Compromising Style for the Cold

I've noticed recently, both here in Australia and in the states, that often women tend to compromise their fashion sense when the cold air hits. A woman who was so well put together during the spring, summer and fall months can suddenly loose the desire or will power to "get dressed" when its so cold outside that all they are concerned about is keeping their ears, face and feet warm. I've always found that winter is the BEST season to dress well. While summer is filled with linen, cotton and gauze and tank tops, shorts and flat sandals, winter brings out the most luxurious fabrics, architectural shapes and layers upon layers.

In winter layer a leather jacket, over a boyfriend cardigan, over a cowl neck sweater and couple that with a pair of skinny jeans tucked into a pair of supple leather boots (cashmere socks inside of course) instead of always resorting to Uggs. The idea that having style has to be hard is a myth. Style is merely taking an extra 2 minutes every morning to just think of how you would like yourself to look and act on it. Chances are you have something in your closet resembling that idea in your head.

Now I know my counterparts back in the good ole USA are probably laughing as a I speak of weather that requires cashmere socks, but it should actually be a wake up call to stay on top of your game for summer. When it is so hot outside, that you'd rather be naked than think of draping yourself in any type of fabric, remind yourself that covering up is often the best way to stay cool. A colorful linen blouse tucked into a pair of white jeans or pencil skirt, complimented with a tan leather belt, funky sandals (flat or heels) and some great statement jewelry, takes little-to-no effort, can carry you from day to evening and simple yet always chic.

While it is probably easier said than done, we should never let the weather control how we present ourselves. Just imagine sitting in a restaurant by a window in the winter time and seeing a woman walk by in a great shearling coat, a simple turtleneck, dark denim jeans tucked into a pair of flat over the knee boots topped off with a newspaper boy cap. Dressed from head to toe, chances are she is still very comfortable AND warm. Now imagine that same window in the summertime. As a woman walks by in a belted maxi dress, jeweled sandals and big clutch. It probably took her less than 5 minutes to get dressed and yet she still managed to create an effortlessly stylish look, all while staying cool as the mercury continues to rise. Both of those women caught your eye. What they remembered is that presentation is everything. I guarantee it takes just as little time to "get dressed" and is does to throw on something/anything just because it suits the weather. Sloppy can always be prevented.

Never compromise your style because of what the weather man says.