How To Look Chic In Freezing Weather
because the groundhog said 6 more weeks of winter
A few weeks ago one of my dear friends sent over the text below. I was honored that she thought of me and asked me for advice. I think it’s validating when your friends start looking to you as a resource. Especially when they’ve been a resource for you in other areas of your life. This one is for my baby sister, Lainey.
Will you write about how to look chic in freezing weather? I’m struggling
It’s an age-old question — how to get dressed when we’re tired of the same outfit formulas? We’re probably also just tired of the cold, how exhausting the news has been the past month and overall are looking for new ways to feel something that’s exhilarating and not draining. Below is what I’m doing to look chic while it’s freezing out and a few things I’m borrowing from the Parisian sidewalks for the future.
I desperately want to be someone who has more coats, but I currently have one winter coat and I do not see that changing anytime soon. After our arrival in Paris, I dragged my husband and myself (it's exhausting!) around the city looking for a coat that would work for the cold winter days that were ahead (this one was dreamy but not warm enough!). Thankfully, after a week of searching I finally landed on the one and I’m very happy with my decision. Even with this beauty, as someone who can’t swap out a different coat every day to make herself look stylish, cool and ultimately change up an entire look — what do you do?
Below are a few ideas I sent my friend and a few other ones I’ve thought of since!
Statement Jewelry
I know I know, it’s not going to keep you warm — but it will give any simple outfit a bit of zhuzh. Trust me, give it a try. They have to be a statement piece for the effect to take place. I find that medium sized and sculpturally inspired does the trick.
I own a pair from Ariana Boussard-Reifel, she used to be a sculptor that turned to making jewelry and I personally think she makes beautiful pieces.
I also love a thick, beautiful cuff over a sweater or button down. Speaking of Agmes, they just released their new collection that has some lovely pieces. I went to their holiday pop up in December and if you’re curious, a few of my favorites from their collection are these earrings, this wavy bracelet, and this pebble like bracelet that was surprisingly lightweight. Another piece I’m eyeing from a Mexican designer that can work as a necklace or a belt — this beauty! We also cannot forget that brooches can change up an entire look — I saw this on tiktok and I’ve been stunned ever since. I’ll be recreating ASAP.
Don’t love jewelry? Can I suggest some hair accessories?
Belt It
I haven’t quite had the opportunity to do this IRL but one idea I’ve been tossing around has been adding a belt to my coat, especially if it’s less structured. This can bring contrast into a rather toned down coat. Yes, I know that this only works if you plan to keep your coat on all day but I know some of y’all have coats like that! Alternatively, I love something like this to put over a thinner sweater, button down or long sleeve. A few ways I’ve worn belted looks — over a sweater, over a blazer and over a button down. This belt is currently on my wishlist!
Triangle Scarf
I’ve found a triangle scarf to be so versatile after our move to Paris. I bought this in red (longer option on sale here) last December and I was initially thinking it was not long enough but I’ve actually learned it’s the perfect length for most days. It helps keep the cold air out and I particularly love tossing the ends toward the back. It helps keep my neck warm as I’m running to catch the metro or bus because I’ve once again miscalculated the bus’ arrival time. Next winter, I’ll probably look into a longer option (on sale!) so I can fully wrap it around the front, tie it and have some additional bulk for warmth.
Colorful Socks
I’ve been mostly limited to two pairs of shoes recently — tennis shoes and loafers. Almost two months into our Paris move and I am tired, so I’ve been using colorful socks to make the same outfits feel somewhat new. This is also where dressing for ourselves comes in because no one can really see this part, but I know I am wearing them and that’s more than enough for a serotonin boost. After all, personal style is to be worn by us and for us. I particularly love this pair for the pattern (similar here), but my favorite are these — I desperately want them to make more colors. The next one on my list to try are these — I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. During my search, I also found these and I’m intrigued to test them out because I’ve been wanting a red pair.
Sweaters as Scarves
I’ve been rotating some of my thinner sweaters as scarves because some days I want a break from the same scarves. Instead of buying new ones, I’m looking in my closet to see what I can incorporate to change up a look. If your coat is a neutral color, a pop of color can go a long way. On this day, I relished in the fact that my socks matched the cardigan I decided to wear as a scarf.
Turtlenecks As Layers
Turtlenecks instead of a t-shirt as a layer is a chic way to add warmth, but also dimension to an outfit. At this point, a t-shirt layered underneath during the winter is expected — we know her. During the winter, a turtleneck can break up that ritual. You can go monochromatic or do contrasting colors. I like this funnel neck option if you don't love something right up against your neck. Alternatively, you could layer a long sleeve with a fun print under a sweater and pull up the sleeves — just like the image below.
Accessories As Heroes
Leaning hard into accessories as your hero pieces will make a difference in how you feel when you get dressed. The base gets monotonous, but small tiny tweaks can make a world of a difference. I find incorporating one new element into an outfit we’ve worn before can be enough to get us rocking something new and fresh. Below are a few ideas of what I’ll be borrowing and incorporating in the future.
Silk Scarf
Add a silk scarf for an elevated look. I’m talking about one of those big almost blanket type scarves. Sure, this won’t keep you as warm when you’re outside, but if you’re layered up, it can make an outfit feel elevated without doing much. I would fold it in half, put the triangle end toward the front, wrap it around and tie a knot in the front. Since it’s silk, it’ll fold and bend. Ideally, it’s patterned so the knot will be unnoticeable.
If you are a visual person like me, I found this size chart super useful. I think we all got this scarf ad on instagram when it came out, but years later I’m still into it. If you’re into a colorful option, this one is a bit more subtle while these are very intricate.
Balaclava
This is not French per say, but something I saw initially on my trip to Paris last October. My mother in law actually bought this one that she’s been wearing to survive the Northeast winters in the United States. I borrowed it on our last minute trip to NYC in December and it was a life saver on those frigid windy days.
Animal Print
I’m finally on the animal print train. Last year, I got this belt (gifted) that I absolutely love for its texture and quality. Since then I’ve been gravitating toward croc embossed and snake print heels (a few sizes on sale here). If you own an animal print shoe, I would opt for it over a black boot to spice things up.
Take Out Your Sling Backs
If you’re battling snow on your commute to work or to your car, this one may not be for you. If you’re not, grab a warm pair of socks and pull out the heels (ideally kitten heels) you most likely reserve for warmer weather. Pairing a heel or slingback with a colorful sock can add intentionality and fun (getting dressed should be fun!) into an otherwise mundane outfit. Yes, you need layers, you probably need a sweater, but what if you had a colorful or printed sock peeking through a slingback? This one is straight from the streets of Paris.
All featured items can be found here.
I hope you’ve been inspired to incorporate a few of these into the last month of winter! In the words of Lainey, I hope you feel so fab while rocking your latest twist on a familiar outfit. If you have tips for surviving winter, drop them below!
xx Ofelia
Disclaimer: some links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a very small percentage from a sale. As always, anything that is linked are things I either own, recommend or would purchase myself.
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So many amazing ideas!
There are just certain things that Europeans are better at; looking chic as hell in the dead of winter is one of them. Ofelia's eye for spotting the little details that make the difference is IT. Sign me up for colorful socks, belted coats, triangle scarves and statement accessories from now until the Spring thaw!