When dressing to wander about in a classically cold Wisconsin winter, warmth is always a priority. Unfortunately, your fuzziest fleece sweatshirt and thick woolen socks don't always translate to a night out on the town or a business meeting with your boss.
Fashion is hard enough to keep up with when the weather is cooperating, and a trendy top is typically the last thing you're concerning yourself with when there's more than a foot of snow covering the space between you and your car in the morning.
But does that mean we're forced to sacrifice all sense of style from December through March? We think not.
We asked some of the area's boutique owners, store buyers and regular fashionistas for some winter survival tips and they've each dished out unique perspectives on how to dress for snow -- and success.
"I actually think it is easier (to dress for winter) since there are so many more layers and options for those layers than during the warmer months," admits Liz LeBlanc, part of the mother-daughter duo who owns SHOP women's apparel boutique, 1918 E. Capitol Dr.
Hip tips from those who know:
Your best bet for looking hot while retaining body heat this season is layering.
"It's the simplest way to stay warm and fashionable," says Sarah Skinner, co-owner of Ess Elle Style Studio, a boutique catering to the young professional woman at 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl. "Use thin knits as your base and add to it with a chunky cropped cardigan and colorful scarf. Your final layer should be a fashionable coat."
SHOP's LeBlanc agrees and suggests layering long tanks under long sleeved T-shirts for a casual look, and to class it up a bit, a collared button up under anything from a crew or scoop neck sweater to a blazer.
Brandi Kupsky is the co-owner of Niche Style / Sound, a boutique located at 1922 E. Park Pl. that features hip vintage clothes and independent designs, as well as DJ vinyl. To her, a unique, personal sense of style is key, and she stresses the importance of finding the right items to fit your personality.
"The main focus can be whatever you make it, but most of the time it's the coat that defines the look," she says. "For a more classic appearance, find a form fitting solid colored coat and accent it with a matching set of gloves, hat and scarf in a contrasting color to add some depth. Otherwise you can do the opposite by finding a form fitting coat in a crazy pattern and putting it with a solid set. If you're more into the funky look, get whatever your heart desires, but this is where the knowledge of your comfort level comes in the most handy. And don't be afraid to wear boots!"
Survival specifics:
What you'll find at SHOP: For work, cotton/cashmere blend pants in tailored styles to flatter the figure, but will still keep the wearer nice and toasty. For play, William Rast's super sturdy denim. For the upper half, a variety of cotton tops, button down shirts and sweaters for layering will look great and create warmth. "We have a great selection of handbags that are large enough to transport all of the winter moisturizing essentials and then some," says LeBlanc.
What you'll find at Niche: Vintage coats for men and women, from classy to funky, from $19.99 to $49.99. "In my experience a vintage coat is the way to go," says Kupsky. "They tend to fit right and have great shape, but were also made to last through the years without the bulk, so they provide the necessary warmth without unnecessary layers."
What you'll find at Ess Elle: For outdoors, winter coats by Coffeeshop (around $140), some with a funnel neck, others a bubble hem, as well as classic pea coats. For indoors, chunky cardigans, long sleeve knits, sweater dresses, warm trousers, sweater coats, and leggings. "We have scarves and pashminas in so many fun colors, fashionable hats that will keep you warm but looking your best," says Skinner.
Oh, no no!:
Of course, every season has its faux pas. An important thing to remember as we face winter weather is to keep warm, but don't sacrifice your comfort. We've surly all sympathized with young Randy in "A Christmas Story" when his mom bundles him up so tightly that he can't even put his arms down, much less walk a few city blocks.
"It's important to keep pieces tailored to create a put-together look," explains LeBlanc. There is no need to buy a coat that can fit more than one sweater layer."
Skinner agrees. "You want to layer your pieces but you don't want to over-do-it and end up looking like you are 5 again and in a snow storm. If your winter coat isn't fitting over your outfit you may have over done it."
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
