1. Outdated hat
There is a clear reason for my special attention to this topic. A headpiece is a logical and harmonious continuation of the look. If you pick a naive model with pom-poms and braids or an outdated tight and flimsy hat, the outfit will be ruined.
And unfortunately, the shelves of stores are still overflowing with such outdated and questionable options. As a result, no matter how expensive and stylish your coat or down jacket is, the look will not appear as good as it could.
So what can replace such hats to stylishly keep your head warm? The simplest (but not the only) option is relevant and universal beanies.
The simplicity allows you to wear the hat with just about anything. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the density of the knit. This is one of the first signals that the choice has been made correctly.
2. Fur vest
This is not just an outdated item but objectively not very useful. It must be recognized that fur in the twenty-first century is not a matter of survival in the cold but a somewhat outdated symbol of luxury.
You can replace a fur vest with any other outerwear that will actually keep you warm. If you want a vest, currently very trendy are extended oversized quilted vests, which can be worn alone or over a jacket or coat, depending on the weather.
Yes, some girls and women have a deep attachment to fur vests and find it hard to give up their favorite way to stay warm indoors in winter. For example, in a theater over a dress. Or in the office when it feels cold. But is it appropriate to wear fur indoors? Will it be the best solution?
Trust me, a good wool jacket or a quality beautiful sweater or cardigan will keep you warm just as well, if not better. And they will look much more modern and harmonious in outfits.
3. Bulky "winter" boots
I am sure you can easily picture the exact models I have in mind, even with your eyes closed. A large rounded toe, a massive stable heel, or a thick sole, or maybe all of that together. And add a wide shaft because of the thick layer of fur inside. You've probably seen such options many times!
Unfortunately, there is really no style to be talked about here. Even the most elegant coat will dim next to such footwear. Yet even the most stylish girls still buy them, believing that they will definitely be warm and comfortable in them.
Finding a worthy replacement is quite possible. Any relevant footwear will do. For example, elegant yet comfortable ankle boots, which you can buy a size bigger and complement with wool or fur insoles. Or “army” boots with fur, featuring a neat toe and a shaft that can be adjusted with laces.
Of course, high heels and icy conditions don’t mix, but everything else is fine. And don’t hesitate to take the pair you like to a shoe workshop to have a special treatment applied that will safeguard your shoes from slipping.
Every time I bring up this idea, many respond skeptically. They say, well, what are ankle boots with insoles when it’s freezing outside and you need to take a child to kindergarten or go grocery shopping? Dear friends, when it really is -30 or -15 outside and we need to be in such cold for more than fifteen minutes, the rules of the game change. Of course, we no longer think about elegant ankle boots. The main task is to keep warm and not catch a cold. It’s better to approach severe cold like this. In extreme cold, neat warm lace-up boots with a warm sock or even UGGs for a dog walk may be a good solution. Some might find a change of shoes at work useful. There are many options, and you can choose the one that works best for you.
But those bulky winter boots we’re talking about will not solve the problem. So we carefully check the weather forecast, assess our plans, and seek balance. After all, minus thirty and long walks in such cold do not happen to everyone every day!
4. Footwear with fur trim
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a shaft generously adorned with fur or a neat trim. Any fur detailing makes an outfit look plain and outdated.
We can replace such footwear with the same options we suggested for traditional bulky winter boots from the previous point. In this case, fur on the outside is clearly intended not for warmth, but for illusory beauty. But in reality, it does not enhance our appearance at all.
If right now you find yourself thinking, “But those are just little things! Is this really important?”, then I will help dispel those doubts and show you that every little detail truly matters.
Imagine a beautiful melody for a symphony orchestra. The composer achieved harmony and poured his soul into it. The orchestra rehearsed for months. It seems like the performance is sure to be a success. And then comes the concert. And let’s say that just before the performance, a single violinist has a string snap, and he quickly has to switch instruments to whatever is on hand. He doesn’t have time to tune it, nor to check its sound.
It seems like such a small thing! There are dozens of instruments in the orchestra, and there’s more than one violin. But because of that, the entire melody sounds off. In the orchestra, there are no random or unimportant participants. Isn’t that disappointing?
In style and image, it works just the same way. You can learn the rules of style and color coordination, calculate your style formula, and get to know prints and textures. But one clearly unsuccessful item can instantly shatter the entire look.
This often happens to those in the process of forming their style, say, building it by following advice from bloggers and glossy magazines or going through a somewhat unclear and incomplete training intensive. It’s clear that an outfit is taking shape, effort has been put into it, and there are cool and relevant items, but some flaw stands out and ruins the overall impression.
To avoid such a situation, today we're scanning our wardrobe together for the presence of not-so-great items!
5. Tight or fitted puffer jacket
If you are already familiar with my recommendations for outerwear from masterclasses, videos, or articles, then you know that puffer jackets came to us from sportswear. Their purpose is to be warm, comfortable, and cozy. They are not an item of refined and elegant style, nor should they be.
However, we still want puffer jackets to be stylish. So, the tight little puffer that pretends to emphasize the advantages of your figure and looks neater and more feminine because of that is simply deceiving. Under a puffer, we should be able to wear several layers of clothing for warmth and still feel comfortable.
What, then, can we replace those treacherous tight models with?
Look for relaxed puffer jackets with a more loose fit and fine stitching, including blanket-style puffer jackets. Or options with voluminous stitching and simple cuts. Quilted coats, especially belted ones, are also great.
6. Sweater with Christmas motifs
To be honest, even in photoshoots they have long been inappropriate, and in everyday life even more so.
Such sweaters are usually impulsive purchases made in the wave of holiday spirit. And they will definitely not work well for our style and image.
Basic models with good composition in your personal color palette will warm you up well and beautifully for many years, regardless of occasion and situation.
7. Flesh-colored nylon tights
I am well acquainted with various official dress codes and treat them with understanding. That’s why I never say that any flesh-colored tights are absolutely evil. You can indeed find a decent model that won’t stand out and won’t spoil the outfit.
But especially in winter, peeking out from under a puffer jacket or fur coat, nylon tights look quite out of place. The imitation of naked skin or even just a small piece of it seems strange. And we don’t even need to mention how it feels in the cold against that very skin. Thin nylon on frosty knees at minus twenty-five or even minus fifteen is a very questionable pleasure.
What to replace them with? It’s simple.
This option is much more suitable and comfortable in the cold!
And remember, winter is no reason to hide in boring outfits until spring; it’s an opportunity to try new stylish solutions. So let’s warm up beautifully!