It is said that “clothes bought in the opposite season, villa by the sea.” Even though it’s summer, thinking ahead to winter wear has its perks. You can score off-season deals and get a head start on fashion trends. Winter clothing, due to the temperature, generally doesn’t feature overly innovative styles. Every year, we see a recurrence of the same staples. Mastering the combination of these items will help you shine through each winter.
1.The First Essential of Winter Wear: Balancing Delicacy and Warmth
Balancing warmth and delicacy in winter is often a challenge. In order to stay warm, we tend to wear heavy layers, which can make us look bulky and unrefined. However, if we focus too much on looking sophisticated, we may sacrifice some of the warmth. Striking the right balance between the two is key.
Follow the Sandwich Dressing Principle
The underlying logic of winter dressing is the “sandwich dressing” method. This principle involves different combinations for varying temperatures during fall and winter. The inner layer should fit snugly. The middle layer should keep you warm and look stylish. The outer layer should protect you from the wind and cold. By following these guidelines, you can dress warmly and stylishly during winter.
2. Warm Clothing Selection
As we’ve seen, prioritizing warmth can sometimes lead to losing sophistication and lightness. However, different winter clothes offer different levels of warmth. Even similar items can vary in warmth. This depends on the material and design. For instance, down jackets can differ in warmth based on the type and amount of down used. If you choose a down jacket that’s not warm enough, you’ll need extra layers underneath. This can make you look bulkier. Therefore, we recommend investing in higher-quality winter clothes. Winter styles change every year. Buying pricier clothes that remain stylish for years is a smarter, more cost-effective choice.
Down Jackets
- Look at the Down-Filled Material: Goose down is fluffy and provides high warmth with little odor. Duck down is more common and offers standard warmth. However, duck down may have an unpleasant odor if not well treated.
- Look at the Down Content:
- <50% doesn’t meet the standard
- 70% meets the standard
- 80% is suitable for cold weather
- 90% is excellent
- Look at the Down Filling Capacity:
- Short Down Jacket: 130g or more
- Long Down Jacket: 230-300g
- Northern Down Jacket: 200g or more
- Outdoor Down Jacket: 250g~450g
Coats
- Cashmere: Cashmere is undoubtedly one of the top-tier materials. Cashmere is soft and light, making it feel almost weightless when worn. It still offers great warmth. Cashmere coats are ideal for milder winters and have a luxurious feel. If you’re looking for comfort and luxury, cashmere is the ideal choice.
- Merino Wool: A Merino wool coat offers an elegant look and excellent comfort in harsh winters. Merino wool’s fine fibers are breathable, keeping you dry and warm even after long wear. It combines classic elegance with modern performance, making it perfect for high-end buyers.
- Alpaca Wool: Alpaca wool coats are known for their superior warmth and lightness. The material is warm, very comfortable, and does not warp or shed easily. Alpaca wool is finer than regular wool. It’s perfect for those looking for a luxurious texture and lasting durability.
3.Accessories to Add Lightness
Wool Scarves
Wool scarves are a winter must-have. They keep you warm and add layers to any look. Choose classic gray, camel, or black to match any coat. Or go for plaid or stripes for a fun look that shows off your personal style.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are not only stylish but also perfect for cold weather. The right leather gloves keep your hands warm and protect them from the cold wind. They also add to your overall style. Wool- or cashmere-lined styles will keep you warmer and are ideal for long days out or driving.
Wool Hats
Whether it’s a classic beret or a simple knit hat, wool hats are essential winter accessories. They not only keep you warm but also add a funky touch to your winter look. We suggest choosing hats in neutral tones. They’ll easily match your coats or down jackets.
Ear Muffs
Ear muffs are perfect if you don’t like wearing hats or if your hair tends to get messy. They effectively protect your ears from the cold without interfering with your hairstyle. Today, many ear muff designs are stylish. They fit easily into street style, sporty looks, or classic outfits.
Neck Gaiters
A neck gaiter is a great option for those who are always on the go. A neck gaiter not only protects your neck as an alternative to a scarf, but also blocks wind in very cold weather. Neck gaiters come in different materials. Popular choices include cashmere, wool, and high-tech thermal fabrics.
The key to winter dressing is balancing warmth and sophistication. The “sandwich dressing principle” works well for cold weather. Begin with a close-fitting inner layer. Add a warm middle layer. Finish with a windproof outer layer. Choose high-quality materials like goose down, wool, and cashmere for comfort and style. Winter accessories like wool scarves, leather gloves, and wool hats add extra layers. They also elevate your style. Properly pairing these items will keep you stylish and practical throughout the winter.