Cold and Bold

As the first major snowfall of the season has come and gone (third week of November and almost a foot of snow...), I figured it's time for an in-style recount of this winter's trends. Compiled from runways, pages of fashion magazines, and from the media- this winter features a lot of reoccurring trends and some new styles for the bold and eccentric.

Advertisement for women's jeans this season

Baggy Is Better

Some key looks this winter feature boyfriend fit jeans, loose or over sized sweaters (both cardigans and pullovers), and lots of layering to create a baggy look.

My favorite winter style is a simple bottom with a chunky sweater and boots. It's easy to look cute while staying so warm in the winter. Layering long sleeve tops and sweaters and jackets is so easy and can be so cozy.

Accessorizing with scarves, hats, and gloves is another plus to winter styling due to its warmth. I love finding cute and colorful winter accessories because they can instantly make a boring outfit fun. If you're style-impaired, just rely on the accessories. Pick out a normal, basic outfit and let your winter hats, coats, and scarves do the wow-ing for you.

Creating a baggy look should be easy and cozy!

Examples from winter runway shows 

Mary-Kate Olsen street style inspiration

Street Style 2014

Feminine Styling

Even though lately menswear-inspired fashion has been more prominent on runways, this season feminine and girly silhouettes and styling seem to be coming back with force.  Layers of tulle under thick knits or chunky jackets add a utilitarian or practical aspect to otherwise very girly pieces.

These eccentric takes on the feminine trend in recent runway shows may be a bit over the top and impractical, but they are prime examples of the pretty plumage seen everywhere paired with sturdier counterparts.

Tommy Hilfiger fall runway show

Balmain fall runway show

Gareth fall runway show

from Nylon website

Ankle Boots

Obviously boots are, have been, and forever will be the staple of any fall related fashion.  Boots have evolved and been constructed out of any material under the sun since creation of man kind.  This season ankle boots and shorter, strong footwear stomped and stormed the runways.  Street style displays the trend in various pairings from leggings and skinny jeans to enormous dresses.

Are ankle boots the new iconic footwear of the season to come?  Or will it continually change?  Since last year's over the knee boots this footwear has downsized considerably; what will they look like next year?

Ankle boots from "The Brown Girl with Long Hair"

Celebrity ankle boot styling

Pastels

One trend that was completely uncalled for but all mutually agreed upon by major designers is pastels for winter.  PASTELS.  Ditch your dark hues and shades of tan, brown and black for peppy and cool colors in baby blue, petal pink, and yawn yellow (I'm kidding.. sort of).

This trend will continue from winter into spring due its transitional tones, but I'd be surprised to see this trend majorly take off.  Yes, it was everywhere on the runways but in real life?  I'd love to see some bold street style fashionistas take on this daring (?) trend.

PS-- add any bright gems or statement jewels to your bland outfits this season for an instant shine and glimmer!

Hot or Not: The Preppy Guy

Posed smiles and a casual revealing of the polka-dot lining of this dude's jacket.

Costume sketch for Leonardo diCaprio
as Jay Gatsby

You know the one I'm talking about... constantly in a button down, khakis in every color of the rainbow, matching belts and ties. THE preppy guy. Men's fashion changes just as rapidly as women's, but the fashion style that has barely changed over the years is the classic "preppy" look.

Robert Redford as the original
Jay Gatsby

Evolving from casual days in the summer, to frat house cool, to the millions of Vineyard Vines obsessed- the preppy guy has always been there. The preppy guy can pull it off day or night, winter or summer. Since the Prepster-Lite species have sprung up all over America thanks to chain stores such as Vineyard Vines and Sperry, making it easier for styleLESS men to find some style, our definition of preppy has changed. If you wear Sperry's, does that automatically make you preppy? If he opts for salmon shorts instead of athletic shorts, is he equal to Chuck Bass (that's a rhetorical question, obviously no man could ever come close to equalling Chuck Bass)?

He's Chuck Bass

My question to you, dear readers, is this guy cute or juuuuust a little too into fashion to be manly and rugged? Obviously, the preppy look isn't for everyone, but is the preppy guy always hot? Or maybe is he never at all?

Are there extremes of hotness on the preppy scale? The Prepster-Lite, making it possible for teenage boys of America to boost their self esteem through boating shoes all year round, has made its mark on America. Is this lighter version of prep so-called hot? Sperry's instead of loafers, mid-calves over argyle, backwards hats versus driving caps (even though the last time someone wore a driving hat was 1930). Is this "bro" mini-version easier to love, or harder to watch an iconic style slowly spiral down the toilet?

Being preppy, as some say, is a lifestyle more than the act of choosing clothing. Can the way one act and speak be considered preppy? And do these Prepster-Lites fit the description? If you like your guys dedicated Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren, click "hot" to the poll on the right. Or maybe preppy pubescent creeps aren't your style, click "not". It's all in the eye of the beholder....even though we can ALL agree that this guy (golfer John Daly, below) should just kick himself in the ass already.

 

        The many looks of Chuck Bass (Ed Westick) and the "Lord" Scott Disick.