It gets a little frustrating when we must plan our wardrobe around the chilly elements that meet us once we leave for the day… I find myself bundled in the same thick cashmere or wool turtleneck, knee high boots, leggings/jeans, and a chunky as-cozy-as-I-can-get-it coat… To find some layering inspiration I went directly to my street muses in NYC and London to see what the downtown city divas are donning to stay toasty and chic… You decide though, do you think these gals got chic just right or looked more freak?
Obviously, this lovely lady listened to her mother when she said that you lose 90% of your body heat through your head. This is A LOT of look and the proportions aren’t right. The coat is too slouchy as is the aqua dress beneath and the brazen textured tights are WAY too loud especially when worn with open-toe and multi-strap ankle booties. The white quilted bag? EEK – I suppose the quilting mimics the pattern of the tights – but not in a complimentary way… Instead it competes with the entire look. The fur hat? Just one other color to add to this kaleidoscope look. Separately these pieces could work though… The tights might be fun with a simple A-line shape black dress and round toe black pumps. Ditto for the fur cap… choose a mono-chromatic outfit – maybe full or skinny black trousers and a black turtleneck. My vote: FREAK.
Three words: I LOVE IT! Not only is this style maven warm, she looks terrific too. In contrast to the first look, this is perfectly proportioned and should prove to any of you out there who don’t do black with brown that it does most certainly work. Had she worn wider pants this look couldn’t have been muddled up… The citrus-hued bag peeking out it just the right dash of color to add to this pallette. My vote: CHIC.
How many coats does this style stalker have on? Too many in my book. Layering is great when done properly, but here a fuzzy hood only detracts from the interesting Aztec print of the coat. Her fur-lined boots aren’t right either. Like the hood, it competes with what the overall look should be highlighting… the coat. When you take a look at the coat alone you find a cute shape and great length. To make the look more fashion-forward layer a cream colored turtleneck beneath. If you’re short wear skinny jeans and black ankle boots… Tall? Wide leg flares will work. Bring the whole look together with a black belt at the waist. Skip hats and carry a black satchel. My vote: FREAK.
I totally dig this lightened up look. Many of us turn to darker colors during the gray days of winter, but this gal proves that muted metallics (the bag), winter white, and smokey suedes definitely make the grade. I also like that she added a kitschy scarf that can be worn loosely (as shown) or bunchy around the neck. These scarves are also great once you get inside… wrap around your shoulders to stay a little warmer – any little bit helps. What I might change? Perhaps a deeper gray legging as opposed to jet black. My vote: CHIC
I am sure it comes as no suprise that this red leather jacket caught my eye… My only complaint? Worn alone this crimson biker wouldn’t keep the cold air away. In Ohio, I would have no choice but to wear this staple (zipped up) under one of my favorite black wool coats. The Ohio winds would stay more at bay and the pretty color peeking out would break up an otherwise bland black ensemble. My vote: CHIC.
