Time to re-assess our wardrobe, ladies! Temperature’s going low but it won’t be raining men. We’ve got to check our layering essentials for this cold weather before we freeze. But remember my dear Fashion Pinays, not all in trend will fit us.
So let’s go through all these traditional wardrobe essentials and check them against the three points – your body type, your height and your lifestyle.
- WINTER PANTS. A good pair of skinny jeans would usually do the trick – close to your skin and still defines form. Now, which form that is, is another story. Though this is good for layering, it may accentuate that you’re top heavy which may not be flattering. You can always opt for a straight-cut jeans to create a more streamlined silhouette, if that’s the case.
- CASHMERE SWEATER. A definite must have this winter season. Just remember, not all sweaters need to have a round or crew neck. To lengthen your neck, it would be advisable to wear a V-neck or one with a more plunging neckline. The length of the sweater would also depend on your height – keeping it within your beltline prevents you from looking shorter than you really are.
- HEAD GEAR. Beanies, caps, hats, or even a rasta cap can be rustled up from your closet but remember that it all depends on where you’re going. So keep the rabbit ears and goldilocks beanies for the home and keep some classic pieces for work and night outs. A fedora would be chic for a stylish night out or even a meeting over coffee al fresco. A black wool turban might go well with office attire. A French beret would be cute for a casual meet up with friends or a trip to the museum.
- COAT. As you keep your innerwear streamlined and closed to your skin, winter’s most significant fashion piece would always be your statement coat. Depending on your budget, the material can be wool, cashmere, tweed, mohair, fur or faux fur. Since this is a seasonal item in your wardrobe, aside from warm, it should ideally be durable and easy to care for. But more importantly, classic. Depending on your height, you can try a parka, a peacoat or a short puffer coat if you’re height is considered short and a duster coat, a navy coat, and a long hourglass coat for those higher than 5’7”. But for extra warmth, layer on with a cocoon coat on top to streamline the look.
- BOOTS. Warm and stylish, this piece may complete the look or make it tacky. The length of the shaft is dependent on the length of your legs especially if you’re wearing them over your pants. Remember that the boot may cut the silhouette of your legs. Wearing knee high boots and having short legs can only work if the boot and your pants are of the same colour.
- KNITTED JUMPER DRESS. This combines the warmth of a jumper and a short piece that allows you to show off your legs. Just remember to put on warm tights and you’re good to go. This number is also meant to be loose and relaxed. If the fabric stretches on your tummy and arms, then you’re wearing the wrong size… or even outfit.
- BLANKET WRAP SCARF. It’s like a warm hug during a cold night. The scarf goes twice around your body or neck that keeps one really warm. It can be an accent piece that pops out of a usually black or gray ensemble. But remember to take it off when indoors because aside from the possibly uncomfortable heat, it makes you look like a “suman” indoors.
- TURTLENECK TOP. The skivvy is a classic top that’s totally necessary during this winter season. Again, remember the importance of the neck. You can choose a skivvy that hugs the neck and not clumps it up with too much fabric that not only “erases” your neck but makes it look thicker.
- LEATHER JACKET. A winter wardrobe must-have. It adds edge and the coolness factor in the whole look. Just be mindful of the length and style to make sure that it matches your form.
Finally, remember that there’s a reason why winter clothes are usually dark – because they absorb and retain heat more than the light coloured ones. Make sure to streamline by working with consistent hues and not put all the colours of the rainbow in your ensemble unless that is the look that you’re gunning for. If not, just use one item to contrast the streamlined look and you’re surely going to be one stylish Pinay.