered up 90% of the time. A lot of clothing means a lot of opportunity! So, what can we rock to rock around this holiday season? 

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Cold Climate Colors 

The Fashion Bible (aka Vogue), recently named some of the most popular colors to wear for this winter. The most notable was a faded orange that has surged in popularity since leaders like Bottega Veneta and Vivienne Westwood recently styled their models in apricot wools this past show season. I wouldn’t usually associate shades of burnt or pale orange with winter fashion, but the autumnal flare against the backdrop of winter greyness adds a certain Sophia Richie color aesthetic that proves to be equally elegant and smart looking. Not to mention the pop of color in the winter months, other than the typical Christmas colors of red and green, is extremely refreshing. 

Oxblood is the new red. The traditional festive fashion typically involves poinsettia red and grinch green. However, with the recent “old money aesthetic” craze, such flamboyant colors may be too gōsh for this season. Trade your candy cane sweater for an oxblood turtle neck that adds subtle color to your holiday ensemble. My oxblood obsession typically involves layering a textured jacket of some sort over a plain burgundy sweater. I also recommend using this marmalade maroon shade as an accent color to add some festive variety to monochromatic looks. From scarves to gloves, boots to bows, a colored accent can festive-ize any winter fit! 

Grey can do no wrong. As a solid neutral that can be dressed up or down, grey allows us to look put together on the days when the winter sniffles can’t seem to go away. Grey is a chic alternative to black as a piece that can take up a large part of your ensemble. Investing in a warm wool grey coat or grey turtle neck can be both functional and fashionable. Winter fashion is often centered on comfort, and bulky grey pieces are the perfect balance of comfort and character. 

Polar Pieces 

From sparkle staples to fur coat fads, the winter months offer us a new opportunity to layer our labels. You may have seen the long flowy skirts heat up this summer, but this style is carrying over into the winter months as well! Long skirts can be a perfect way to layer the bottom half of your fit with tights and boots. A long skirt can give the illusion of a winter dress if paired with a matching turtle neck. Not to mention, the skirt-sweater combo provides the perfect base for winter layering. No matter the fabric, wool, silk, or cotton, you can’t go wrong with a long skirt to dress up when you want to dress down. 

For my ladies out there who refuse to let the weather dictate our night on the town fits, sheer tights are for you. One of my favorite winter looks: a skirt with black sheer tights, a sweater, and boots, can be the perfect option for a trip to Snowport or brunch in Backbay! Tights can heat up a cold-weather fit when paired with your favorite boots or even heels. I have been seeing red wine-colored sheer tights come into the game recently and I am currently debating my thoughts on such a controversial matter as I typically favor the traditional trends. 

Speaking of traditional, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fallback to furs this year. Faux furs can make you feel like Cruella de Ville in the best way possible. Fur can elevate any outfit with its formal, opulent essence, not to mention keep you warmer than a roasting fire. Furs’ variety of color, style, and type make it a flexible frosty find. My favorite way to wear faux fur is as an accent on a coat. The little border of fur lining on a collar or hood of a coat adds a certain flirty flare to an otherwise basic covering. Fur is formal, fur is fun, fur is festive!