Winter Style Story: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next
The changing of seasons is always a great time to assess what’s working and evaluate where I want to take things next. Particularly in Canada, where it’s very challenging to get away with one wardrobe all year long.
We went through another round of lockdown limbo in Toronto this winter but we’re pros now and, after the major disappointment around Christmas, it felt easier to navigate. My husband and I also managed to squeeze in a belated Honeymoon getaway and enjoy some intimate coffees, dinners, and walks with friends and family. I onboarded a new client and spent a lot of time developing creative projects and learning new skills (more on that soon, hopefully). Overall, a solid season.
In my closet, this winter saw some classics remain in heavy rotation and led to a few new discoveries. I found myself really drawn toward plaids and mixing different textures. As always, denim featured prominently and fleece was a go-to for staying cozy and active. I successfully rehabbed my nails after a summer and fall of shellac. Fun, graphic prints and pops of colour (including neon) were my mid-season pick-me-ups of choice.
What’s Still Working
Black Turtlenecks. Fitted, ribbed, mocked, merino. Enough said. I added a sheer mesh one to my rotation this year and the layering options are endless - a transparent layer instantly elevates any look and adds interest to all-black ensembles.
Black Booties. I had to retire a few pairs from my university days that had been resoled this year. I also found a way to update this staple in a way that felt true to my style: the square toe Chelsea boot. Geometric, comfortable, interesting, and easy to dress up or down. Win.
Snowpeak Insulated Cardigan. My secret weapon. This layer makes any wool coat weather appropriate all winter. It’s sleek, minimal, and incredibly warm while also being incredibly lightweight.
Knits. Crewneck, turtleneck, and cardigans. All knits, all day, every day. Finisterre and Everlane make my favourites.
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What’s New
Oversized V-Neck Sweater. When I visited Tokyo I was super inspired by Japanese women who wore long skirts with strategic layers all winter long. I added this to my cart on sale on a whim, thinking it would help me get more mileage out of my skirts and keep the ‘dripping in gold’ jewelry look going through winter. It quickly became one of my most worn pieces.
Leggings. The revival of the legging happened as the new year began. Shockingly, leggings didn’t figure prominently in my pandemic attire. I’d wear them for working out but otherwise I reached for a wider leg bottom 9 times out of 10. With the addition of the above oversized sweater, they finally seemed fashionable again. The Lululemon Wunder Train (25” for us shorties) are superior.
White, Brown, Beige. If my 20s were dedicated to finding all black everything, my 30s have been all about injecting my closet with the most flattering whites, beiges, and browns. It enhances the black staples I swear by and this new monochrome opportunity has been super fun and fresh to style. It makes me feel very adult. It says: I am mature enough to not spill stuff all over myself. (If only my 18-month old puppy got the memo.)
Rollas East Coast Flares, Image C/O Garmentory
Flared Corduroys. They’re baa-aaack and I’m embracing it. I skipped the leggings and split hem trends, but wanted to add a colourful bottom that could be festive and styled year round. I stalked these -> searching Depop to no avail, before Rollas released a bootcut version in almost the perfect red. Close enough. (But seriously if you find the ones pictured in a 29 I will buy them so fast they’re perfect.) They’re super comfortable and flattering and I’m excited to wear them with a crop top in early fall and dress them up for some Christmas looks next year.
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What’s Getting Retired
(Some) Wool Coats. I have enough wool coats that clear favourites are emerging. I have a black (stolen from my mom), red (purchased in Japan), brown (with a glorious lush shearling collar), camel (that is fitted - not my preferred outerwear style), and grey (designed by yours truly and made in Hoi An, Vietnam). Those last two got worn only once or twice this season and I don’t enjoy styling them as much as the others. I prefer an oversized fit that makes layering bulky sweaters easy and cocoons me in coziness - neither hit the mark. I’ve held back because the camel is wonderful for dressing up and the grey is sentimental - and has the perfect lapel for a favourite turquoise brooch - but the truth is, I don’t reach for them enough to justify the space they’re taking up.
(Some) Black Booties. Too much of a good thing. After a few resoles, a few lapses in salt stain care, and a few challenging shaft heights, it’s time to accept that this area is over-represented in my closet. I only have 2 feet.
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What’s Next
Tall Wide Shaft Boots: I have been searching for the right tall boot after switching to booties years ago. I have a pair of Roots riding boots I got in college, but they’ve seen better days and feel a bit heavy and casual for my lifestyle now. I’ve been looking for a new pair that I like for at least 5 years to no avail. These boots are hitting the mark: clean and simple but with an interesting silhouette. Now to find them in my size and bite the bullet on that price tag… eek. Maybe next year.
Big Ol’ Scarf: I have a black scarf I wear and that’s pretty much it - but it’s been key on those (rare) days I’m not wearing a turtleneck. I have a white and black plaid blanket scarf that’s very soft but leaves a layer of fuzz in it’s wake and I find it only really plays nicely with my black coat. I’m considering adding the fabled Acne Canada Scarf in light grey - but is it really soft enough?
Base Layers: File under: Unsexy Wardrobe Update. A lot of my sweaters are not really suited to washing. Fitted, comfortable base layers with a v-neck will be key to spare them from the dry cleaners. Currently, I only have one v-neck long sleeve that can lead to some overheating. Next year, I’ll invest in some washer-friendly basics that will help give my other pieces more mileage.
How did winter ‘22 treat you? What were your winter wardrobe heroes? Do you take stock at the end of the season?
Looking forward to lighter layers and longer days.
Happy Spring,
