Baby, It’s Cold Inside

I find it hard to go from boiling hot Houston sun outside to stepping into Artic conditions in my office that leave my body full of goose bumps, shivering and uncomfortable. No one likes to feel like this especially when you are out showing off a new outfit.

Coming from a colder climate you’d think I’d have the best winter wardrobe tucked away and ready for any cold moments! No, you’d be wrong… as soon as Houston was on the cards, any cold clothing was thrown immediately out because all I could imagine was sun sun sun… which in reality, it’s more hot and sweaty!

Since adapting to air conditioning life here I have a couple of tips to pass on to help you deal with the extreme weather climate contrast between indoors and outdoors, while staying stylish, of course.

Firstly, the old faithful cardigan. Yes I’m sure if we all dug deep enough they have their favorite cardigan tucked away in their closets. I have a Black Mango one constantly in my work handbag as my office is freezing It helps me feel cozy again! Don’t just think cardigans need to be plain – mix up the texture contrasting with your outfit and make it the missing item to tie everything together, or experiment with different types of material whether it’s wool or lace. If you really want to jazz up an outfit like a dress, add a cardigan with a belt around the middle; again use contrasting colours. We love long light cardigans streamlining the shape of your body for a flattering finish.

Diverse Pashminas and Scarves. Pashmina’s are definitely an investment. I would aim for neutral colours or light patterns to ensure you can pair up with your closet colour scheme. The great thing about pashminas/scarves are their multiple uses whether it’s wearing it like a scarf or wrapping it around your shoulders. I have a fabulous off white pashmina with pearls at the bottom which I always use for weddings as you never know what the weather is going to be like.

Lace, Lace & Lace. I rely so much on lace for any cover-ups especially if I know I’m going to be venturing out to a place where the air conditioning will be on full. It’s a simple addition to any outfit and really makes it look sophisticated. What I also look about using lace as a cover-up, like a lace cardigan, blazer or sweater, is how it can change an outfit instantly and make it look totally different. I have a couple of dresses and pencil skirts where I simply add my lace top to with some statement jewelry and it no longer looks like my dresses anymore! The beauty of lace is that it is not just our offices that are freezing….restaurants, theatre, party places can be chilling as well. So being a little more dressed up is also a challenge for the warmth-seeking fashionista!  They don’t call Houston the most air-conditioned-city for nothing!

Adding a Sweater. My go to item in my wardrobe has to be my plain Banana Republic black sweater with side detail. It fits comfortably into my third smallest bag and looks great paired against any item. I love how adding a sweater on top of a dress makes the whole outfit appear effortless, more casual and very modern. Do you remember the lingerie grey dress by Zara which was extremely popular in 2013? This is a prime example of how you can change a sexy outfit like that if worn on its own to more slouchy (definitely in a good way ladies..!) Again feel free to add a belt to this or statement accessories.

Have Fun With Blazers. I love blazers! I love how they can look very businesslike if dressed up with matching skirt or pants to very casual if paired with sweatpants and a white top. It’s how you pull the outfit together to reveal your personal style. I have a couple of neutral blazers and a white one which literally go with everything in my wardrobe. The old faithful Black Blazer that every working gal has as an unwritten requirement! La Perla had gorgeous structured black blazers. Don’t think you need to stick to neutral colours, mix it up with Lace blazers now spotted in the fashion world or different textures and colours. Quilted thin jackets are also a must have to carry with you and quickly throw on once you step inside the igloo!

Sleeveless Jackets to keep your body heat high! Do you remember when we looked into this new trend and threw down some options? Don’t forget to add your new sleeveless purchases into the mix.

My top tip is to ensure you try on and look at the outfit as a whole. You want to make sure, with the extra layer on top,  that it’s all coordinated, and more importantly so you can see what it looks like and can feel confident for the rest of the day and evening!

Do you have any tips for us when walking from a furness to a freezer? We would love to know!

 

Images borrowed from: Styleoholic, Glam Radar, Extra Petite, Say Yes to Hoboken, Burdastyle, Fash for Fashion, Who What Wear