When the weather gets colder and the sun sets at 4pm we are all victims of spending most Friday nights at home cuddled up in our fuzzy socks and sweats.
In these winter months we trade our heels for slippers, and the girl who went out five days in a row at stampede is a distant memory.
Although it is easy to cuddle up and hide away from the snow, there always comes a time where we have to brave the cold for a night out on the town.
Whether you have a Christmas party you can’t miss, that friend with a birthday in January, or an anniversary that is often paired with snow, you have to step out, and therefore you need an outfit that looks cute and keeps you warm.
Dressing cute in the winter can be difficult, so I wanted to give you some tips on how to dress for a winter night, so you can look your best even on the chilliest nights.
Let’s start from the base and work our way out. My favourite looks for a winter night out are a dress or skirt with tights, a long sleeve off the shoulder top, or a stylish sweater that is warm without being bulky.
Wearing a skirt or dress in the winter is an amazing look, if you can play within a few parameters. With dresses and skirts I would stay away from thin straps or bright colours, and instead opt for long sleeves or higher necklines, and colours such as black, charcoal grey, red, burgundy, forest green, or navy. Alongside these colours and silhouettes I would always pair these looks with a pair of tights.
You can stay classic with your tights, or you can play around with a ton of fun options. You can try some colour, (burgundy and red tights are very popular right now and pair beautifully with a black dress if you want to elevate your outfit), you can try a fun pattern, and for those extra chilly nights you can sport some fleece-lined tights that look like black sheer tights but offer a ton of warmth.
My next favourite look for a winter night out is a long sleeve off-the shoulder top, or a more tailored sweater such as the images below! An off the shoulder top or a more form-fitting sweater keeps you warm and also looks put-together for an evening look. By sticking with a long sleeve that is not chunky or bulky you stay clear of looking like you are bundled up for a night in, and instead look cocktail ready. These tops pair great with a skirt and tights, some black or dark denim jeans, leather pants, or a nice pair of trousers.
Next, let’s talk shoes. Sadly, a cute pair of sandals or heels won’t cut it when it’s freezing outside and there is snow on the ground, so what footwear should we go for?
My favourite’s for winter are a classic black bootie, a knee-high heeled boot, or a chunky loafer. These options are versatile, cute, warm, and sturdy enough to prevent any accidental wipeouts (but still watch your step please).
Lastly, let’s talk about outerwear. This is where it might get a little complicated as oftentimes the desire to look cute is far outweighed by the desire not to freeze. But even on the coldest nights, here are some tips to elevate your winter wardrobe.
My best tip for winter style is to wear a longer jacket. Not only is it warmer, but it also looks more elegant and more put-together in most circumstances. For example, instead of wearing a short puffer jacket on top of your outfit, opt for a puffer that goes below the knee, and add a nice scarf to completely change the look without sacrificing the warmth.
If it’s not too chilly, wear a long wool coat. These coats are great over any outfit, especially those that cinch at the waist. By adding a tie around the waist you can add dimension and shape to your outerwear that you usually might only get underneath. I also love wearing these long jackets with a dress.
My last and favourite jacket option for a winter night out is a faux fur jacket. These are so fun and elegant for an evening, and can instantly make any outfit more dynamic. You can go for a classic black, brown or grey, or play with fun colours to add something a little extra.
I hope you find these tips helpful, and you can feel warm, stylish, and elegant on your next chilly night on the town! If you’re looking to reinvent your wardrobe for the winter in Calgary (or any other season) feel free to reach out for my personal shopping services.