The cold sends a lot of us into hibernation. At least, part-hibernation, only leaving our apartments when we have work or are in desperate need of food and our favorite delivery place is closed.
Suddenly, everything feels like too much of an effort. There is sniffling and pain that wraps itself around your bones. Your ears and hands, if not covered, may as well not be there anymore, because of how numb they are. Also, the exercise process it takes to layer on to layer off whenever changing from a warmer indoors to the freezing outside. Can we just work from our beds today?
But, then the weekend comes. And, going out seems like the most cathartic way of getting over this cold, mushy ice and cough that everyone in the city seems to have. Bleakness always fades when margaritas are mentioned.
Daydreams of warmer times and shorter skirts can discourage you. After all, not even Kate Moss could look good under 50 layers of knit, fleece and faux fur. No, she probably would.
Going to a bar dressed as if you’re about to go hiking could make you feel frumpy and the furthest thing for sexy. Unless it does, and in that case, read no further. For those that don’t want to jeopardize their health for the sake of a night out, and still look nice, read on.
Tights
Wear them under jeans for extra warmth. Wear them with skirts and dresses to show leg, but keep your body hypothermia free!
And, don’t just stick to black ones. Grey, pale blue and white will go well with any LBD, especially if black on black on black is becoming monotonous. Wear lacy, sparkly, patterned ones. Or even branded ones. Remember these?
There are even varying types of thickness with tights, too. For cooler days, go fleecier and thicker, if you know you will be in the cold for a while, like standing outside in the queue.
If tights aren’t you’re thing (why do they make the body part so long and why are they always falling down?) pair outfits with knee or thigh high socks.
Layer Under
We don’t want to sound like your mother when we say it but: Layer up. Wearing layers means that you can, obviously, wear multiple clothing and combine and clash colors, textures, and shapes. It might not be for every day, because finding that white top that goes with that black dress and that blue scarf could result in a panicked frenzy before leaving the house.
Still, for a night out, if you’re dying to wear that dress, the one without any sleeves, pair it with a t-shirt. Or wear a cropped sweater underneath (that isn’t insultingly bulky).
Invest in basic long-sleeved turtlenecks, of white, black and other muted tones to wear under anything, most importantly, though, dresses and crop tops.
Layer Over
Pair a “going out” dress with an oversized blazer or coat of the same length. Or throw a large knit sweater over a mini, midi or however long dress, to create a two-piece effect as the sweater will break the dress into two sections. If Aimee Song is doing it, you should too.
(Faux) Fur
Even fake fur will keep you warm. Plus, a faux jacket won’t cost you as much as the real ones and are cruelty-free! And, they still have the charisma of a real one. Who doesn’t like looking like a 70s pimp, anyway?
They come in just about every color to go with just about anything. This lilac Pretty Little Thing coat is $180.
Depending on the thickness and temperature, some may even be able to wear their outfit and coat alone. Jeans and crop top combos, dresses and even day-to-day outfits all have the winter approval style and weather wise.
High Boots
Knee or thigh-high boots are both perfect for finishing a going out look while keeping your legs, therefore the rest of your body, warm.
Go high or flat, depending on your preference or iciness of the streets. Maybe skip the peep-toe boots until spring.