Women's Winter Style Guide

Winter can be the cruelest season to stay fashionable. Why does it have to be a choice between wearing something stylish or wearing something warm? This winter you don't have to abandon your style, so grab your Manolo boots  and your Prada puffy coat  and enjoy the season.

Picks for Winter 2006

Trenchcoat  Belted  and sleek, this style can handle just about any weather. Gold  and silver  are great choices to vamp up an evening look. Black  or tan  are the most versatile styles for work. The newest versions by Michael Kors  and Marc  are made with cashmere or wool.	Sky High Boots  Opt for a substantial heel (i.e. not a stiletto) when the weather forecast calls for snow. Have your local cobbler treat your leather  and suede boots  with a water-resistant spray to improve their life span. For big spenders, check out Gucci  for everyone else try Kenneth Cole.	Leggings  Black leggings  can be worn under short skirts to keep legs warm. Bolder followers of fashion will pair the legging with a tunic sweater  and a wide belt.  Leggings look great tucked into boots. Check out: Donna Karan,  Spanx,  Hue  and Wolford.	Hats  Hats are a great way to show off your style and stay warm all at the same time. Popular styles include the fedora  and the captain's hat.  Check out: Patricia Underwood,  Helen Welsh  and Fendi.	Fur- Trimmed Parka  Young and spunky look and no need to buy a hat! Faux-fur  options are available. Best paired with casual clothes (not a suit) and flat boots. This looks is a little trashy with high heels. Check out: Vince,  Theory,  and Andrew Marc.

Other Things You'll Need

There are some additional things to consider as you prepare for winter, start shopping now for the best selection and deals.

1. Shearling coat:  Ultra warm, yet not quite as flashy or expensive as doning a mink.
2. Waterproof boots : I know, I know, they don't look great. But on a slushy day they are practical--pack your killer heels in a tote bag  if you must!
3. Warm boots : Not always waterproof, but great for those frost-biting days. Uggs  are super comfy and warm. Check out our buying guide. 
4. Gloves : Lined gloves  are best. Leather  and suede  as well matched for dress coats. On the weekend or with a parka, try a waterproof glove  with something like gortex  on the outside and a warm lining inside.
5. Scarves:  While they weren't the height of fashion this season, they can sure keep the chest and neck warm. For a subtle approach, match your scarf to your jacket or coat. Cashmere  is a well-deserved luxury, otherwise stick to toasty warm wool.  Bored? Learn to knit your own. 
6. Thermals : Silk underwear from brands like Hanro  and LL bean  are a great way to layer your winter wardrobe and protect against wind chill on the coldest days.
7. Moisturizer: You'll need a good one to keep your skin soft and supple during the winter.
8. Oversized Sunglasses:  Summer isn't the only time you need to protect your peepers. The sunglasses article is pretty comprehensive when it comes to technical aspects. Current trends are big and bold. Check out Fendi,  Oliver Peoples  and Prada. 
9. Anti-Frizz for Hair:  Putting that sporty captain's hat on and off can wreck havoc on your hair. Make sure to add some anti-frizz serum  to your bag this winter.
10. Tote:  If you plan on hauling around your lotions and creams and your killer heels with you wherever you go this winter, you might as well have a stylish tote bag  to carry it all. In Style magazine gives some great suggestions about colorful and functional totes.

Winter Basics

Now that you know what's fashionable for this particular season, it's time to make sure you've got the basics covered in your closet.  You may want to touch on some of the guides that will come in handy as the weather gets cold:

• Jeans
• Blazers
• Sleepwear

In addition, to what you'll find out on those closet staples, here are a few items you'll need before the spring thaw:

Winter Essentials
Turtlenecks  Come in a variety of fabrics from thin cotton  (perfect for layering) to chunky wool  (ideal for long hikes). Synthetic fibers  can be smart for cold-weather outdoor sports. A thin wool turtleneck  is very appropriate to wear under a suit.	Wool Skirts  Wool is a timeless fabric. It resists wrinkling and has the natural ability to breathe. Consider a basic shape skirt (knee-length flatters most figures) in a classic color: black,  charcoal or navy.  Can be worn with boots and tights  to keep the legs warm on the coldest days.	Wool Pant Suit  Again, all the advantages of wool, but even better it's an instant outfit. A charcoal  or navy  suit is perfect for a important meeting on a nasty day. Can be worn with heel or flats--but pick one. Pants should be hemmed to the appropriate length. Wool pants can be ideal for the office. A solid color can be worn with a dressy blouse and jacket as a suit or split up with a sweater set.	Sweater Dress  Missoni  and Donna Karan  have made these a staple of their collection for years. Comfortable and cozy a sweater dress is perfect for a dinner party or holiday brunch. Pick you undergarments wisely: some knit dresses show every bulge! Try Spanx  to keep the curves in line.	Long Cardigan  More of a blazer than a sweater, the long cardigan is a perfect layering piece for winter. Ruffles  can make the sweater feminine and romantic. Fabrics include cashmere  and wool.  Check out the offerings from: Ralph Lauren,  Dana Buchman  and Theory.

External Links

• The FDA:Tips for avoiding the flu this winter (hint: get that flu shot early!)
• Occunomix: Offers ideas for outdoor workers on how to keep warm.
• RoadandTravel.com: Road & Travel magazine has a list of ideas for warm weather vacations.