As the temperature decreases, the never-ending challenge of making yourself appear runway ready increases. So how does one balance the art of layering with the science of staying warm, without looking like a bundled-up marshmallow? The secret, though, is that if you know how to play it right, the cold weather isn’t a limitation — it’s a playground for creativity, where coats, scarves, and boots become the building blocks of a truly inspired look.
With that in mind, here are five go-to tips for staying warm without sacrificing your style.
Tip one: Materials matter
When it comes to dressing for the cold, it’s all about the fabric game. Prioritise the pieces you’ll wear on repeat — like cashmere jumpers, tailored coats, and cosy scarves — and make sure they’re made from materials that will go the distance. Upgrading to high quality materials isn’t just about staying warm; it’s about curating a wardrobe that feels good, and looks put together with minimal effort.
But here’s the real magic: layering different textures. Think soft knits under buttery leather, or the contrast of a suede jacket against structured wool. By creating depth and dynamism, you can turn practical layering into a style statement. If you’re unsure on where to start, let me suggest Seeking Judy with incredible mohair pieces and much more, all conveniently located in the city centre at George’s Street Arcade.
Tip two: Don’t let the grey skies dictate your wardrobe
Sure, the fact that it now gets dark before five pm and sunny days are becoming a rarity is rather depressing. While opting for dark colours is an easy way to look put together, and it can be tempting to wear all black to express one’s grief over the loss of summer, you shouldn’t let the grey skies bully your closet into submission. Inject some life into your winter wardrobe with pops of colour or unexpected prints. I’m currently a big fan of mixing different patterns, such as wool pinstripe trousers with a big herringbone jacket. Dressing for dreary weather doesn’t mean you have to blend in with it—consider it an excuse to rebel a little. After all, nothing says “I’ve got this” like a bold outfit on a moody day.
Tip three: Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!
That being said, for winter days where you do find yourself sporting all-black (guilty as charged), accessories are your best friend for adding a little more life to your outfit. It’s all about those details that make your look feel a bit more you, even the cold and grey outside has your seasonal depression telling you otherwise. This is the season where style and practicality can and should be combined; an umbrella such as one from ‘Five One Seven Eight’– an up and coming sustainable Irish brand focused on bringing more life and personality to everyday items – is a great option. It’s the perfect rebel against the storm and a stylish way to stand out amongst the sea of grey.
Tip four: Statement Outerwear
Everyone already knows that a coat is probably the most important clothing item in the winter. It needs to be warm, weatherproof, and on days where you’d actually be risking hypothermia by taking another layer off, it needs to look good. Rather than potentially covering up a “good outfit” though, outerwear can make one in and of itself. Lean in to the current trends of the season by opting for a bold animal print, perhaps, or my personal favourite: the beautiful “Bow Coat” by Dublin native Ríon Hannora.
