Women's Winter Style Guide
Winter can be the cruelest season to stay fashionable. It feels like it always comes down to a choice of fashion versus function, style versus warmth. But why should it? By layering your look, accessorizing with items like gloves and scarves, and wearing clothes in heavier (such as wool
,tweed
and fleece
), water-resistant fabrics like nylon
, you won't have to abandon your style--not even on those downright blustery days. Read our guide below to learn more!
Winter Classics
Stock up on a few of these basics and you're sure to have a functional
and fashionable winter wardrobe. Items like these can be very versatile, lasting multiple winter seasons when paired with trendy accessories. Keep in mind that many of these pieces can be paired to create several outfits.
Winter 2010 Trends
Continuing the 2010 trend of contrasts, try to pair sturdier items with more feminine touches. Look for rick colors like burgundy, gray
, and dark greens and browns, or stick with classics, like black and plaid. Here are some of the most popular women's fashions for this season.
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Rough and Tumble  |
Feminine  - Underneath your tough outer coat or jacket, you'll want to balance your outfit with something sweet, like a blouse
with a touch of lace.
- Don't be afraid to embrace slinky fabrics like velvet
and satin this winter.
- Wide-brimmed hats
are another great way to add a vintage feminine touch to your look.
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Makeup 
- Earth tones
, especially deep greens, will carry over from fall into winter.
- Brown
is huge this winter; it's great for giving your face a warm look in the cold.
- It's best to apply at the lid and brush
upward, creating a mysterious look that's not too dark or smoky.
- Be sure not to go overboard: plain lips
with heavily made-up eyes and vice versa.
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Jewelry  - This year, jewelry is all about natural materials in soft colors, like quartz
, pearls and coral.
- Also look for metallic embellishments in accessories like headbands
, bracelets and even in footwear.
- Dig out staples like chandelier earrings
and pearl necklaces for an economical, classic touch.
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Cape Coats  - This flowy winter look will keep you snug without cutting off your circulation.
- It's all about silhouette, creating a look similar to Little Red Riding Hood's.This look works with two previously mentioned trends: fur trim
gives you a feminine look, while military-inspired cape coats are more durable.
- Look for long cape coats
cape coats and shorter styles that are more blanket-like .
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Winter Accessories
Add something extra to your outfit to keep you bundled. Most of this is outerwear, though some of it will stay on all day, depending on the aesthetic you're going for.
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Leggings  - Black leggings
can be worn under short skirts as an extra layer.
- Trendier ladies will pair the legging with a tunic sweater
and a wide belt .
- Leggings look great tucked into boots
and come in a variety of colors, so they'll go with any outfit.
- Try denim or jean leggings or jeggings
. They're slimming and leave a little more to the imagination.
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Hats  - Hats are a great way to show off your style and keep warm at the same time.
- Consider a ski cap
or a hat with a brim for protection against those harsh winter winds.
- Earmuffs
are a great alternative that won't mess up your hair.
- You can also try a hat, scarf, and glove matching set
for a cozy, stylish look.
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Gloves  - Lined gloves
are best for taking care of your hands in extra cold weather.
- Leather
and suede match well with dress coats; seek out high-quality gloves that will stand up to winter wetness. You might want to pretreat with a leather spray .
- On the weekend or with a parka, try a waterproof glove
with something like Gore-Tex on the outside and a lining inside.
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Socks  - Joining the classic combination of ankle boots and tights
or stockings, ankle socks can add a bit of texture to a winter skirt or dress look.
- Wool socks
are extra toasty, though socks with a sythetic blend are best for dealing with moisture from snow, rain, and even sweat.
- Feeling more casual? Resist the temptation to give into toe socks
--toes get cold separated.
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Scarves  - Not only are these in style all year round, but they are great for keeping the chest and neck protected.
- For a subtle approach, match your scarf to your jacket or coat. You can also wear your scarf casually, as seen above.
- Cashmere
is a well-deserved luxury, otherwise stick to wool .
- Bored? Learn to knit your own
.
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Extras
There are some additional things to consider as you prepare for winter, so start shopping early for the best selection and deals.
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- Moisturizer: You'll need a good one to keep your skin soft and supple during the winter.
- Oversize Sunglasses
: Summer isn't the only time you need to protect your peepers. The winter sun can be incredibly bright, so consider using your summertime pair for the colder air.
- Anti-Frizz Serum
: Putting a hat on and off can wreak havoc on your hair, so make sure to stash some of this in your handbag.
- Vests
: Consider a cute sweater vest or a puffy down vest in a fun color.
- Waterproof boots
: They may not look great, but when it's wet and rainy out, you'll be glad to have them.
- Thermals
: Silk underwear from brands like Hanro and LL Bean are a great way to layer your wardrobe and protect against wind chill on the coldest days.
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