Fall trends like leggings, sweater dresses and multiple layers are helping to heat up the cold season. If you resisted the 80s flashbacks before, it’s finally time to embrace these pieces as functional favorites. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY style editor and author of The Buzz for In Touch Weekly, shares some tips for bundling up without bulking up this season.
Create shape & stay sleek
Clothes that keep you warm can also be flattering! Resist the urge to pile it on, and instead focus on balancing out thicker pieces. For example, rather than pairing wide leg trousers with a puffy coat, opt for a tailored or cropped jacket instead. Or stay slim on the bottom with tall boots. They are a winter essential that will not only keep you warm, they’ll help you to look long and lean.
Show off your silhouette by avoiding overpowering turtlenecks, and elongate with v-neck or cowl neck sweater dresses and tunics. Another thing to consider is coat length. Pairing a shorter coat with tall boots will keep the eye moving from head to toe, while a longer length coat should be worn with shoes. American Apparel black unitard, $32, americanapparelstore.com; Vince gray cashmere deep v-tunic sweater, $218, bloomingdales.com; Larok Fur lined parka/vest, $378, intermixonline.com; Coach “Sara Boot” $498, coach.com
Layer lightly & stay luxe and leanWhile you should cover up in the winter, you don’t have to bulk up! There are plenty of ways to layer lightly. Avoid adding multiple heavyweight materials, and invest in a unitard and other thin basics to build a slim base. On top, look for fabrics such as silk, cashmere and jersey, which will keep you warm without weighing you down. Use wrap sweaters and belts to help create curves.
Most women fear piling on extra inches with luxe materials like velvet and corduroy, but thanks to the skinny jean invasion, these rich fabrics are now streamlined and looking better than ever. And best of all, skinny pants will slip into all your tall boots without bunching at the knee for a very flattering fit we could never get with our old bootcut blues. One trend to try: a reversible faux fur vest. The sleeveless option will not only be comfortable under a jacket, but will add versatility with style. Ben Sherman cream wrap sweater vest, $99; Lord & Taylor faux fur tan suede vest, reversible, $79.99; BCBG Max Azria camel cableknit sweater, $138; KORS by Michael Kors “Zaley” distressed leather boots, $335, all available at lordandtaylor.com; Burberry Check earmuffs, $115, burberry.com; Silver velvet jeans, $80-100; silverjeans.com
Be bold & choose classicsMake a style statement with a signature coat and bright accessories. Your outerwear should be outstanding — after all, it’s the one piece you’ll wear almost every single day this season! When it comes to winter, it’s smart to invest in basic colors like black, grey, navy and brown, but if you want a coat that will be eye-catching, consider black and white. Not only is this a popular color combination, it will also work well with almost everything you wear.
And remember, this season skin is out, so you’re free to cover up as much as you’d like. When you’re wearing a dress, add a wrap or a cardigan for extra warmth under a dress coat, and pull on a pair of dark tights to keep your legs from losing heat. Tibi zebra coat, $594, Olive and Bette's: 212-712-1526; IISLI black mini dress with neck-tie, $298, lordandtaylor.com; Wolford Polar tights, $68, wolford.com; James Perse black turtleneck, $74, 1-800-8bendel; DKNY black cozy ruffle wrap, $195, bloomingdales.com
Wrap up & add accessoriesEscape from the sea of black, and add color to your outerwear with winter weather accessories a.k.a. “winter’s jewelry.” Grab onto a pair of glamorous gloves — ones with special details highlight your hands like a bracelet. Scarves are the season’s necklaces, so find the color that flatters you most, and wear it near your face everyday. Ruffle scarves add romance to any outfit, while wide scarves are extra warm and cozy.
Or, wrap up in a piece that does double duty. Scarf vests and knit collars serve as functional fashions that will keep you toasty on top. Whim scarf vests, $325, shopintuition.com; Henri Bendel cashmere hooded scarf, $198, 1-800-8bendel; Melissa Needle Cates “Needle by Needle” short cowl scarf, $185-225, needlebyneedle.com; Ugg trapper hat: $150, gloves: $135, scarves: $130, uggaustralia.com; Parkhurst B. dry hats, $20-35, chichairoptions.com; Lord & Taylor scarf wrap with pockets, $49.99, lordandtaylor.com; Sayami cashmere ruffle scarf, $150, Charles Nolan: 1-888-996-6526; Lord & Taylor quilted leather gloves with chains, $86, lordandtaylor.com; Henri Bendel leather chain and cashmere gloves, $98-198, 1-800-8bendel