Cute & Cozy: Addressing Winter

 I tend to forget about wearing dresses for non-fancy occasions in the winter…until this time in the season when I start to get really, extremely...ok *excruciatingly*!... bored with pants. With a couple of underlayers, non-pant pieces can be just as comfy and warm and they make such a refreshing alternative to suit pants, denim and leggings. The key is longer pieces that you can hide warm layers beneath. Leggings and thermal tights under long skirts and dresses are The. Best. Invention. I love the flowy, enchanted, 70’s vibe of this ruffle-trimmed maxi. And the glowing scarlet shade makes you feel warmer just looking at it, doesn’t it? Imagine actually wearing it! If you’re not into full-on intense color, never fear – just do it with accessories instead of the (a) main piece(s).  I love wearing lace-accented pieces under v-necks; it adds an extra dimension to the dress, whether minimal or embellished, and it gives it a different feel than wearing it alone.  Sleeveless pieces can work with this application too – just add a collared long-sleeved blouse underneath. Hint: dress down fancier neutrals by layering a flannel shirt below and get warmth and winterizing in one smooth choice. I love getting fancy dresses to do double duty via this kind of styling! PS if you don’t have a dress that works, you can achieve a similar look with a blouse and maxi skirt. Matching colors will give the look of a dress, but aren’t crucial to the styling’s success. Food for thought: if you happen to be using a blouse with lace or open-work, choosing a colored underlayer instead of a matching one is a stunning way to highlight the pattern. Add extra warmth and dress down the look by topping the ensemble with a jacket. The 70’s-referencing peacoat is a fab choice (I went with a faux fur version, but a wool piece works just as nicely). Alternatively, reach for a boxy jacket at hip length or slightly cropped. Again, faux fur works, but moto, military and aviator styles in nearly any fabric (velvet, corduroy, cotton, leather, even polished fleece or Sherpa pieces) will all do flawlessly. Got none of those? No prob –reach for a classic denim piece. Complete the styling with flat OTKs that act as one more warm layer (aside: knee-height and mid-calf boots are totally do-able as well!).  Since we’re keeping this look on the not-too-fancy side, jewelry can be minimal – statement earrings or a ring, a tiny pendant…or none at all :). Happy styling!