How to Create the Ultimate Winter Wardrobe: Must-Have Items and Styling Tips

Welcome to my closet dear followers! Does it smell like mothballs in here? Boy, I hope not. I’m going back to my roots for this post, as I used to create fashion articles when I wrote for Her Campus at Siena. But, wowie has my style changed since then.

I have always lived my life dressing to the nines and showing off. Why not? I look good so let’s flaunt it people! I spent college dressing in fishnets and skirts to strut around campus and wreak havoc. Now, my style includes leather pants, a fur coat that could fit 3 of me in it, and boots. Fashion is an ever-changing thing in our world, and certainly as we mature. I don’t think I could get away with fishnets in my career at this point, but man do I miss the way I’d fill those out!

Let's embark on a tour of what I swear by in my closet for the winter seasons. Lately, it's been difficult to express myself at an office job where everyone expects me to dress like I'm of retirement age, however I am making it work. Who wants to feel bad for me?

Stopped to pose with one of my fans while in downtown Saratoga Springs rocking the fur!

I’ve perfected ways to add my own unique flare to work outfits, and then really go all out on the weekends. I’m talking all heads turn the second I walk into an establishment. And yes! I will stop to sign a few autographs. The fans always come first!

Winter style can be challenging, but with a few basic pieces, you can make almost any outfit fire...

1.      Leather. Pants.

• Ummm duh! Pants, joggers or leggings, black, brown, silver, or gold; you can never go wrong with a few pairs of trusty leather options in your closet. You can dress them up or down depending on the event. I love a pair of leather leggings and an oversized sweater or sweatshirt for a more casual look. If I’m going out on the town, a pair of pants and a fitted top usually does the trick. These days there are so many options that aren't 'real' leather too!

Lookbook of some recent styles

2.      Denim

• Denim of any kind is always welcomed in my closet. I love a well-made, quality pair of jeans. Ripped jeans can also make an appearance, despite my mother saying I’m too old for them! I think they make an outfit more fun and hip.

• French women swear by classic dark denim for day or night. Throw on a blazer or sweater, ballet flats, boots or sneakers, and you’re good to go.

Insider Charty tip! If you’re like me and love Abercrombie jeans, but don’t like paying $100+ for them- go on Poshmark or Depop. You can find brand new or gently used pairs of their jeans for $35-50. A bargain!

3.      Sweaters

• Sweaters can be a perfect basic for your winter wardrobe. Turtlenecks especially...Chunky, thin, oversized, etc. you can add a sweater to jeans, dress pants, leather pants, and make so many different fits. Think about investing in cashmere – they need some extra maintenance, but they will be with you for the long haul! Quince, J. Crew, Lands End, Charter Club all have reasonably priced options and this time of year many are discounted! Don’t forget about the trusty sweater dresses as an option with tall boots if you’re feeling hot!

4.      Faux Fur

• My personal favorite…anything faux fur. A cropped or long fur coat, shearling or fox, moto or car coat - fur coats are so in style now! Don’t forget the faux fur scarves, mittens and hats! If it’s got fur—I need it. A faux fur Cruella De Ville moment is another reason I love wintertime.

5.      Coats…of any kind!

• I always purchase an excessive number of coats and bikinis. Those are my weaknesses. I think a coat moment is so iconic, whether it be my trusty fur, leather jacket, a long wool coat, or a shiny puffer. You can always elevate an outfit with a great coat!

6.      Tissue Turtlenecks

• I know, I told you I don’t dress like an old lady, and I promise I don’t. Tissue Turtlenecks are the best layering tool ever. They’re thin, comfortable, and can be worn under a sweater, cardigan, or just on their own. I find mine at J. Crew!

7.      BOOTS!

• As we know, boots are a staple of a winter wardrobe. Tall boots, Chelsea boots, riding boots, you can’t go wrong. Wearing stylish chunky boots makes any outfit cooler and chicer. Cole Haan has great waterproof Chelsea boots that have a wedge to them as well!

JODI’S Winter Wardrobe Must Haves…

Jodster rocking it as ALWAYS!

You guys know I couldn’t write this without asking the Queen of Fashion her winter must haves...without further ado, here is my mom’s winter wardrobe tips!

You need a few staples in your winter wardrobe. Go for the ‘old money aesthetic’ when choosing sweaters and coats. Neutral colors like black, ivory, grey, and navy are always going to stay in style. A few cashmere sweaters in a variety of neck styles and weight can go with everything from jeans, to trousers and slip skirts.

Mom finds her cashmere sweaters at Quince, as they are discounted prices for quality pieces.

As a fellow coat lover like her daughter, Mom says every gal needs a classic coat – invest in a

top coat in camel, navy or black wool. Winter is the time to invest in these classic pieces to last you years to come. Make sure your coat is at least 60-70% wool for warmth.

eBay has some lovely vintage and new cashmere wool blend pieces. J. Crew has some fantastic options, and there is ALWAYS a sale going on! You can’t go wrong with a trench coat either. Many are lined in wool so they can be multi-seasonal. Mom loves multi use and a bargain! And don’t get her started on LEOPARD! A belt, a shoe, a coat, gloves …. She says they are a neutral and can change up any outfit.

Make sure you understand about how to care for cashmere, as you have to comb and shampoo it.

(You can imagine my face as my mom is teaching me about combing and shampooing cashmere).

These are just a few tips and tricks for your winter wardrobe! There are so many ways to avoid looking like a hunchback with bad style. Try new pieces, add a silk or cashmere scarf, chunky gold jewelry, or an animal pattern shoe or belt! Just have fun with it!

Love,

Charty (And the Queen, her Royal Highness, Jodi Miller)