Giving Winter The Pink Slip

After walking around downtown and seeing hoards of people wearing everything from blanket scarves completely enveloping their heads to full-on onesie snowsuits thanks to the bone-chilling weather, I had a bit of a winter fashion meltdown.

I was sick of hearing the “swish swish” of snowsuit clad thighs rubbing together. The clomp clomp of winter boots marching around was making me sad. And don’t get me started on the many people who opt for the “Burglar Chic” look (ugh – balaclavas) to protect their faces from the windchill. #FrostBiteLife

A couple of weeks ago at the beginning of the Mars-like Ottawa weather, I was invited to a lunch event. I needed to dress for the -25C weather and felt totally uninspired.

DETAILS

Satin Dress – Aritzia (similar) | Cardigan – Zara (similar) | Shoes – Steve Madden | Belt – Club Monaco (no longer available | Earrings – Mango (similar)

Staring at the few wool pants in my wardrobe, I let out a big, long sigh and longed for the lazy days of lounging on a beach. It had been way too long since I had set eyes on some azure shores….and I had spent way too much time wearing winter gear.

My pink satin slip dress hung in a corner of the closet, waiting her turn to be worn when spring rolled around. I looked at the dress and wished I could wear it. “Why not, though?” I wondered aloud and grabbed her.

Maybe I could wear a black turtleneck underneath the dress and cinch the waist with a cool black belt. When I bought the dress from Aritzia, I had also snagged a beautiful chunky sweater in a rich, dusty mauve colour. The sweater’s colour would flatter the slipdress beautifully, but I wanted to show some skin.

During the Boxing Week sales, I scored a lush, floor-length cardigan in a rich oatmeal colour. I also found my long lost, tobacco-coloured belt that was a wildly expensive purchase from Club Monaco. Everything came together beautifully “perfect storm style”, and my current favourite winter outfit was born.

I know, I know – you couldn’t possibly wear this look out and about right now anywhere north of Florida, especially with those metallic stilettos, but you sure can when you go directly from the house, to the garage, to the event’s garage to the event!

Anyways, I took a chance and took the time to “shop my closet” to find a cool outfit using pieces I already have and I’m thrilled with this look. It inspired me to wear each of the separate pieces in new ways, breathing life into a closet full of great basics and fun trends.

Do you shop your closet or run to the stores when you need an outfit in a pinch? Better yet, do you get creative with your style during the dead of winter? Do tell!