The weather has recently shifted from swelteringly hot to delightfully cool. But, soon, it will make a transition again. Up ahead are the bone-chilling cold months.

Changes in the weather require adjustments to everybody’s wardrobe. For the present nippy season, keeping the body warm is the order of the day. Typically, when it starts getting colder, most people’s inclination is to bundle up in bulky outerwear that makes them look like walking sleeping bags.

However, if you still want to look prettily put together, especially for the holiday get-togethers that are abundant during the chilly season, thick down coats are certainly not the way to go. Here’s how to dress stylishly, yet comfortably when it’s windy and coat outside.

1. Always start off with a tightly-woven, skin-tight layer.

Thermal turtleneck and tights make the perfect base for your cold-weather outfit. These pieces will easily trap the heat from your own body for that comfortably cosy feeling.

This trick always works because even survivalists say that in extreme weather, how tightly you wrap your body is key.

2. Make your second layer stylish.

The second layer of clothing to wear should already be a clothing item you wear more for style. It could be a dress, another sweater and wide-leg pants, a suit, or your favourite Afro chic clothing.

Your choices for the second layer will serve as the style base of your entire outfit.

3.Pile on another warming piece.

For extra warmth, particularly on those days when it’s windier, and the temperature dips much lower, wear a stylish coat or jacket. This will not just add a bit more insulation for your body, but it will also enhance the proportions of your entire outfit.

For a windy but not exceptionally cold day, you may opt for a cropped denim jacket. Denim does not offer much warmth, but it’s a reliable barrier against strong winds. Also, a cropped jacket is a figure-flattering layering piece for a dress, be it a fitted or flowy one.

Meanwhile, for days when it’s really cold, you cannot go wrong with a bulky coat that falls right below your bottom. Just make sure that you’re wearing loose or wide-legs pants to balance the bulk of the coat.

4. Wear fitted boots.

Fitted boots that go up to the knees or thighs with a bit of a heel can instantly make any cold season outfit sophisticated. These are the perfect choices when you’re wearing a dress, or A-line or pencil skirt for the office of a party.

You can even wear the same boots with skinny jeans or wide-leg trousers. With skinny jeans, such boots can make your legs look long and sexy. While with wide-legged long pants, they can be made to look like regular ankle boots.

5. Don’t forget headwear.

When it’s cold, it’s crucial to keep your head warm as well. There are so many types of headwear to choose from, so here’s a guide. If you live where it snows, opt for head coverage made of thick material such as fleece, felt, or even leather. These materials are usually for newsboy hats, berets, and beanies.

Now, if you live where it’s windier than cold, headwraps are the more ideal option. You can get impressive and functional mileage from silk, cotton, or pashmina scarves. Plus, there are countless ways for you to style them to get your hair out of the way and look fiercely fashionable. Visit Youtube for tips on how to style headwraps.

6. Add jazz to every ensemble.

Layer necklaces to draw attention to an elegant neck, or to simply make you look like you have a neck (not everybody is gifted with a long neck) when you have a turtleneck on.

Also, opt for chunkier earrings. These will draw eyes to your face, which you want if you usually take the time to do your makeup. Don’t forget a nice watch and a few rings too.

Consider wearing a pair of funky spectacles too. Oversized sunglasses are not only stylish, but they are protective eyewear against the cold wind and the bright sun.

7. Don a scarf.

Whether it’s extremely cold or just cold enough for another layering piece, it’s good to opt for a scarf. You can wrap your neck with it to feel much cosier. Or, you can just drape it over your nape and let the ends hang loose over your torso.

There are a lot of ways to wear a scarf – get some tips on Pinterest if you wish to elevate your outfits with this layering piece.

There you go – great yet easy tips on how to beautifully put together outfits to wear for the chilly season. Whether you use them all or just a couple, you can be sure that you will feel warm and toasty in your stylish ensembles.

Author Bio

Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs for Finchitua today. With her unique style standpoint, she served the VIP Color Forecast Panel 2017 for Al Jazeera Paints Company and VIP Color Forecast Panel 2019 for Asian Paints Berger. Ms. Mudessir is a shortlisted nominee for the prestigious Fashion Scout London 2018.