When it gets cold, I don’t always have all of the pieces I need to make outfits that make me feel both cute and cozy. And sometimes, I get into the mindset that, once spring or summer hits, I won’t really need any of my warmer clothing items anymore. However, every year, that is proven to be completely untrue.
From how to get more cozy pieces into your wardrobe, to what you should be adding to your closet to feel warmer in general, I’ve got you covered here! And that’s whether it’s something as simple and boring as getting more socks or adding something as brand new and cutting edge as a wearable blanket!
How do I Add Warm Pieces to my Closet on a Budget?
I’ve always been a fan of getting clothing while saving money, which means that I’ll constantly be looking to see if my favorite trendy coats and sweaters are going on sale. I’ll also scour the internet for coupon codes, even if I’m only saving cents to the dollar.
However, now that people are generally moving toward sustainability-friendly practices, I would be completely remiss to forget to suggest going thrifting for your items. Whether that means you look on secondhand and consignment stores that are web-based or brick and mortar storefronts, you can’t really go wrong.
Don’t forget to check out both the women’s sections and the men’s sections of thrift stores! I’m friends with multiple people who would be without some of their ultimate favorite pieces if they didn’t bother to check outside of the sections meant for their genders. And, who knows, you might find out that you like the new and different fits of clothing on your body!
Are There new Ways to Stay Warm? What’s a Wearable Blanket?
As fashion is shifting to include vintage and retro influences, there are lots of new ways to stay warm in development. One of my favorite ways is the idea of the wearable blanket.
The flow of the wearable blanket reminds me a lot of the 90s and the early 2000s, and the concept of wearing something as cozy as a blanket out onto the street is endlessly intriguing to me. Not only would you be wearing what is essentially a blanket out in public, but a wearable blanket can also mean that this comfort is more likely to be perceived as socially acceptable.
Wearable blankets feel fuzzy just like my favorite plush blankets, but they also come with sleeves! I think that the sleeves are the main thing that makes this fashion statement okay to wear outside.
The silhouette of these reminds me of cardigans, but with a little extra thickness to keep the cold out and the warmth and coziness in!
How Should I Layer my Clothes? Layers and Fashion?
I’ve always been an advocate for getting layering pieces, as they can really increase the amount of time that your summer clothes can be on display. By layering a neutral-colored long sleeve shirt or sweater underneath short sleeve shirts and dresses, I can keep my favorite pieces around all year.
Actually, if you wanted to wear a solid, bold-colored long-sleeve under your short sleeve pieces, you could make an even bigger statement.
And, layering clothes can also just generally help you feel warmer. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt under a sweater is one of my favorite ways to keep in warmth while minimizing bulk in the silhouette of my outfits.
Similar things can be done on your legs as well. If you don’t want to retire your mini skirts or shorts for the fall just yet, leave them out to play for a little while longer by wearing them over leggings, warm tights, or long pairs of socks. In fact, layering multiple items on your more-leggy half can keep your feet feeling extra toasty. No more numb toes!
What Warm Accessories Should I Absolutely Have?
I think that everyone should have at least one pair of neutral-colored boots in their closet, as they can easily make an old outfit feel new and add a bit of a cozy twist!
In addition to this, depending on how cold it gets or how often you travel to cold places, I think that most people should have at least one coat or jacket that they can layer on top of multiple outfits. Further, I think that this coat should be something that you absolutely love and get excited about wearing.
If it doesn’t get too chilly where you are, then you should also have a couple of neutral-colored sweaters in your wardrobe. Although, I’m also a fan of having my sweaters and coats be in fun colors if layering and pops of color matter to you.
It might be a good idea to also take care of your hands, so get a pair or two of gloves or mittens (for layering, obviously) to keep your fingertips from getting numb! I also love wearing beanies or earmuffs, especially if it’s chilly. When the tips of my ears get too cold, or even lose all feeling, I feel absolutely miserable!
Scarves might also be a lovely addition to your wardrobe, but unless you’re wearing them all the time I would aim for just one.