In these dark cold days of February, how can you give yourself a quick style lift and still have plenty of money to save for Junior’s college? Fear not, I have tapped Dana Lynch, personal stylist, image consultant, and founder of elementsofimage.com, to give us practical winter fashion ideas.
KS: What are some winter dressing tips that go beyond red-and-green-themed outfits?
Dana: Since we’re past the holidays, I will just answer with how you can add in color to your wardrobe when it’s feeling dark-no reference to red/green.
While it’s important to have quality staple pieces in neutral colors, it feels like our winter wardrobes can get dark and let’s face it, a little depressing, easily. The way to overcome this is to add in a few bright colors. Easiest are sweaters…think hot pink, cobalt, kelly green, and red just to name a few. If you’re really wanting to lighten up, try winter white or camel jackets and pants, then coordinate them with light pink or green for a softer look.
For warmth, cashmere sweaters can’t be beat, and it’s available at ALL price points these days. Wearing wool pants, blazers or skirts in a bright color is a way to brighten up your closet and keep you warm! If your wardrobe is full of solid colors, you may want to explore a few prints to perk it up. A few ideas include printed sweaters or knit dresses. Or look to plaid pants and jackets for a subdued but new look.
KS: If you could only own one coat, what would it be and why?
Dana: One coat…that’s a tricky one! First, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how cold you run. My pat answer to the one coat would be a midi/maxi wool coat in a neutral color. (Or a bright color could be a good addition if you’re on neutral overload in the rest of your closet.) This “dress coat” may seem too formal at first, but if you choose a simple, timeless silhouette, you can wear it with your business basics, jeans, and even over your sweats for a weekend coffee run.* (*This is a super chic look right now!)
If your lifestyle is only casual, i.e. you never wear skirts/dresses/blazers, you may be best with a mid-thigh down coat. To avoid looking too “wintery blah” find an interesting color. My favorites have a little bit of shimmer or shine versus a flat black puffer.
KS: What are a few wardrobe items or accessories that someone could buy to perk up the cold-weather blahs but won’t break the bank?
Dana: Since it’s after the holidays, there are a lot of winter items on sale! Something that’s super stylish yet timeless is a big cashmere scarf. When you wrap that baby around you…instant toastiness! It’s even stylish to wear the seemingly “outdoor scarf” with a sweater or knit top indoors. And don’t worry too much about how you’re wrapping it. It’ll look effortless and chic! I bought mine in charcoal which isn’t exactly bright, but I love it!!
If you drive a lot, think about colorful leather gloves. Cashmere lined are definitely the warmest! They’re on sale now, and you can find most of them with tech friendly fingers.
KS: Thank you, Dana, for these great ideas. I feel more cheerful already.
Dana helps take the stress out of getting dressed! Over the past 18 years, she’s worked with countless professional women—all with one thing in common, the goal of feeling confident and fabulous in their clothes!
Contact Dana through https://elementsofimage.com/, 303-868-8925, or
You are always welcome to schedule a free consultation with me!
