तानिया शर्मा
That morning when it dawns on us that the weather has changed, and we’ve entered the winter season. There’s a discomforting chill inside our still unheated home, we leave the shower and hesitate before unwrapping the towel, and as we get dressed, we know it’s time to dust off our overcoat, check our jumpers for moth holes and search for the wool scarf we haven’t seen since March (it’s usually inside a coat pocket, by the way).
You already know your wardrobe response to the new temperature will be exactly the same as last year: it’s time to return to comfort layers – those that keep you warm and protected against the elements.
It’s all about rethinking your layers and adopting new ideas that often get ignored when you’re trying to remain warm and comfortable.
SWAP OUTER LAYERS
If you, like many of us, have a puffa jacket for weekends/casual outings and a tailored overcoat for work, try inverting the game:
Wear your puffa over the suit. You might want to invest in a slightly roomier version to accommodate the jacket. It’s less expected and won’t raise eyebrows in the office, where it will be removed. The same goes for other traditionally casual outerwear silhouettes such as your fur-collared parka or bold colored duffle coat.
As for your great-fitting overcoat, it shouldn’t retire: let it drape casually over your t-shirt and jeans while off-duty (extra points if the look is finished with trainers).
SWITCH YOUR MIDDLE LAYERS
There are clear guidelines: knitted jumpers for smart-casual wear and dressing down your tailoring, sweatshirts for casual getups. Break this rule.
A classic grey crew neck sweat over your shirt will revolutionise casual Friday, and, whether you agree with me or not, wearing cashmere to the gym is just too cool for words
ADOPT UNAPOLOGETIC COLD-WEATHER ACCESSORIES
A sensitive subject, as it might take you back to school days of being bullied for sporting leg warmers, dorky beanies and patterned scarves.
Guess what? Now that you’re all grown up, well put together and hopefully haven’t seen a school bully in a while, those same knitted winter staples your mum wrapped you up in will look great paired with your carefully curated attire.
BOOT UP
Perhaps the greatest thing about winter is the freedom to explore extreme footwear, with your alibi provided by the weather.
Army boots, unusually thick lug soles, shoe-trainer hybrids – they’re all fair game. You need your soles to grip on the wet, icy pavement, to keep your ankles warm and such.
Strong, confident boots that will give your brogues a break are a definite ‘yes’ for a winter pick-me-up.
