brown - YouLookFab Forum

Today was more about function than form. I had to run around campus and do some errands which meant my most comfortable shoes plus it was effing cold, which meant heavy jeans and a heavy wool sweater and a hat. Nothing here is new and you've seen all these pieces before except for maybe the beanie and the scarf.

So this whole thing is ... fine. I was warm and comfy all day, and appropriately dressed for a day on campus. But I didn't really feel like me - I felt like I was wearing someone else's clothes (well, technically the button up shirt and cashmere pullover are my husband's). Also now that I see the pics, that hat should go. It is far too close to my skin tone to be flattering. As soon as I find a replacement in a better color, it's gone.

Soooo ... how does one dress for cold weather without looking like 1) a winter athlete, or 2) an escapee from a prep school?

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12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm afraid I have no answer to your question. I have chosen the winter athlete route. I was thinking today as I trudged through the snow that really, there is no point in fashion at all for me this winter. I work at home (and have had fewer trips out of town so far -- partly due to inclement weather). When I go outdoors I am arrayed in tights, skating pants, a down puffer, hat, mitts, scarf, and snow boots. No one sees whatever I have on underneath. On days when I do have to take my outer layers off for public consumption, I'm in a bit of a quandary. What looks good with snow boots?

I actually like your husband's sweater and shirt on you!

carter

Sorry...I am not the one to answer cold weather dressing questions, but you look totally adorable to me! Are those leopard mittens??? I so want some!

Jaime

I also like the sweater and shirt on you and the blue jacket - no cold weather tips though!

Dee

I like your teal jacket. I wonder if a cream colored hat might still work with the rest of your outfit but brighten it up a little?

I too give up when it's super-cold outside. Today I hat a hat, scarf, down gloves, down puffer, and fleece-lined boots. I tend to go for grey/black coats and colorful accessories to feel a little more upbeat, but there's only so many options in this weather.

Liz

Active Member

Know what? I like your hat -- and I think I'd like it even more with a warmer-toned scarf. What a pretty profile shot of you with the hat. Nice cozy sweater with a shirt layered under. Lots you could do with that. I'm a sucker for button-downs lately and want to get some in patterns to go under solid tops. If you go for a different hat, I agree with Dee that cream is a picker-upper in (effing) cold weather. How do you feel about a slouchy beanie in cream? I think it'd be fab. Your outfit is not overly sporty or prep-schoolish, btw!

catgirl

I love the hat! A slouchy hat is so much fun.

Inge

Moderator

I also really like this on you, MuseumGal. The white shirt adds fab crispness, and the patterned scarf works beautifully with the brown sweater (love this blue paired with brown).

For outside, I was also going to suggest a beautiful puffer coat, fun hat, warm gloves and boots. Inside: layers (maybe a fun blazer or (leather) jacket, warm socks, thermals perhaps underneath your clothes for extra warmth?).

Anonymous

I like this too!

I totally don't think about fashion when I am out in deep winter. I just care about being warm and able to get around.

gryffin

Museumgal - I really like this. I thought the hat was very pretty. It is close to your skin tone but the scarf provides the contrast and brings in the color of your sweater and hat and the jacket gives you a complimentary color. I don't even try for flattery in winter. I have a long down coat (very sleek for what it is Marc but Andrew Marc black quilted puffer) and I call it the PI (portable igloo). I am swaddled neck to ankles in down, snow boots, gloves and knit beret. Warmth trumps all else!! I thought your outfit was great, I'm only sorry you don't seem as pleased with it!!

Lisa

I like these looks, but they have a preppy vibe that I enjoy for myself so I am biased. When looking for warmth and style I go for textures and colors. Somedays you just need a thick sweater, but it can at least be a fun color or a texture (cable or popcorn knit for example) to add some interest to the outfit. I also choose outerwear with interest (my wool coat is bright yellow) and fun accessories (my gloves are multi dots).

Gigi

I'm another one who just gives up in winter. I practically swim in my long black puffer. Someone said to me the other day, "My, that IS a long coat, isn't it?" Yep, it is.

I like your outfit, especially the way the white button-down peeks out under the pullover. Is that what you refer to as preppy? I've been wanting to try this for myself, but I don't have any pullovers that are short enough. Also, I just have the one button-down from Banana Republic, and it has a really stiff collar that fights with everything I try to put over it. Grr.

I think the hat looks OK, at least on my monitor.

rachylou

Those are good questions. I think you're right about the hat. As for more interesting winter dress, I felt I was doing better at the beginning of winter. Things are a little blah now, if you ask me. People have been beaten down by the winter weather. And out here in CA, the weather has been bizarre. Hot hot during the day, and then at sunset the temps drop like a stone. Sorta takes it out of a person.

unfrumped

I think you dressed warmly AND do not look like you've given up, because you've got color and pattern and proportions. So, good deal! Agree that for tweaking, you could add more cream or a pale turquoise for contrast against the darker colors.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

How adorable are you in that hat. WOW. I love it. Fabulous with the scarf.

I wear thermals from Uniqlo - both top and bottom - under everything in that type of cold. Very warm knitwear, two pairs of socks, and jackets layered under coats.

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