Winter Should Have's: Sweaters

This is my 3rd winter topic and sticking with the theme of the style should have's I am focusing on SWEATERS.

The sweater is a very understated item.  It usually doesn't stand out, unless it's a holiday sweater, then it's a free for all from trees, to reindeer to Santa.  But are those fashion statements or just traditions that have stood the test of time but have failed the fashion finals?

Light Blue V neck Sweater

Well these sweaters are both stylish, warm and have appeal because there is something about them.  Whether it's the color, the design or a pattern that's a little different than the traditional basic pullover, the important thing is that each one has a focal point that makes people look and say "that's different".  Isn't that what fashion is all about?  The differences in style, each persons own originality.  How can someone be different and original if everyone wears the same blue jeans and black sweater.

Raspberry/Navy sweater
Navy shoulder and cuff accents

 Yes I know, blue jeans with a black sweater is not a great or original combo. But what is? I think I got it.

Gray/White Sweater with Blue Horizontal Stripe
Gray wooden buttons on top of left shoulder

Ask yourself, "why would I ever wear a sweater?  I have a jacket, and a shirt underneath my jacket"

 That's why !

Beige sweater with a brown vertical stripe
brown buttons down side of stripe

 Everyone has a jacket and a shirt, but not everyone has and can pull off a trendy sweater and still get glimpses from the other side of the room.
What does a sweater say about you?

 Everyone is different, for some it means that they are reserved, for others it means professional, but it can also mean that they are just cold without a jacket indoors. A sweater can as anything else make or break the look, As always, let the sweater, like any "should have style" stand out, let it speak for itself and make the whole outfit or ensemble.


What does your sweater say about you?
 Post your comments below !

Winter Should Have's: Scarves

Orange/Gray Michael Kors scarf
with light blue V-neck sweater, and green chinos

Keeping up with the winter theme, another usually forgotten item is the scarf.  Although it is not always worn by many, it should be worn by all.  Unless you are wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt - a scarf this is a must.  If there are jeans, pants and a coat involved, a scarf should be involved as well.  It only adds depth to your look, unless its torn, dirty or worse has an odor- if you have that type of item do everyone a favor and wash it, because that's the time it can be worse. 

A scarf shows off your personal style.  Oh and by the way, it keeps you warm too. By covering that usual opening between your neck, and your jacket?? Unless you pop your collars- I am not sure how many of us still pop collars. So yeah a scarf can definitely help you, it can even save you from a cold and a couple of days worth of  sniffling, stuffy, and runny noses.

Light Blue Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) scarf
to stand out from the brown jacket and green pants

The scarf could be plain, a basic solid neutral tone color where you can't really go wrong like the one to the left. 

But who wants that?  Color it up, color your look, color your personality, if you can have a two tone hair color, yes I'm talking to the those people who have highlights, then why not a two or three tone scarf to match?  Even better have some designs, it's like a tattoo for your clothes.

Here are some of my great pairings that will work for your next cold night out.

Again add some color to your accessory.  It should stand out, and NOT blend in.  The scarf should be the focal point of your ultimate look.

These can be paired with a Navy Blue, Grey jacket.  Match it with a shirt or pants of one of the non-dominant colors, like the look below.

Light Blue Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) scarf
to shine over the navy blue jeans and purple with navy sweater

Light Blue Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) scarf
to compliment but also stand out from
 the gray with light blue lines overcoat and navy blue jeans

Winter Should Have's: Gloves

We all know that every season has it's must have looks. They range anywhere from the 5 must haves of summer, to the must have coats and boots for Winter. But what about the items that aren't a must have like a coat, but can ultimately make the outfit come together? A wool coat is a must have for Winter, its warm, stylish and depending on the material used can range in budgets. What a wool coat should have with it, is a pair of gloves, and a scarf. Those are the should have's of the season. It starts with gloves, depending on the type of coat you have, a pair of gloves can make the coat pop.  A basic grey coat can stand out when paired with nice leather gloves.  Usually black will do.

Silk lined Lambskin gloves by Fratelli Orsini
$96.95 at www.leatherglovesonline.com

But why stop at basic, stand out from the crowd with a pair of light grey, brown or even navy blue gloves unless you want to show your individual style even more.  That's where you can experiment.  It's an accessory, it's supposed to stand out and be noticed. Go ahead, wear those RED gloves with a Navy Wool Coat, and brown boots.  Put on a pair of Orange gloves with that same Navy coat. 
Why not ???  Isn't getting noticed a great thing?

This is how to pair them.

Armani Collezioni Leather Gloves
by Farfetch.com $140.21
www.farfetch.com

Ludlow Topcoat in Wool-Cashmere

by Jcrew $450

www.Jcrew.com