It's starting to get colder here in D.C., meaning snowsuits, snow boots, mittens and scarves will be seen more frequently. As we all know, when we bundle up for the cold, it's usually a little bit more difficult to look chic. But just because its getting colder doesn't mean your style has to suffer. This week, we're giving you fashion tips for the latest winter trends to keep you wisely, warmly and wonderfully dressed.
1) Pump up the volume. It's going to be easy to follow this trend since you will probably be wearing layers every time you go outside. Ruffles are very in this season, as is the bubble skirt and even the bubble jacket. These are easy to wear and layer. If you throw a bubble jacket on top of three shirts, nobody will ever know because of the volume. Ruffles are also an ingenious trend for winter - many layers blended into one garment cleverly eliminate overly chunky layering from a sweater and fleece jacket.
2) Gray and silver are the shades of the season - gray for daytime, silver for nighttime. As every fashionista knows, it is important to glitter at least a little. Try carrying a small silver clutch when you go out at night or wearing a small silver headband to better compliment your hair color. For daytime, gray is a classy, muted color that is best matched with shimmery shades. For men, a silver tie is chic at night with a black suit and black button-down, and gray is an understated form of elegance for daytime. This does not mean that your gray sweatsuits are high fashion - think more along the lines of gray pants, gray corduroy or a gray cashmere sweater.
3) Define your waist. It's usually very difficult to show off your figure with winter clothing, and with the trends this winter featuring ruffles and volume, it can be even more difficult. Luckily, the defined waist is also very in this season - meaning a thin belt, ribbon or cinched-waist jacket will be an easy way to show off those curves while staying true to other winter trends.
4) Embrace the Retro Effect. Put on your red lipstick, leather heels and pencil skirt and you're ready to go. Trends from the past are coming back into style this year. Our personal favorites are pearls, high-waisted pencil skirts and retro-effect platform boots. Modernize your look by adding a bubble jacket with the pencil skirt, pearls layered with a long silver necklace and platform boots with skinny jeans.
5) Break out of your Ugg comfort zone. We understand the addiction, but let's diagnose it. Lots of new boots are coming out this season that can help you out of your rut. Leather boots - especially the previously stated retro-inspired ones - are a good place to start. Equestrian-style boots are especially fashionable for winter, so spare no expense - they will look chic for many seasons to come. Tally-ho, fashionistas.
6) It's all about embellishment. Adding sequins, jewels, Swarovski crystals and buttons are surefire ways to stay in style and make your outfit interesting and original. The best part of this trend? It's easy to do it yourself. A plain white T-shirt can easily become more interesting when you glue on some buttons or crystals. Don't hold back: This is one trend where less is not more.
This season, don't fret that bundling up will make you look less chic. For winter 2007, the more you wear, the less you'll have to worry about staying in style.
Stay Stylish, Lara and Virginia
