21 Style Essentials to Combat WTF Winter Weather
Brace yourselves, babes. If you thought December was cold AF, then you’re in for quite a rude awakening. Do the phrases polar vortex and Snowpocalypse ring a bell? We thought so. With January already underway — and February lurking around the corner — it’s going to take a little more than a measly scarf and mitten set to keep you toasty. On top of blustery winds and sub-zero temps, you’ve got to factor in slippery black ice and several feet of snow (welp!). But there’s still hope yet: We’ve broken down *exactly* what to wear for an afternoon spent frolicking in the snow, treacherous morning commutes and even a blizzard in your neck of the woods (we’re talking places that never receive snow). Think: stylish and functional. Between cozy sweatshirts, ugly-pretty all weather boots and double-tap-worthy winter coats to invest in ahead of the first blizzard of the season, we’ve got you covered with 21 style essentials to combat WTF-worthy winter weather like a boss. You’re so welcome.
& Other Stories Neon Knit
snooze. Girl, you’re better than that. Overcome your fear of COLOR with this fluorescent yellow merino wool sweater that may or may not serve as a traffic hazard on the streets. Kidding (sort of). Layer it over a crisp button-down for the boardroom or team it with leather pants and sky-high ankle booties for an after hours-approved getup.
2. Hansel from Basel Lips and Eyes Tights ($35): Just because people can’t always see your #SOTD (socks of the day) doesn’t mean you should skimp on this style essential. Give the classic duck-boots-and-marled-socks combo a break with these quirky lips and eyes printed socks that are guaranteed to keep your toesies warm. Whether you’re cozying up in PJs or trekking out in the snow, some much-needed whimsy is *exactly* what the doctor ordered.
3. Wool and the Gang Lil’ Snood Dogg Kit ($36): Easy as slip-on-and-go, snoods are practically the best part of your morning routine. Why’s that you ask? Besides the obvious — they’ll keep you cozy for days — they require zero effort. Seriously, nada! Oh-so effortlessly tuck your morning bed head into this li’l cobalt snood (buy it ready made or knit it from scratch) for a ceaselessly chic Parisian look.
4. Wilfred Free Neelam Coat ($250): Cue the lumberjack vibes with this statement-making red and black buffalo check topper that’s a sartorial stunner in its own right. The relaxed cocoon shape, featuring a high collar and pockets (!), will accommodate all your layering needs and block out those nasty wind gusts.
5. Rag & Bone Shyla Mittens ($150): Buh-bye frostbite! These are the cold weather-approved shearling mittens you didn’t know you needed, but now won’t be able to live without. Just you wait — they’ll singlehandedly save you from Old Man Winter’s wrath in one swift (and stylish) move.
6. Canada Goose Shelburne Parka ($900): We know it’s a splurge, but this quilted red parka from Canada Goose is worth every penny if you live in colder climates (Alaska! New England!), especially when you factor in the cost per wear. It’s no exaggeration when we say you’ll reach for this bad boy every. Freaking. Day.
7. J.Crew Women’s Lodge Moccasin Booties ($60): Leave the comfort of your cozy abode (let alone get out of bed)? Never. Not when Netflixing and chilling ranks higher up on your agenda for the day than making snow angels in your backyard. When it comes to these shearling-lined moccasin booties, we don’t blame you one bit. Proceed to reach for some flannel jammies and wool socks for the ultimate snowed in staycation.
Zara Patch Coat
but mainstream. Sign us up, please.
9. J.Crew Fleece Excursion Vest ($138): When a potential snow day turns out to be a big ol’ tease (what do you mean, there’s not enough snow accumulation to close down the streets?!), you reach for J.Crew’s much-acclaimed plush fleece excursion vest without hesitation. It can be tossed over a chambray shirt and a turtleneck with ease for triple the warmth on a cold, cold February day. Riding boots and mirrored aviators are non-negotiable.
10. Perfect Moment Black Overall Ski Pants ($575): Ready or not, ski season is here. Serious adventure-seekers will seek solace in these black overall ski pants that work like a charm when busting out freestyle moves on the slopes (or even just hanging out around the lodge). Toss ‘em on alongside a ribbed knit bodysuit, shearling ear muffs and durable all-weather boots for the lewk of the season.
