With the dip in temperature, getting some use from those lightweight dresses at dinner parties and outings with friends at night is almost a labor of great endurance if one takes this to be a mere act of fashion. But, thankfully, winter fashion does move beyond the obvious options of the bulky coat or boring jeans, and thus one can wrap up warm and still look utterly beautiful, elegant and composed.
Here are dinner-date outfits you can wear nine ways when the weather is just too much to think of wearing a dress.
The Velvet Power Suit.
Velvet of any type is a must to keep you warm from an inbound chill, for velvet, that weighs almost ten tons without compromising on its aforementioned luster, is simply too rich. This is your power suit: matching blazer and trousers outfitted in deep jewel tones-emerald green, navy, or burgundy-all of skin underneath, perfect silk camisole for textural contrast will do.
Cashmere-worthy Leather Trousers
Leather (or super-duper faux-leather) is an ageless designer option that keeps the wind out-and basically all the warmth in. While the cashmere turtleneck is a sweet, soft haute contrast to the harder, straight-lined black-leather trousers, one would dare say it is probably a ton warmer than any frock would ever hope to be.
Milk-maid dress down with an oversized knit.
If ever you would want to keep that heavy look of a skirt, take it up a notch and trade those off for a heavy silk or satin midi. Pairing with thick thermal tights need warmth underneath and a chunky oversized wool sweater. Also, a little extra effect can be placed in by allowing the front of the sweater to go into the waistband to keep the look polished rather than messy.
Wool wide leg trousers with bodysuit.
Bodysuit or Long-sleeve Top: High-waisted wide-leg Winter-wool trousers from wool blend. They are voluminous, hiding thermal leggings underneath without difficulty. A long-sleeve bodysuit goes well with them as the top layer, contributing to the sleek silhouette. This prevents “bunching” and keeps your midriff warm.
Monochrome Knit Set
A whole lot comfier but damn gorgeous and put-together is a knit set, which could be a matching set composed of top and pant. Any neutral would work-caramel, cream, or charcoal-for any dinner; just glam it up with statement jewelry-some gold hoops or a chunky necklace-and pointy-toe heeled boots.
Statement Blazer over All Black Foundation
When in doubt: combine it with a base of all black. These include black slim-fit trousers and a black turtleneck. Top with a “statement” blazer. Seek out sequined, textured fabric, or unusual plaid patterns. This way, on top of the black will keep you warm stylishly above that slim black base, and even more flattering.
A Combination of Slim Jean and Over-the-Knee Boots
A restaurant that ever deems jeans as chic, dark or black denim ought to be what you wear to match those over-the-knee boots. That twin layering-the denim and those high leather or suede boots-gives you the warmth that your legs need. Tuck into a white button-down shirt and off you are with classic.
A Boot with Culotte Combo
Culottes are wide, cropped trousers, and therefore very fashionable at the moment; however, they can be somewhat chilly because they cut just that bit high. The trick is to pair them with a high slim boot that disappears up under the hem of the trousers. In doing so, not one inch of skin is left exposed to the cold air, from which it creates a really smooth, sleek, and very modern silhouette to dine in.
The Jumpsuit with a Hidden Layer
It’s an all-in-one, structured long-sleeved jumpsuit. Totally glam, almost like a formal dress, but wait for the best bit: you can shimmy in a full thermal bodysuit underneath that no one will ever find out. Finish off the look with a standout belt tying in the waist, finished with heel ankle boots.
