10 Must-haves to Complete Your Winter Wardrobe

As the temperatures plummet  heading into winter, the number of outfit options begins to soar.  Colder temperatures call for a flurry of sweaters, parkas, and scarves. With so many choices, how do you go from simply ‘ready for winter’ to completely ‘wintachic?’ Never fear, the Tribune is here to help.

The chunky knit scarf:
Whether it’s a plain wrap-around or an infinity, a scarf is not only a chic accessory, but a necessity. Choose a chunky knit scarf to lend structure to your getup, or add texture to your parka. Use neutral colours to complement, and brighter colours for a pop. If you want optimum warmth, go for a blend that’s over 40 per cent wool.

Keep those ears warm:
Protect your ears from the harsh Montreal cold with a stylish winter headband or a pair of earmuffs. You can find a wide array of choices throughout the city, in stores like Little Burgundy, H&M, and Zara. We love a headband adorned with a bow to the side, or faux fur earmuffs that make a statement. Très belle!

The oversized coat:

For coats, big is beautiful this season. Own the streets with an androgynous, double breasted coat, or go feminine with a flowy, gown-esque choice. Topshop is a great haven for oversized coats, so head over to the Bay on Ste. Catherine’s to have a look at their selection. With chunky knit tights and black boots underneath, even visiting Parisians will envy your style.

A velvet love affair:
Velvet was a huge hit on the runways this season. Start your velvet experience off right with a simple pair of black or burgundy skinny pants and you’ll set your tights apart from the typical plain legging. Match with a polished top, and you’re ready for class—both kinds.

Perfect plaids:
Winter is never complete without a healthy dose of plaid. Take your red, black, and white plaid out of the log cabin and onto the street for a festive feel.  Dress it down with a boyfriend-fit button up shirt over a white tank and leggings for a comfy-chic way to relax on a lazy Sunday!

The sneaker wedge:
Athletic meets fashionable in this latest fashion innovation. The sneaker wedge offers the versatility of a sneaker with the stylish flair of a wedge. This glammed-up version looks fabulous with navy skinny-jeans and a warm biker jacket. Our favourite? Jeffrey Campbell’s black sneaker wedge—the patent accents are to die for.

Haute in houndstooth:
Always classy, houndstooth is inarguably one of the most fashion-forward patterns this winter. Channel your inner Coco Chanel or Alexander McQueen with a sweater, scarf, or purse, and incorporate a touch of houndstooth into your outfit for an extra dash of drama.

Fair Isle sweaters:
Despite perks like fresh snow, Starbucks specialty drinks, and vacation time, what we love most about the holiday season are definitely Fair Isle sweaters. The knits, the patterns, the textures… what’s not to adore? A baggy sweater ensemble with tight leggings is a sure-fire way to cozy up to winter and show off your holiday spirit.

The faux fur vest:
Take a bold risk and invest in a faux fur vest for your winter wardrobe. They look great with any dark, solid-colour top and a pair of jeans for bottoms. Accessorize with a long-chained silver necklace as a finishing touch. Club Monaco’s fur vest this season is catching our eye, as well as ones from Urban Outfitters and H&M, so head down to the shopping district if you want to investigate this trend.

Thigh high socks:


Shy away from the typical leggings-jeggings-jeans getup this season and try something a little different. Black tights with thigh high socks are a very fashion-forward spinoff to the typical bottom. Go subtle with muted shades, or go bold with louder colours to add some flavour to your outfit. Wear them underneath a dark skater dress, and you’ll be sure to turn heads!

The Style Guide For Fall 2012

 This Fall’s trends stormed the runways of New York and Paris Fashion Week. Here are some of our favourite wardrobe staples, accompanied by tips on how to wear them all without committing fashion overkill.

1. THE PEPLUM 

This feminine fad isn’t ready to go yet. The peplum, a small flare or ruffle of fabric that can be seen over a dress or on a coat, was one of the most wearable trends of spring 2012, and we’re so glad it stuck around for fall. Don’t limit yourself to dresses and skirts; add a little peplum flare to your shirt or pants, and spice it up with your favourite accessories. Chunky necklace, anyone?

2. THE COZY KNITS
Without a doubt, fall would not be the same without the cozy knits we love. This time around, follow J. Crew’s suit, and dress your knits up with silky pants or a statement skirt. You’ll be sure to catch a few glances, so don’t forget to pair similar colours so your outfit looks more put-together.

3 THE MENSWEAR WATCH
If you haven’t stolen one from your dad or uncle yet, it’s time to invest in this fashion staple and get one of your own. Adorn your wrist with a chunky, rose-gold menswear watch from Michael Kors, or layer  your old timepiece with bracelets and cuffs.

4. THE DETACHABLE COLLAR
A bold statement, the bedazzled collar makes even the dullest outfits classy-chic. Collars are all the rage, both on and off the runway. It’s easy to find detachable collars at H&M and Topshop. Indulge yourself, but avoid looking too trendy, by pairing your collars with plain tops and knits for a subtler look.

5. THE LOAFER
These ladylike shoes are no longer only for your grandmother. As statement shoes on the runway get more and more polished, the refined loafer is high in demand this fall.  Whether sequined or suede, take a break from your old ballet flats and invest in the shoe you’ll be wearing for much longer than just one season.

6. THE LUXE FABRICS
Incorporate textures into your outfit. Luxury fabrics like cashmere, angora, and mohair made a statement on the runways, so get them into your closet! Not only will you be weather-ready, the fabrics will also act as a staple that’s worth investing in. Let your new piece stand out in your outfit, and remember not to dress head to toe in the same texture.

7. THE ANKLE BOOT 

Ankle boots are always a fall favourite, but the new, perfectly tailored ankle boots in for this year call for more style worship. We love the classic military boot from Steve Madden, or go with a more smooth and refined look from A.P.C. or Zara.

8. THE LEATHER LEGGING
Break out of your comfort zone and reach for an edgy leather legging instead of your go-to black pair. Wear it with an oversize graphic sweater or a sheer top for a high impact look.

9. THE OVERSIZED EARRING
Yes, we absolutely adore the fact that oversized earrings are in style for the fall season. As if Dolce & Gabbana couldn’t have made it clearer on their runway, these babies are back and ready to dominate your outfit.

10. THE SILK SCARF
Fall would not be complete without scarves. This season, invest in a silk scarf to add some glam to your getup. Granted, we would all love an Alexander McQueen, but Zara and Urban Outfitters can serve as substitutes. A burst of colour can make all the difference in a neutrally-toned outfit!