With six more weeks of winter allegedly ahead of us, it seems like our heavy duty boots aren’t going anywhere. Even now, there’s plenty of snow, slush and bitter cold to tackle, and as tempting as your cute, go-with-anything ankle boots are to slip on, take it from a born-and-raised Chicagoan: there’s nothing worse than tiptoeing through your entire commute, not to mention the salt stains and soggy socks that follow. In other words, they’re just not the right fit right now. Your weatherproof clunkers, however, are, and they can actually compliment what you wear once you channel your inner snow bunny. We’ve made a style resolution to get the most out of our wardrobes in 2015, so we’re showing you three ways to embrace your snow boots ($248) for the rest of the season. Scroll through to see how we’d wear them to the office, on a night out and on a lazy weekend — no change of shoes required.
ON DUTY
Tackling your commute might be frightful, but that doesn’t mean your style should suffer at all. Just follow the golden rule of winter dressing: layer smartly with pieces that you can shed once you get to your desk and can slip back on for meetings in that always-unseasonably cold conference room. For scenarios like this, a turtleneck tunic is quite the find, especially when worn over a roomy short-sleeved blouse that can perfectly showcase some of your more interesting arm candy. Stirrup pants will ensure your trousers won’t slip out of your boots as you dash from the coffee shop to the office while your other first-defense pieces (like a wool cocoon coat and earmuffs) keep you warm and classy when you’re out among the elements.
Coach Zena Boot ($248) + Zara Jacquard Ski Pant Leggings ($40), Madewell Turtleneck Sweater Vest ($80), Dorothy Perkins Khaki Utility Pocket Shirt ($35), Winden Jewelry Embrace Cuff ($155), Whizdom Faux Fur Ear Muffs ($14), Goodnight Macaroon Green White Plaid Cocoon Coat ($148)
PARTY ON
Date nights and happy hours don’t come to a halt when the temps dip below freezing, but you can still dress up for a night out even when heels and a skirt aren’t involved. Make sure you wear seasonal pieces that will keep you comfortable while you bar hop and also will look cute once you claim your booth. After you shed your colorful peacoat and tangle-free circle scarf, turn heads in a statement turtleneck (yep, it’s a thing) and faux leather leggings, one of the sartorial secret weapons that instantly dress up any look. Finish your cold night out uniform with flirty pieces like iridescent drop earrings and a cuddly faux fur clutch.
Coach Zena Boot ($248) + Mango Faux Leather Legging ($30), Fancy Lady High Neck Sweater ($30), J.Crew Marine Crystal Earrings ($56), ASOS Faux Fur Cuddle Clutch Bag ($67), Urban Outfitters Mixed Stitch Eyelash Eternity Scarf ($39), Mango Double Breasted Cotton Coat ($95)
WEEKEND RETREAT
Take winter layers to the next level by piling on pieces when you have more to do than make hot chocolate by a roaring fire. Flash your tights-under-pants trick in a pair of majorly distressed jeans for fun and keep the cozy-chic vibe going with a flowy knit dress over top. Round out the more-is-more look with winter staples like a longline cardigan and a pom pom beanie, and add a major pop of color with a playful puffer coat.
Coach Zena Boot ($248) + H&M Fine Knit Dress ($30), Zara Vintage Wrap Cigarette Jeans ($80), Merona Women’s 50 Denier Opaque Tights ($5), Topshop Space Dye Cardigan ($48), Barts Carmen Beanie ($25), UNIQLO Ultra Light Down Compact Vest ($50)
What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stumps your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!
