You all are no stranger to the news that the East Coast has been hit by a huge Bomb Cyclone. In the past fortnight the temperatures have dipped to as low as negative 20’s in our area. For the entire two weeks we witnessed snow, wind chills and this morning: a thin sheet of ice, as if the aforementioned wasn’t enough damage causing. Well, I am not here to deliver you the weather report, but talk about the sartorial struggles we face owing to such extreme weather conditions, as fashion bloggers.
Some of the bloggers I know, resort to indoor photoshoots during extremities, but the adventurous ones like yours truly, cant seem to make peace with bringing camera indoors, that without a doubt has it’s own problems-saga. But what do you do, when it is sub-zero, and you still gotta do what you gotta do??? Well, you strategically dress up in layers of warm clothing, head out and take killer pictures.
Layering can either go very right, or very very wrong. It is an art that I am still honing, but surely gotten better at over these years and today I am sharing with you a few cold-weather essentials you need for bundling up, but without looking like a walking muffin…….
MY OUTFIT DETAILS
THE INNER MOST LAYER– there are multiple options for the base layer. A knit camisole or bodysuit would be a good bet. I am wearing a velvet bodysuit under that blazer and it definitely slims and keeps me warm, not a lot, but it does.
SWEATER – look for a thinner and finer knit if you wish to wear them as is or layer underneath a dress and a thicker knit for a more casual paired with jeans look. For instance a cashmere sweater makes for a good layering piece and is an investment too.
TURTLENECK– a turtleneck in an array of colors is a must-have in every closet. Wear it under a blouse, a dress or even under a blazer, it looks great with just about anything.
CARDIGANS– a cardigan is just as chic and feminine as it is functional and handy. Wear it over a dress or your favorite blouse, and remove it when it feels too warm indoors: easy-peasy !
A SLIP DRESS – I am telling you all, a slip dress over a turtleneck or a thin-spun sweater, not only adds an extra layer without bulking, but also is oh-so-trendy.
BLAZER – a roomy blazer is just what I prefer for layering over sweaters. It looks chic, polished and pulls together any look.
SWEATSHIRT– a sweatshirt, another great roomy layering piece is a good essential. Sweatshirts have come a long way from being that stereotypical workout piece. They have sort of gone through a metamorphosis and with the options available out there, you could wear your sweatshirt to just about anywhere.
TIGHTS – tights are my favorite layering essential. Stock up in neutral colors like black, brown, grey and in fun patterns like chevron, strips, dots and mesh, and if you are feeling extra adventurous then go for bright colors. Sweater tights can be worn independently and the sheer thin ones can be layered under a pair of pants, trousers or even jeans. PS- I am wearing a pair of tights under those carpenter jeans.
SOCKS– if you are someone who gets extra cold on the toes, then remember: it is okay to wear socks over tights or vice- versa and then top it with boots. So don’t feel awkward, no one would know.
SCARF/STOLE – feeling drab in all those layers?? Take your look up a notch with a scarf. Not only will it keep your neck warm, but will also add pizzazz to your look.
OVERCOAT– talk to me about overcoats. I am a coat-a-holic and have curated quite a collection over these years. I love the classic wool ones and have it in a few different colors. When in the market for an overcoat, look for one that has some room to accommodate all those layers.
A STRETCH METALLIC BELT– now you would think ” how on earth can a belt be a cold-weather essential ?” Well, take cues from my outfit. A stretch belt cinches all the layers closer to your body, giving the illusion of a slimmer you. It works amazingly over a puffer coat too.
SHOP MY OUTFIT
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