11. Scotch & Soda Army Parka ($375): In case you missed the memo, military minimalism will be making major headlines in 2017. Whether this army green parka is actually considered minimal is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure: A hint of leopard print will more than suffice. Complete with a removable wool gilet, this downtown essential is guaranteed to be spotted at least a mile away for instant cool-girl flair. Just add an intarsia knit sweater, black stirrup leggings and all-weather rubber boots for an après-ski-inspired look.
Wool and the Gang Cross Country Coat Kit
NOT your grammie’s sweater. Far from it, actually, because you’ve knitted it with love. Promising to deliver unconditional warmth and satisfaction in nearly arctic conditions, this ivory-hued wool coatigan will become your new go-to layering essential (a hero piece in disguise, if you will) once the first polar vortex hits.
13. Topshop Color Block Co-Ord ($155): Just trying to stay warm, thanks! Your response when random passersby give you the stink-eye for dressing according to the winter weather. Don’t they know drastic temperatures call for drastic measures? You do you, girl, with this sporty color-block set consisting of a zip-up jumper and striped joggers that read athleisure all the way. Throw some Stan Smiths into the mix alongside a slouchy beanie and a reversible quilted down jacket for an overdue ski trip with the girls.
14. Zara Cropped Jacquard Sweater ($40): Cropped and ready to mingle (yes, even during the dead of winter), this festive jacquard sweater is a shoo-in for a hot date night with your boo or cocktail o’clock. For an alternative look, team it with a leather moto skirt, fishnet tights, Chelsea boots and a longline coat.
15. Moon Boots MSGM x Moon Boots Classic MI Boots ($290): Sorry, not sorry, but when it’s so cold you can’t even feel your toes, the DGAF ‘tude comes out. Sue us, but catching pneumonia just isn’t worth *pretending* to be warm in sub-par OTK boots. Let it be known: These futuristic black lace-up moon boots don’t mess around when it comes to blocking out the elements. You’ll look and feel like an eskimo (albeit a cute one) when plowing through layers of icky slush.
16. Woolpower Thermal Long John ($97): You laugh now, but during an upcoming ski getaway, you’ll be elated you decided to pack these high-performance thermal long johns on a whim. *Praise hands emoji.* Otherwise, hitting the slopes would have been a downright nightmarish scenario. Pair with your most prized Patagonia fleece pullover, an all-weather ski jacket and moon boots for maximum impact.
17. Free People On My Way Hoodie ($168): If this knit patterned hoodie could talk, then we imagine it would be saying, “on our way to Grandma’s house, we go.” The throwback style has us yearning for a brown corduroy jacket with a shearling collar, toasty wool socks and a thin mom-approved turtleneck. All that’s missing is a cuppa hot chocolate for the ultimate winter staycation in the mountains.
18. & Other Stories Chunky Turtleneck Knit ($125): You had us at chunky turtleneck. Don’t even think about venturing out in the cold without being equipped with the appropriate layering pieces. This luxuriously soft and huggable beige knit sweater can be slipped on alongside a floor-length puffer jacket and leather pants for a boardroom-to-drinks getup that slays.
Madewell Offline Trouser Sweatpants
finally seeing the light of day? YAS. For limitless on- and off-duty appeal, team ‘em with a well-loved flannel shirt, a pom-pom-topped beanie, a streamlined camel coat and some cool kicks. Pro tip: Cuff the hem just a smidge for an anything-but-frumpy weekend uniform.
20. Rebecca Taylor Striped Pullover ($395): Alert the masses: This colorful, Instababe-approved striped sweater will turn a depressing January day upside down. Between the coveted borrowed-from-the-boys fit and ultra-femme puffed sleeves, it’s a ceaselessly chic alternative to your old seafaring fisherman sweater that’s already seen its 15 seconds of fame. Toss it on with a denim button-front skirt or flea market flares for instant style cred on the daily.
ASOS Coat in Jacquard With Faux Fur Cuff
bring the sass when the skies are gray? Thought so.
