In dire times such as these (i.e. the dead of winter), it can be very difficult to dress in a stylish way. It has happened to many of us - you've picked out a winning outfit for the evening, only to have the statement you wanted to make drowned out by a sea of sweaters, scarves, oversized jackets, and floppy hats.

But there's hope! Here are some tricks we have learned after working hard to stay cute, cozy, and practical:

Spring Cocktail Dress = Elegant, Encompassing "I have to look nice" Winter Ensemble

Do you own a cocktail or party dress that you love but A) it's thin and strapless, and/or B) you never seem to have a place to wear it?


Classy, understated (or overstated if that's your angle) well-made silhouettes are a perfect choice to balance the bleak practicality of most warm winter wear. Here are a few suggestions for incorporating your dinner dress into a polished, frost free look:

Layering tights. This is one of the most important ways to keep a sleek look and keep the cold out. Start with a thin pair of sheer stockings, and over these layer a thicker, more substantial "sweater" tight.




Take those leg warmers from the back of your closet. While we can agree that leg warmers add a certain "funky fun" charm to certain outfits, they lack sophistication and can make most sleek outfits seem bulky and awkward.  But! They are perfect for your arms!


Wear them under a sweater to add an extra layer of warmth to your arms (to make up for the strappy/sleeveless dress).  This makes a big difference - just try it out!

A fashionable scarf or piece of fabric works really well as a stylish head cover - just make sure to cover your ears! For days when it is simply hovering around freezing and no negative temperatures are involved, a stylish scarf or any long piece of material can keep you warm and sleek - just don't forget to cover your ears!

 And there we go! Throw a daunty scarf around your neck, and slip into your favorite trench or pea coat.