Let's face facts; it's winter. There is no way around it when you live in Central Pennsylvania, it WILL be cold. And what is a must-have when it's cold? Well, yes, an automatic car starter is nice, but I'm talking about coats, hats, gloves and scarves.
Oh, I know what is there to know about picking a coat and a hat? Just as your clothes can speak volumes about you, your outerwear can do the exact same thing.
I love adding sparkle and color to my outerwear, and even as trends change from year to year, one fact still remains - fashion doesn't stop even though the snow starts falling.
This winter, a big trend in coats is fur. Now, don't get scared. I'm talking about a touch of fur, not a full-on fur coat (and it's not REAL fur, so please don't call PETA on me). You can find great choices with a touch of faux fur to add some glamour to your everyday coats.
For example, Kohl's has a great wool boucle coat by Apt 9, with fur trim around the sleeves and a great high fur collar that will help to keep you extremely warm this winter. This snap-front coat with pockets is on sale now for less than $90 and comes in a few different colors, so you can pick your favorite color-fur combo.
Because of the great high collar, you won't need a scarf, but you can still add some great gloves and a hat to finish off a chic winter look.
Another great look with fur is with a puffer down coat with fur accents. If you want some extra warmth, but don't want to lose that sense of fashion, this is good option for you. Kohl's has a beautiful Jennifer Lopez down, satin puffer coat, with a faux fur shawl-type collar.
What really is great about this coat is that the fur trim is removable, so if you're heading out to play in the snow, you can take off your fur trim and not worry about ruining anything. Another plus to removing the fur trim is, you can add a scarf and change the look of your coat as well. And at under $90, this is a steal.
One trend that continues to stay strong year in and year out is the peacoat. The peacoat originally was a men's coat, one very similar to that of a military-style jacket.
Now, the peacoat comes in various colors, long and short, belt or no belt. One of the reasons I love a peacoat is because it allows you to add some over the top accessories to it.
Because the peacoat is a standard style, you can feel free to throw some sparkle and color into your gloves, hat and scarf.
Target has a beautiful double-breasted peacoat that comes in a variety of colors for less than $40, and also has a huge selection of scarves, hats and gloves to add to your coat.
A nice way to add some depth to the peacoat, if it seems a little bland for your taste, is to choose one in a herringbone or houndstooth pattern. These patterns are stylish and sophisticated, and are extremely timeless choices.
Some of you may already have a coat, and simply want to update your look by adding accessories.
I love winter wear accessories because there are so many different colors and styles you can mix together.
Depending on your destination for the day or night, you can change your outerwear look to match. Personally, I have close to 10 hats, including sequin berets, warm winter beanies and colorful brimmed hats. I love to mix and match my scarves and gloves as well.
As I said, Target has a large selection of cold weather accessories. You can find any type of hat or gloves that you feel comfortable with there, and they all will add to your overall look.
What most people suggest when you're completing your outerwear look is to try and match the style of your coat. For example, if you have chosen a very ladylike wool coat, then try a chic pair of leather gloves.
Depending on the color you can either do a coordinating solid, or add some flair with a print. If you're going the down coat route, a fun pair of Navajo-print gloves with matching scarf or solid-colored scarf will work beautifully together.
Right now at Target, they have some gorgeous scarf, glove and hat sets with added shine and sparkle for the holidays. I like to use pieces like that for a nighttime look. A scarf or hat with some sparkle can make your evening look complete. (Men - these are great gift ideas. HINT HINT.)
Winter can be very long, very cold and pretty depressing. Throw some fun into your look as you walk out the door, and keep yourself warm and cozy at the same time.
Fashion isn't only about what you wear, but how you feel when you wear it. Make sure you're protected from that cold winter wind this year, but show Mother Nature who the real boss is.
Morone may be reached at life@sunga zette.com. Her column is published on the third Friday of each month.
