How to Wear Leggings for a Night Out (Yes, Really)

1. Tall boots

Tall boots are just that girl when it comes to winter outfits. They truly wear well alone, but for wintertime, they look especially stunning when you layer ‘em up with leggings or tights.

There are quite a few variations in design when it comes to tall boots, so you could snag them in a moto, cowboy boot, or sleek style.

Whatever tall boot style speaks to you the most and will be most practical for your needs will be perfect!

2. Snow boots

Snow boots are honestly non-negotiable if you live somewhere, well, snowy.

Snow boots are designed with the cold in mind, so they’re often expertly insulated and boast reliable textured soles that won’t fail you on slippery ice.

Sorel, UGG, Hunter, and Blundstone make some of my favorite snow boots since they still look effortlessly stylish, all while keeping your feet safe and warm!

3. Clogs

Where would I be without my clogs?! Seriously – they’re super helpful if I need to run a quick errand or take my dog for a brief walk outside. The best part about clogs is they’re extremely easy to put on and take off – no time for traditional laces over here!

I thoroughly enjoy this gardening-inspired pair from SeaVees because the soles are fitted with a good amount of traction to keep me from slip-sliding when I have to go out in the snow. They’re also waterproof, keeping my feet dry with every step.

Puffer styles like these are especially great if more warmth is what you’re seeking this season.

I also can’t recommend these Chacos clogs enough, since they’re remarkably durable and perfect for year-round wear.

4. Reliable sneakers

Sneakers are a must no matter the season, but having a pair for winter can really depend on your season-specific needs. Whether it’s a running sneaker that’s primed for the gym’s treadmills or a more fashion-forward design that you want to rock with all of your ‘going out’ outfits, there’s a winter sneaker for everyone.

I tend to shop sneakers for winter in more toned-down color palettes, since I typically wear more monochromatic ‘fits when the weather’s gloomy. I really adore my New Balance 530's since I can easily take them from a workout to a night out.

5. Cozy house shoes

Finally, cozy house shoes should be a given when it comes to winter. I surely spend more time at home around this time of year, and when I’m hibernating, my toes get annoyingly cold! I know I'm not the only one, too.

That’s where a good slipper or house shoe comes in – they exist to protect your feet from the elements, ensuring you stay cozy all season long.

1. Swap cropped coats for long coats.

Because what good does a cropped coat do? They aren't very practical for keeping you comfy and warm, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing on the regular.

Plus, cropped coats often come in overly puffy, chunky styles, so they mess with your proportions, which is not flattering at all.

Instead, opt for an ever-stylish trench coat. They’re all the rage right now, plus they’ll give you that nice ‘quiet luxury’ look. Trench coats are shoppable in all sorts of fabrications, but if warmth and practicality is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend snagging a wool one.

2. Trade faux leather for real leather.

When it comes to fashion trends, investment pieces stand the test of time – which is why you shouldn’t be shopping any faux leather winter coats. Not only do they have the possibility of looking cheap-y, they might not last you as long as a real leather coat would.

Look for a real leather coat in a timeless color you know you’re going to wear again and again, like a deep brown or plain black. These neutral colors make ‘em easy to style with everything else you've got going on in your closet, plus a 100% real leather will easily stand up to any weathering as you don it throughout the years.

3. Toss any army jackets (especially camo) for leopard print coats.

Army jackets feel so 2014 – and remember when camo was all the rage? Well, it’s not so much anymore. Army jackets and camo feel so 2014 for a reason, and that’s because much trendier (and much more flattering) coats have taken center stage.

This season, try switching out your outdated army jacket for a different pattern, like leopard. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leopard and not look too over-the-top. A basic leopard print coat (I love the fuzzy-looking ones) is an easy statement piece to throw over all-black outfits. We’ve matured past camo – try something new this time around!

4. Trade bomber jackets for barn jackets.

Bomber jackets are another ‘so 2014’ pick in my opinion. While they can work well in some instances, I don’t think they are very flattering. They typically come with elastic waistbands and wristbands, which can constrict your figure and movements in a way that just doesn’t feel good.

Loosen up a bit instead with barn jackets, AKA chore coats. They boast a roomier silhouette, plus everyone seems to be donning them right now. They add a subtle utilitarian look to any outfit, all while letting you layer up underneath with your favorite sweaters and long sleeve tees.

5. Ditch dramatic furs for more stylish shearling coats.

While I do love a bit of drama, dramatic furs are just way too extra. They can distract from your look easily and drown out your figure instead of flattering it.

I suggest toning down this “outdated” winter coat style by wearing some stylish shearling instead. Shearling will keep you just as warm, but it looks a pinch more polished. You can shop shearling coats in many colors or snag one that has mixed materials for added visual interest.

'Hunger Games' fans will love the first 'Sunrise on the Reaping' excerpt from chapter 1.

The Sunrise on the Reaping excerpt opens the morning of reaping day — which is also Haymitch's 16th birthday. (Which could explain his behavior during the day Prim's reaped and Katniss volunteers. What a horrible birthday!). Haymitch hopes to spend the free parts of his day lounging around with his girlfriend Lenore Dove, if his mother and the Gamemakers don't get in his way.

The excerpt continues with a really beautiful depiction of District 12's Seam, which is modern day Appalachia. It's a tight-knit (albeit struggling) community covered in a "protective" mist as the sun rises. Haymitch knows that this reaping will take twice as many children and fights to stay calm.

"No way to control the outcome of the reaping or what follows it," he thinks. "So don’t feed the nightmares. Don’t let yourself panic. Don’t give the Capitol that. They’ve taken enough already."

And 'Sunrise on the Reaping' proves Haymitch and Katniss' similarities.

We also learn more about Haymitch's family. All we know from the original trilogy is that President Snow killed them after he won, but this prequel actually introduces us to them. Haymitch's mother was widowed after a coal mine killed his father. He also has a 10-year-old brother named Sid who I can already tell is very energetic and very loud.

This really proves that Haymitch and Katniss are two sides of the same coin, and that they're able to understand each other more than any of the other characters. Not only are they both from the Seam, but they also lost their fathers by the age of 16.

And the most important detail to me is the fact they both have younger siblings they'd do anything for — they were simply destined to be a father-daughter duo. Sacrificial love is the beating heart of the Hunger Games series, and I can't wait to see all the complexity and nuance Sunrise on the Reaping brings to the franchise.