Everyone gets excited for fall fashion but fast forward a few months when the temperatures dip below zero and the snow has lost its charm; suddenly getting dressed for the day isn’t so fun anymore.  It’s about wearing whatever you can to get through the day.  So depending on your threshold for cold temperatures perhaps you are at a pass for how to look chic during those long, dark and cold winter months.  Fear not because one doesn’t need to sacrifice comfort and warmth in order to look good.  Here are a few simple tips and suggestions::

• Choose the right outerwear
  I can’t stress this enough, choosing the right coat/s can mean the difference between looking like an overstuffed garbage bag or channeling Audrey Hepburn.  You decide.  Here are your most common coat options::

• The Peacoat:  My go-to in the winter.
  You can’t go wrong here, endless variations to suit anyone’s style.  This particular outerwear piece creates an instant chic factor and is my secret to looking good even on those days I could care less.  Here are some ways to accessorize this classic coat. p.s. – make sure to get your coat a good dry cleaning at least once a year and of course steam out those wrinkles should any surface.

• The Puffer:  For those extra cold and wet days you can’t beat the comfort of a great puffer jacket.
  How to find the perfect puffer coat:
  Don’t choose styles that are too long (full length) or short (say no to bombers). Do find a coat that sits below your waist yet above your knees. 
  Don’t wear anything overly puffy -  unless you dig the Michelin man look.
  Do pick coats with contouring at the waist.  Belted varieties are a great choice because they create shape and break up the ‘puffiness’.
  Don’t wear anything overly shiny – aka the trash bag
  Do opt for black, brown or white shades with metal hardware for timeless style.

**Add interest to your outerwear by accessorizing with colorful and printed gloves, scarves and hats**

• Fleece Lined Leggings
  I acquired a pair of these last year and let me just say — amazing!  They may be a little pricier than your standard pair of leggings but so worth it.  Super warm and cozy they are your ticket to wearing skirts and dresses in the winter.

Affordable options::

• Shopbop: Plush footless tights – available in 3 colors
• Anthropologie: Fleece-Lined Leggings – available in 2 colors
• Deb: Fleece lined black legging

• Functional boots need not be ugly
  If you follow HPS on Facebook you’ll remember that I shared this article on functional winter boots that aren’t total eye soars.  These are some great options if your daily commute involves trudging through snowy streets.  You can always bring a pair of shoes to swap into once you reach your destination, i.e. work etc.
  

Other boot suggestions::

• Nothing beats a great pair of leather boots but having them destroyed from repeated exposure to salt and moisture is devastating — I know this from personal experience.  Thankfully there are plenty of faux-leather options which will be lighter on your wallet, animal friendly and easier to keep clean.  Also if they happen to fall apart you won’t feel as bad pitching them.
• I suggest wearing flats or low heels in the winter but if you must do a high-heel opt for a wedge or chunky heel as they will provide you with much more stability.  Save your stilettos for special occasions.

• Fabrics of choice:
• Polyester – As much as I hate to say it polyester isn’t a bad choice in the winter because of it’s heat retaining properties.  Good thing because non-poly garments are few and far to come by these days anyway.
• Wool – merino, cashmere, etc it’s the lush and warm fabric of choice of winter. If you find wool irritating to your skin look for acrylic blends instead.
• Tightly woven thicker fabrics are preferable for your bottoms: think heavy twills and corduroy.  Tweeds for professional attire.  It goes without saying that denim is always an option.

• Layer wisely
  Layering your wardrobe in the winter doesn’t mean having to pile on everything you own.   If you have a warm coat extensive layering is unnecessary, again it depends on your threshold for cold temps.  However should you need to keep warm indoors start with your basics and build up:  Those summer tanks and camis are the perfect extra layer to wear without adding bulk.  Lace lined camis add a hint of femininity to sweaters and tops that they are paired with.
  A nice basic button up is another good base to layer with your sweaters and scarves.
  If your a person who finds the winter extra nippy, thermals are just what you may need.  I’m not talking about the thermals of your (or maybe just mine?) childhood either.  Adult thermals now come in light weight fabrics that won’t add unnecessary bulk but still give you the extra warmth you seek.

Here are some adult options:

• Jockey – body hugging, no-panty line options
• Hanes – women’s thermals on sale
• JCPenny – several color options available

So there you have it, a few bullet points on how to avoid the frump this winter >> Looking fabulous does NOT require sacrificing comfort.