Ok, maybe ‘cutesy’ is the wrong word. Too preppy and Posh Becks for my liking but I’m thinking that bulky boots, 5 layers, 3 hoodies, goggles and a beanie is not doing much for those hips. You need to find a middle ground in the cold to keep you feeling fly.

I avoid cold places for 2 reasons. 1. I’m crap at snow sports and 2. Dressing for the cold is freaking stressful, there’s just so many layers.

I recently embarked on a ‘cold’ trip and spent 4 of the 5 days indoors, in sub average accommodations. I lay in bed with the heater blaring, ate chocolate, drank hot chocolate and read why celebs don’t eat chocolate. All of this I could have done at home minus, the travel expenditure. So in the name of good faith I have taken it upon myself to put together a few styling tips. Five helpful hints for staying cool in the real cool, which shall hopefully result in a more proactive and joyous trip away. I know, I’m amazing, you can say it!

1. Layer it

The trick is to layer and layer cleverly. You want your thermal sweats as your first layer. A cotton tee above that, your fleece or wool as your major layer and then finish off with a coat. You want hardy fabrics that say, “rain rain go away” but you want to find a piece with the quirkiness that says, “hey, hey sexy lad come and play”. Tweed, big buttons and interesting collars are things to look out for in a good coat.

Follow the same principle on the bottom. Woollen tights are your friends. Wear under a pair of sassy jeans and you’re still chic. Think of your layers like blankets on a bed. Each layer adds insulation, which keeps the cold out and body heat closer to your skin. It’s Science.

2. Cover It

Your head and neck are said to lose the most heat. Get your hands on one of those French inspired thick knit beanies to add a touch of je ne sais pas.

If you feeling domestic there’s no harm in knitting your own scarf. Wool is always a good option for scarves. Though Arab shemagh (don’t ask me how to pronounce it) scarves are totally hot right now. They might not be the most heat conscious scarves around but with all your layers the shemagh should do the trick. Check out some styling tips coz I never know what the hell to wear with em.

3. Sock it

Find some amazing socks and don’t be afraid to go over board, you can never have too many in the cold. Thick socks are going to keep you toasty. If your feet are warm the rest of your body stays warm. Your shoes can get wet but with a trusty pair of socks your tootsies will stay dry. While you’re in the sock section look out for a pair of gloves with thinsulate lining. This thin lining will also help block out the brrr.

4. Boot it

Long live the Ozzie Ugg Boot. I know they can be bulky and have their hey day about 3 seasons ago, but with the right layers they can be incredibly casually sexy, like you’re not even trying, which is the best kind of sexy. They’re warm, cosy, classic and the Aussies still love em. Have a squizzy Sheila coz you can order online.

5. Ella Ella it

Make like Rhianna and get an umbrella, ella, ella. I have a leopard print one and a black and white polka dot one and it makes rainy days a lot more fun. Let’s face it there’s not a whole lot of sex appeal in a raincoat.

Hope this helps, happy hibernation

Tags: Fashion, Style