I received this email in my inbox:
I like to know if you had anything written about cold weather accessories?
For me one of the main things I learned from the 7 Steps to Style program is that accessories make the finishing touch for the outfits, which I neglected before.
I made a big progress in the accessories wise when it comes to my summer outfits as well my indoor outfits, but no clue what to do with the outwear.
I usually just wear ugly sloppy knitted beanie hat with the matching mittens, but I want to be more stylish, when I am outside, but no idea how. I do not even know what style of hats exists, let alone decide what would match my dramatic/classic/ casual style.
Also do not know if I supposed to match hat/ scarves/ mittens or that is too condescending? When it comes for indoor accessories, like jewelry, you wrote many pieces about the scale and shape issues and what type of jewelry goes what style. Is there anything like that for cold weather accessories? Like hat type for face shapes or style ?
Thanks for the advice.
How to Accessorize in Winter
Some time back I wrote this post about how to accessorize with hats, scarves and gloves. Plus if you want to know about how to choose a hat shape to flatter your head, read this post on hat shapes. Now consider the following three essential ingredients to making your accessories work in winter.
1. Consider Colour
Work in a colour palette that matches but doesn’t have to be exactly the same. For example, here I’ve chosen grey and black as my colours, they work together easily but don’t have to match.
2. Level of Refinement
Consider the level of refinement – the more casual your outfit, then a woollen beanie and mittens will work. The dressier your coat and outfit, choose a more structured hat such as a fedora, bowling hat or cloche.
The thicker and chunkier your outwear, sweater, coat and boots, the thicker and chunkier the knit of the beanie and mittens.
3. Fabric and Textures
Think about the weight and thickness of the fabrics you’re choosing. For example in summer you will choose thinner, finer, lighter weight fabrics in scarves and accessories. In winter you will opt for heavier, more textured and thicker fabrics for both your scarves as well as your outwear such as coats and jackets.
And you may also be interested in reading about how to choose the right jewellery for the season
The rules for scale are the same. If you are a larger scale person, then wear a larger scale hat with a wider brim. If you are a smaller scale person wear a smaller hat and thinner scarf (width wise) so that it doesn’t overwhelm and engulf you.
Of course, the most essential ingredient is for you to try different hat styles on – you may find that your hairstyle also influences what does and doesn’t work for you. Don’t be afraid to play, try them forward, backwards and tilted to the side to see what flatters your face the most.
In your post on accessorizing with hat, scarves, & gloves you mention matching your hat to your hair or coat. We wear hats a lot in our cold winters and for the last few years I’ve taken to using eye enhancing colors in my hats and scarves. I get tons of compliments and it helps to break up the sea of neutral cold weather gear one tends to see all winter.
Great idea Margot – eye enhancers are great for anything near your face
Thank you for the post, I LOVE it. Fall is officially here , so I better get a start on this.
Thanks Orsi
This is somewhat helpful. As a Minnesotan, when I read the letter I was thinking WINTER. When I see the pics, that is Autumn. The priciples are useful, though.
Helle – you would just wear a really warm jacket but may also want scarves, gloves and hats which is what this article is about!
Besides hats, scarves and gloves, also consider arm warmers and leg warmers. They aren’t trendy, but can be stylish. There are some great patterns (especially for knitters and sewers who re-purposing old clothes) for any personal style;sporty, classic, Goth, bohemian. Using them gives me more options during the transition seasons (and the balmier winter days). My days are a mix of outside (commuting, walking dogs) and inside. Plus morning classrooms can be freezing to start with then t-shirt weather within half an hour. If I use arm warmers with a short-sleeved top and a lighter cardigan then I fit all the temperatures without overheating or freezing. The legwarmers let me wear skirts/dresses even if there is sleet.
All your tips, and your hats, are spot on! It’s so much fun to create a winter look with just the right hat, scarf, and gloves. Thanks for participating in Hat Attack!