When it comes to daily dressing, winter is the cruelest season. Once January hits, the Northeast transforms into a frigid wind tunnel — and all I want to wear is whatever’s warm. (Last year, I wore the same black Tahari coat and Sorel boots for two months straight.)
I’m determined to mix up my winter style rotation in 2015. And because I’ve got a moratorium on shopping until April, I’m starting to brainstorm new ways to create a more exciting winter wardrobe from my current closet.
And when you want to mix things up, there’s nothing more pungent than a pair of flared denim overalls. Believe me, I didn’t come to this decision easily. I haven’t worn a pair of overalls since 1995 summer camp. (Once the photos came back from Walgreens, I was deterred from the unflattering overall silhouette for decades.)
Thankfully, the newer cuts are more flattering. The key is finding a pair with a dark rinse and a flared leg that mimics regular jeans. (I’ve tried on the skinny-legged versions and the too-tight fit completely threw off my proportions.)
Because overalls tend to hug the hips, I try not to over-layer. Any excess bulk will ripple and wrinkle underneath the denim. For this outfit, I reduced the heft with a long-sleeved bodysuit (last seen here) and a cropped gray sweater (last seen here). The white ankle boots are a little too Dallas Cheerleader when they’re worn with skirts, but they work perfectly underneath anything long.
Side note: The boots also have a side zipper closure. If your boots have zippers, you CAN’T wear them with tights. The zippers will snag any hosiery, and I have 5 ruined pairs to show for it. I wore these with woolly socks instead.
Lastly, I included two of my favorite holiday gifts in the look: a super-toasty vintage fur hat and a silk scarf. My husband said the combination made me look like a Bond girl — but I think the outfit looks more like a train engineer. (More specifically, this outfit reminds me of the vintage illustrations in The Little Engine That Could.)
So, here’s my first attempt at a spicy winter outfit. Added bonus? It was comfortable enough to curl up for a two-hour New Year’s nap on my in-law’s couch.
How do you keep your winter wardrobe exciting? I’ll need your tips, believe me.
