Boots

Staying warm in winter requires bulky clothes that focus more on functionality than fashion. The importance of staying warm should outweigh the need to look great. Or at least that’s what you’ve always been told! Nowadays, there is no need to look ugly while staying warm. Fashion oriented winter clothing has become big business. These clothes are designed to help keep you warm while also letting you look great. There are various brands and styles of fashionable winter clothing that you can integrate into your daily life. Pick the brands and styles that go best with your own unique style.

Five Pieces of Winter Clothing that are Fashionable but Functional

Scarf

Scarves are fashionable and functional: They look great with a variety of styles but they also keep your neck warm. Start by picking a scarf that you think is longer than necessary. A scarf that is too short will be hard to style. It will also leave areas of your neck exposed to the cold. Avoid picking scarves with intricate patterns or designs. These can sometime appear tacky and are often hard to integrate into your style. Instead, get several different one color scarves. Pick colors that go well with your wardrobe. Wear different scarves based on your style for the day. This will help you look good while keeping your neck warm.

Gloves or Mittens

Ski gloves and insulated work gloves are very warm. However, they’re a complete fashion faux pas. You don’t have to wear these bulky, ugly gloves to keep your hands warm. Buy a pair of top brand leather gloves. These gloves are designed for warmth and style. Try them on before purchasing to find which brand you like best. Wear leather gloves to create a no-nonsense, business oriented look. Thread or felt based mittens also work well with a style that integrates a lot of fur or felt. Buy multiple pairs of mittens to help coordinate individual pairs with different sets of clothing in your wardrobe. Mittens are great for a more “fun loving” look.

Felt Hat and Earmuffs

A single color felt hat is a fashionable way to keep your head warm. Single color hats make it easier to integrate the hats into your style and wardrobe selection. Avoid buying hats with logos, intricate patterns or God help us, pom-poms. These types of hats are great…for little kids. You’re an adult now: dress like one. On that note, don’t be ashamed to wear earmuffs! They may look “kiddy” but they are actually a very functional way to keep your wears warm. Again, focus on simple, single color earmuffs. These are much easier to integrate into your rapidly growing winter wardrobe.

Don’t forget to buy a great set of boots this winter! You may resist buying boots: rubber boots may keep your feet dry and warm but they can look so ungainly and ugly. Don’t suffer in inappropriate shoes for the sake of fashion! Instead, go to a great shoe store and look through the boots. There are plenty of fashionable boots available that will still keep your feet warm. Be a bit more “extravagant” with your boot style. Few people will really take the time to notice your boots unless they clash with your wardrobe or compliment it perfectly.

Coat

A great winter coat should be the central focus of a functional but fashionable winter wardrobe. Avoid oversized, bulky coats. Instead, use coats like a fitted pea coat. A fitted pea coat is designed specifically for you. It is designed for comfort, warmth and style. Fur coats and double breasted coats are also comfortable, warm and fashionable.

Shop for Winter Fashions at Nordstrom

Disclosures: Beauty and Fashion Tech at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Pruess Coulter

Boots are one of the fall’s hottest outerwear trends. Boots come in a plethora of styles and varieties that can be suited to each person’s budget and personality. Every woman should own a pair of boots because they are an essential component to a well-rounded winter wardrobe. Boots can be styled in a number of ways and can be paired with pants, skirts and dresses. Though they do tend to be pricey, most women can find a basic boot within a reasonable price range. If you can’t afford a pair of over-the-knee boots, save money and buy a similar pair of ankle boots instead. Or wait until the off-season to purchase your favorite equestrian or lace-up boots at a discount. If you’re looking to get a handle on which boots you should be sporting this season, familiarize yourself with the latest looks in Fall 2011 footwear.

Ankle Booties

In addition to being one of the most wearable shoe trends for fall and winter, ankle boots are often a less expensive boot option. When paired with legging, leather pants or skinny jeans, ankle booties can highlight the leg, drawing attention to your best assets.

Equestrian Boots

Equestrian boots may serve as a necessity for horse riders and equine lovers, but they’re a must-have item for boot-loving fashionistas. Equestrian boots are marked by their rounded toe, tall boot shaft and buckle details, which are usually made from brushed silver, pewter or brass metals. These boots are generally made of quality leather and can be purchased in black, brown or gray color schemes. These types of boots are a great option to wear with a leather or military-inspired jacket.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots are both a functional and super sexy boot choice. While tricky to wear without invoking Julia Roberts circa Pretty Woman, the over-the-knee boot can be properly styled for a chic and sophisticated appearance. Try pairing your over-the-knee book with a calf-length skirt for a modest approach. Or, if you want to be daring, wear your over-the-boots with leather pants or textured leggings. Over-the-knee boots can be quite the investment, so be sure to find them on sale at your favorite retail location or online.

Motorcycle Boots

Also inspired by the recent menswear tend, motorcycle boots have made a comeback for women as well as men. Biker boots are usually embellished with thicker soles, buckles, grommets, chains and other metal adornments. If you can’t imagine yourself in a combat boot, try borrowing from this style with a biker-inspired ankle bootie.

To-the-Knee Boots

Tall boots, or to-the-knee boots, are the perfect accessory for women who live in cold climates. When you purchase your to-the-knee-boot, be sure to select one made from quality materials such as suede or leather. Go for a pair in basic black, brown or gray and be sure to select a stacked heel instead of a skinny heel. If you’re looking for a basic boot, go with a simple design. If you want to jazz up your boot collection, opt for a Victorian-era lace up boot. While you might be inclined to purchase a boot with a stiletto heel, opt for a sturdier heel option to give yourself traction in the wintry weather.

Snow Boots

If you plan to engage in winter sports activities, be sure to have the proper footwear. For your next winter trip, bring along a pair of tall snow boots. Snow boots are heavy duty and superior to your standard tall boot in terms of function because they work overtime to keep your legs and feet warm in heavy snow. Many times, these types of shoes are made from suede and include a sheepskin or shearling lining for maximum comfort and warmth.

Post written by Sara Woods, who writes for Coupon Croc. Shop online with Shoes.co.uk discount codes and save on the latest shoe trends this season.