As snow begins to blanket the northern hemisphere and stores begin tidying up after the holiday rush, most Canadians understand the winter season has only just begun. To keep warm, many of us will look as though we’re smuggling tires out of an auto-store beneath a puffy jacket. But being warm doesn’t have to mean being bulky, and this season is the perfect time to prove you can still be chic while keeping cozy.
Let’s begin by discussing layers, as it’s usually the first go-to solution when it comes to winter clothing. Whether it’s damp and dark or minus-polar bears outside, many of us begrudgingly sacrifice our figures for the sake of not turning into human ice-pops. Avoiding a chunky look can be achieved by selecting thin, natural fibre layers for BC’s wet winters or investing in a good, warm piece of outerwear suited to frostier parts of Canada.
If your city is notorious for bone-chilling winters, high winds and snowfall accumulations that would give even Jack Frost hypothermia, look for a coat that is a) in a neutral colour (black, brown, navy) so you can wear it with any combo of colours, and b) insulated. Sport stores are often well-stocked with these items, and modern technology has allowed many companies to streamline their coats into sleek silhouettes without sacrificing your appendages to the cold. If you need a coat that can transition from casual to a more formal setting, look for one with a detachable hood (be careful to not misplace it in its “detached” state).
Of course, a warm, insulated coat isn’t the only cause of fashion-bulk – the other comes from your wardrobe. While many women enjoy re-styling their fair-weather attire into winter garments by adding leggings or a knit cardigan, the material of said dresses/skirts/shirts was never intended to withstand the blast of chilly air. In fact, it was likely designed with the idea of letting air pass through for the summer months – not a great look (or feel) for winter. Instead of bundling up and adding chunky sweaters to your mild-weather outfits to stay toasty, consider different fabric choices for a sleeker look.
Merino wool has been a huge favourite in recent years, known for both its ability to hug your frame, as well as insulate your body. Coming in dresses, skirts and sweaters, it can look incredibly professional and be incredibly comfortable – a win/win for anyone looking for pieces to transition from work to home.
Cashmere wool has also been a long-time favourite of many Canadians, allowing for a variety of colours and garment-types. If you’re looking at getting a dress or skirt in one of these fabrics but are worried about how your legs will hold up against the frigid winds, look for a pair of knit tights or fleece-lined leggings to provide some extra heat without adding bulk.
Winter can be rough – and feel long – but by investing in the right materials, no one need resemble a blanket draped over a giant bag of marshmallows (at least, until it’s time for hot cocoa by the fire).
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