My Cold-Weather Essentials

J. Crew's wool ribbon script coat

There’s a whole lotta white out there, folks. I have varied feelings about snow: it’s beautiful, fun and frustrating—all wrapped into one. Allow me to elaborate: it’s beautiful like a classic Currier and Ives print; fun because you can take walks and throw a snowball or two (or go sledding like I did last night!); but frustrating because it takes so darn long to get anywhere! Alas, living in the upper Midwest means inclement weather is one of our, um, charms. Snow also means I can’t wear cute heels without ruining them or causing major harm to myself on slippery surfaces—but that’s a minor argument, I suppose.

With all of the major weather we’ve been experiencing lately I got to thinking about staying cozy and fashionable in questionable weather—two concepts that can seem quite contrary to one another. I mean, how are snow boots sexy and puffy down coats cute? When we’re so covered up it’s hard to remind oneself that there’s a woman under all of that stuff! So, I wanted to share my cool-weather essentials and tips for how to wear them—after all, living in Madison means that a fair amount of our wardrobes are devoted to the colder temps.

Skinny Jeans

I had my mother and boss ask me recently about jean conundrums—trouser jeans for my mom and skinny jeans to wear with boots for my boss. For women, finding the perfect jeans can be incredibly frustrating: the waist might fit properly but the butt doesn’t look right, or really, any number of complaints. My frequent lament is finding jeans that are long enough—I can never wear the “regular” length—a thirty-two inch inseam makes me look like I’m practically wearing capris! So I feel the pain.

A classic skinny jean is essential in my winter wardrobe for tucking into boots as well as providing a non-bulky bottom to my outfit—especially if I’m wearing a longer sweater or a few layers. It’s all about balance when you’re sizing up outfits in the wintertime: a bulkier or layered top part means you need a slimmer-fitting jean on the bottom. Just yesterday I wore a long-sleeve striped top that hit at the lower hip with a boxy short-sleeve pink sweater. Because of the sweater’s boxy cut I paired it with my Gap Always Skinny jeans—jeans that hug the curves in all of the right places.

So my point is to make your outfits proportional—if you sport a looser top balance it out with fitted jeans. (Just to address the opposite perspective, yes, a flared or trouser jean means you should wear a fitted top or cute blouse tucked in.)

Find it: Old Navy, Gap, Atticus, bop

Boots

Not only are boots the perfect finisher to an outfit they’re of course practical—they keep your feet warm! I recommend purchasing a pair of stiletto boots for fancier occasions (and wear them when it’s NOT icy out!), a chunky or cone-heeled version for everyday wear (and if the weather is a little snowy these still work due to the more substantial heel) and a few pairs of flat boots. Flats of course are the comfiest of all but they still allow for a fashionable edge to your snowy-day ensemble.

And you should probably own a pair of boots just for the snow—so you don’t ruin your cute boots in the inches of snow!

Rachel Zoe’s picks for Piperlime encompass many of the same styles I discuss above!

Find it: DSW, Macy’s, The Perfect Pair (on State Street)

Killer Outdoor coat

Sometimes I feel like the cold weather is taunting me: you can’t wear your stylish warm-weather duds! So my answer is to shun the chilly temps and show that I’ve still got style in our frozen tundra—even while wearing a warm winter coat. I’ve been seeing a lot of coats lately with fun embellishments, patterns and crayon-bright colors. One of my current favorites is this one from J. Crew—the wool ribbon-script accent down the front is perfect for adding some kick to a chilly day. And, love the tomato color!

My current winter coat is an oversized houndstooth-pattern one with gunmetal buttons. I receive many compliments on it, mainly because houndstooth is quite popular right now, but also because it’s an unexpected play on this classic menswear pattern. I also favor some of the patterned coats I’ve been seeing and this plaid version from Express is just the ticket.

Find it: Express, Macy's, Jan Byce, Terese Zache, bop

Layers

I have long been one of those shoppers that’s seduced by sparkle. That’s why for a while my stock of basic, essential pieces like fitted T-shirts, long-sleeve Ts and turtlenecks suffered—because I’d go for the sparkly top rather than the logical, sensible layering piece. I’ve learned my lesson and now have a good arsenal of go-to long-sleeve tops perfect for layering under my longer sweaters and cardis. And since some of my sweaters are solids (charcoal, black) I’ve bought fun striped tops to wear underneath to add a little interest.

Find it: A Stone's Throw, Atticus

Jewelry

Of course, being seduced by sparkle isn’t a bad thing when it comes to jewels. One of my favorite outfits of late is a plain black turtleneck sweater dress with flat boots and teal tights. I wear it with a teal and blue necklace over the dress to add a little interest. Lately I’ve been layering necklaces and wearing two or three at a time. It’s a nice reminder that even if you’re all covered up the right jewelry can add the ultimate enhancement to your look—and garner you compliments in the process!

Find it: Forever 21, Iconi, J. Crew (online), Twigs

Tights

It might be clear by now that I prefer warmer weather. If it’s not, I’ll tell you that I prefer warmer weather ☺. So, how do I wait out this looooong winter? By adding interest with patterned and colorful tights. Obviously tights’ major benefit is keeping your legs warmer but they step up your look from all-black/grey/brown territory to an exciting, inexpensive and fashionable winter look.

Find it: Madison Sole, The Perfect Pair, Cornbloom’s

Sweaters

I don’t need to elaborate much on this one. Of course sweaters are of the essence during the winter. So embrace them by picking up different styles: longer, tunic-length, fine-knit cashmere or merino, a cardigan with sparkly buttons or a wrap style with a fun ribbon closure. I like to vary up what I buy instead of just solid sweaters—my most recent acquistion is a black and white striped sweater that looks beautiful under a blazer, paired with a button up shirt or under a black jumper.

Find it: Karen & Co., Woldenberg’s, J. Crew, A Stone’s Throw, Patricia Shoppe

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