When I was a kid, my dad used to say that you could tell it was the doldrums of winter when bowling was on TV at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon (sorry bowling enthusiasts). It's such a depressing visual. The holidays are over and all that seems to be left is bleak, grey, cold days and early dark evenings.
A client, who lives in a very cold part of the country, emailed me and mentioned that she had started to grow a little bored with her wardrobe. Day in and day out she felt like she was wearing the same look of sweaters, jeans and boots but was struggling to figure out an alternative given the weather and her lifestyle. Giving it some thought, I realized her options were limited. Think about the casual part of your own life. What do you wear besides sweaters, pants and boots? It's too cold to come up with too many suitable alternatives. Yes, the look is easy but it can start to feel repetitive.
If you are feeling like you are in the 3pm Sunday afternoon bowling part of your own winter, and are starting to feel a little tired of your sweater, jeans and boots looks, take a look at some ways to make it through your own your winter fashion boredom by changing up this very standard classic winter look.
How to Survive Winter Fashion Boredom
#1- Add fresh accessories
January is a great time to shop for clothing, making it ideal to find a few things to add to your casual outfits to change up your existing looks. For example, you can try playing with color alternatives and combinations. Instead of your brown or black boots that you have been slogging around in, try another versatile color like burgundy. Tired of your sweater? Play with color by adding a printed scarf or some jewelry in some fun colors.
In the outfit above, I added this scarf from Ann Taylor to an olive sweater from J. Crew, skinny jeans from Madewell, and burgundy boots from Splendid. I finished the look with studs from Lana Jewelry and an olive crossbody from Rebecca Minkoff.
Remember, this isn't about buying a lot or revamping your entire wardrobe, it's about adding a few fresh pieces to reinvigorate what you already own. A little can go a long way. You might be surprised the difference a small change can make.
#2- Buy a fun sweater, or two
If you're going to wait out spring wearing sweaters, it's not a bad idea to pick up a few more. Clearly, you have proven to yourself that this is your staple go-to piece. Why not make it fun by choosing some styles that feel fresh, new and easy to wear. I chose this fringed sweater from Banana Republic for its playful look that doesn't need a lot of accessorizing to be finished. I styled it with it's navy slim pants from Theory, added these navy booties from Clarks, and finished the look with a soft blue crossbody from Botkier, navy studs from Kate Spade and a gold bangle from J. Crew.
#3- Lighten up
Winter wardrobes can often get about as dark as the days themselves. It's easy to go for black and grey, which is fine, but can get a bit depressing after a while. You can try pairing brights with your darker shades or you can lighten up with winter white, camel, taupe, and more. You don't have to go crazy. One piece or outfit can make a huge difference.
In the outfit above, I styled this kimono sweater from Lafayette 148 with a pair of velveteen skinny jeans from Chico's. I finished the look with a pair of camel booties from Corso Como, a tan bag from Brahmin, pendant from Panacea and bangle from David Yurman.
As we go through the homestretch of winter and winter fashion boredom has taken its hold, look to little ways like color, accessories and a few fun sweaters to get through these final months.
