My Style Picks Part 1: Winter Dressing

Winter is a time when people like to bundle up and that's great BUT bundling up usually involves piling on big, bulky layers, which has the potential for not being stylish. I have bulked up all my life hoping to stay nice and warm in the winter. I did indeed stay warm but I ended up looking like a snow woman too! Unfortunately, I have sacrificed style on all occasions in order to stay warm.

My Old Way of Dressing for the Winter

Back when I was attending college in NYC a few years ago, I took bundling up in the frigid winter to a whole new extreme. The first year, my typical winter outfit consisted of (from inner to out layers, in order): sweater leggings (Target), waffle-weave thermal leggings (H & M), boot cut jeans, 1 pair of thickish regular socks, thin trouser knee socks or thick knee socks and black mid-calf winter boots with nylon exterior and faux fur lining {kind of cute but not so warm!} (Totes brand).

On top I'd wear a fitted tee or turtleneck under my fave denim button-up shirt and a short thick wool sweater or hoodie over that. To top it off, I'd wear my black rosette wool blend hat {super cute and sleek but sadly it shrunk up!} (H & M), great warm wool blend gloves {they go up far past the wrists} (J-Crew and H & M), warm old grey scarf {busted and beat up}(Old Navy) and black shortish Frost Free parka with faux fur trimmed hood (Old Navy).

Winter Dressing: Year 1 by naturallystyled featuring thermal pants

My Winter Style Evolution

The second year my typical winter outfit evolved a bit and it consisted of (from inner to out layers, in order): Cold weather thermal Cuddl Duds Warm Essentials leggings (Target), waffle-weave thermal leggings (H & M), skinny jeans and black L.L. Bean winter boots {rugged compared to my first year boots and exceedingly warm, comfy and waterproof!}

On top I'd wear a fitted tee or turtleneck under my fave denim button-up shirt, my beloved purple hoodie vest and a long thick cotton or acrylic sweater over that. To top it off, I'd wear my black rosette wool blend hat (H & M), great warm wool blend gloves (H & M), thin drapy fringe scarf {black or dark red}(H & M) and black sleek, chic long wool coat (United Colors of Benetton).

Winter Dressing: Year 2 by naturallystyled featuring a black beanie

Simple Ideas for Stylish Winter Dressing

But after I moved back home to Washington, I starting researching possible ways to stay warm and stylish. So I poured over articles and YouTube videos. I came across one video where a YouTube.com fashion guru called bootaholic suggested ways to keep wearing dresses, skirts and shorts in the dead of winter.

Her trick was to wear tights under leggings and she assued that no one could tell. That was a simple easy yet obvious tip that I had never even though of before! I would have never entertained the idea of wearing anything that exposed my legs to cold but the layering makes it a fool proof way to stay stylish and warm. Needless to say I became a subscriber to her channel, she gives great fashion advice!

bootsaholic's Winter Fashion Tips

 bootsaholic's Winter Fashion Tips Part 2

In part two next week I will share my skinny & warm philosophy that I've been working on these past few years to address my need for a stylish bulk-free winter look.

I'd love to hear your stories on how your winter style has evolved into a more stylish endeavor.