Desi Diva

By Shilpa Arora

Winter Warmth
Keeping Your Style When the Temperature Drops

Now that the holidays are over and the winter weather that once seemed so charming has turned into chilling cold, the light scarves and knit sweaters that got you through December are just not a match for harsh winter winds. Still, resist the urge to bundle yourself in bulky sweaters and oversized coats—you don’t have to stop being chic once the temperature drops! Regardless of your personal style, you can maximize your winter wardrobe while still being true to your inner style maven.

Urban Chic
If it looks good and the shoe fits, the Urban Chic will try it. She's the fashionista of the group, easily mixing different fabrics, styles and looks to create sharp and trendy outfits wherever and whenever. If you're the Urban Chic, aesthetics is the name of your game, and you’re drawn to items that make you feel beautiful—ensuring that all eyes are on you. Geometric shapes, mixed metals and a range of baubles, from elegant to sleek, take up space in your closest and jewelry box.

The Urban Chic Winter Wardrobe Fix:
Like autumn, winter is a great season to layer your wardrobe essentials. To stay warm and still maintain your city-girl look, stay away from heavy sweaters. Instead, layer shirts and blouses with warm knits that hug your contours. Try a Lycra or satin shirt under a crocheted or v-neck sweater, and knot a colorful silk scarf around your neck for extra warmth. A leather jacket is always warm, and is a classic way to tie your outfit together. For a new twist, trade it in for an East Coast-inspired pea coat in a funky color to keep your winter look vibrant. And when the biting cold forces even a city girl to throw on her heaviest wool sweater, keep the look current by adding long, beaded necklaces or a wristful of clinky metal bracelets.

Boho Beauty
Flowing skirts with touches of embroidery, velvet blazers and soft cottons in muted tones: The Boho Beauty's style is earthy and unpredictable. Not a stickler for a certain look, she can be in an all-ethnic ensemble one day and strolling the streets in a shabby-chic number the next. Does this describe you? Then originality is your forte, and you have a talent for always picking and pairing accessories to keep your relaxed look sharp, not sloppy.

The Boho Beauty Winter Wardrobe Fix:
It’s easy to keep out the cold with your bohemian look, which welcomes different patterns and textures. When the snow starts falling, try a wool poncho over a pair of corduroys or jeans. Not a fan of slacks? Argyle or patterned tights underneath gypsy skirts will block out the wind, but not your style. To dress up a layered look, throw on a fringed suede jacket with Jaipuri bracelets, or try a silver and gold choker with a fitted ribbed shirt and a comfortable, jewel-colored wool cardigan.

Truly Tailored
Sophisticated and elegant, the Truly Tailored's style exudes grace and simplicity. Not a slave to trends, she requires tailored clothes made in high quality fabrics, and she’d rather buy one or two classic pieces instead of filling her closet with a random assortment of clothing. If this is your bag, timelessness is a quality you’ll never sacrifice, and your jewelry pieces are just enough to complement, not compete, with your ensemble. Pearls are your favorite accessory, along with gold, silver and precious stones.

The Truly Tailored Winter Wardrobe Fix:
Chances are you already own the key pieces you’ll need to keep you cozy in the cold, from rich leather riding boots to structured, warm sweaters. In the winter, opt for wool suits in light pink or winter white, and pair them with black sunglasses or leather gloves to keep your look polished. Want to spice things up? Try a cashmere sweater set with rhinestone buttons over a classic herringbone skirt. To go from work to a cocktail party, pair black stockings under a wool sheath dress with a long, wool coat, and add a tiered pearl necklace to keep your look classic yet contemporary.

Remember, don’t let winter winds blow away your style. When in doubt, always go for fitted clothing and select items that you can move in, even when you’ve layered them. With a little practice, soon you’ll be known as the one who always keeps the heat, even in the cold.

Shilpa Arora is a California-based freelance writer. She has written on various subjects ranging from fashion to health and wellness.

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