By: Alexandra Rodobolski
Ah, winter. Love it or hate it, you gotta wear clothes! Lucky for you, I’ve put together a list of things you need for this horrible transitional period. Keep your chin up, we’re going to get through this together.
Winter Boots
I’m going to point out the obvious here: it’s winter, which means snow is inevitable at some point. And in the transitional period between winter and spring, we all must battle the horror that is slush. Having a trusted pair of boots that will keep your feet warm and dry and simultaneously go with any outfit is no easy feat. I’m personally a fan of Dr. Marten’s for many reasons. They have a huge variety of styles and colours, they’re lightweight and they have vegan options. For an added layer of protection, you can purchase a waterproof treatment from pretty much any shoe retailer. Puffer Jacket
Winter jackets are a staple piece (duh), but they can oftentimes be the most expensive seasonal purchase. That’s why it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re investing in a jacket that is functional and will last you for a long time. I bought into the puffer jacket trend this year and I don’t regret it at all. I’ve been wearing the Aritzia Super Puff pretty much every day for the last two months and I know I’ll be doing the same next season. Hot tip: purchasing at the end of winter usually means you can find some pretty good sales. You can also check out your local consignment and second-hand stores for a more sustainable and affordable option! Basics for Layering
Another obvious fact for you: layers are your best friend. Here’s the thing, layering is an art. It takes time and attention to detail to bundle up without throwing style completely out the window. That’s why I recommend stocking up on good basic pieces that can carry you through every season. Pieces like plain tees (long sleeve and short sleeve), tank tops and knits can be worn in tons of different ways. I like to get my basics from Aritzia, because I find their quality to be superb, but you can usually find pretty good basics anywhere if you know what you’re looking for. Trendy Socks
Socks are easily the most underrated clothing item out there. Don’t forget that you can add a really fun element to your outfit with socks. I’m a sucker for a pair of calf high socks with a fun piece of text on the side. A lot of novelty stores will have fun prints on their socks, but you can also check out Urban Outfitters for some trendy accessories for your feet. Stock up, because in this weather, chances are your feet will get wet and you’ll need to change socks mid-day. A Bag or Backpack
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of the list. Which means you can have my most important tip of all, as a treat. I’ve been telling you to wear layers and bring an extra pair of socks with you everywhere you go. You must be thinking, “Alex, where the f?!@# am I supposed to put all this shit?” Um, a bag, of course! I bring a Herschel backpack with me to work every single day, and I hide all my secrets in it. That sweater you need to take off once you get inside? Put it in the bag. Your extra socks? Put them in the bag. An umbrella? (Yes, you need to have one with you at all times). Put 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 in 👏🏻 the 👏🏻 bag 👏🏻. People in Toronto love their tote bags. I prefer backpacks because I like the weight to be evenly distributed between my shoulders. The point is, find a bag you love and never let it go. Hopefully, some of these tips will inspire you the next time you want to revamp your winter wardrobe. If you’re in the midst of doing a closet clean out, please consider donating things like gently used winter coats, hats, mitts, boots and the like to a local homeless shelter. It’s a more sustainable way to get rid of clothing, and you’d be helping out folks who need it the most.