Fishnet Stockings

Fishnet stockings. Few words can produce such vivid visions of naughtiness. However, fishnets have become far more acceptable than in they once were, having made their way out of the shadowy darkness of clubs and burlesque shows, and into the bright light of modern urban women’s wear. Here are some tips on getting away with wearing this saucy mesh stocking by the light of day.

There are a variety of factors that influence the appropriateness of fishnet stockings, including the size of the mesh, the color of the stocking, the footwear and clothing it is worn with, and the condition of the stocking.

Fishnet Hosiery Mesh Size

As a general rule, fishnet hosiery with a mesh any greater than the standard tiny holes (approximately 1/16th inch wide when worn) are inappropriate for everyday, formal, and (especially) professional attire. If you’re going to indulge in large-mesh fishnet stockings — which tend to look a bit costumey— reserve them for funky or punk club-wear.

Fishnet Stocking Color & Style

Black, chocolate or beige fishnet stockings are excellent for everyday wear, and add a bit of pizzazz to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Flesh toned fishnets hosiery may even be appropriate in some conservative workplaces, and are a fabulous modern alternative to dated and dowdy nude pantyhose.

Colored Fishnet Tights

Fishnets are now available in virtually every shade you can conceive of, however in most cases, wearing eye-popping, brightly colored fishnet stockings in a professional office setting is not recommended. However, if your work environment is more casual or creative and bright tights suit your office and your personality, by all means, go for it.

Layering Fishnet Tights

When there’s a chill in the air, those with a desire to take a bold fashion step forward can even try layering brightly hued fishnet stockings on top of tights in solid colors like neutral black, grey, brown or white.

Special Details

If you’re looking for a fishnet stocking that stands out from the rest of the pack of standard fishnet hosiery (without looking like an x-rated costume) definitely check out Nicole Miller’s Wide Chevron Fishnet Tights ($18), available in black or chocolate. These chevron-patterned fishnets add an extra level of visual interest to any outfit, and fit in perfectly with the tweed, chevron, and menswear-inspired textile and pattern trends for fall while being wholly feminine… love!

Wolford has a beautiful new collection of luxury stockings and patterned tights, including their Estelle Black Tights($50), which have a fine fishnet mesh with the sexy and elegant detail of a stocking stitch (wider than a typical backseam) that extends from the waistband to the toes — super sultry for evening looks or sexy-smart if worn under a more straight-laced pencil skirt and tall boots, with just a hit of the woven backseam exposed.

And for those occasions on which you want to create a little heat, there’s nothing like fishnet stay-ups and lingerie to get things steamy. Wolford’s lace-topped Black Jade Stay-Ups ($67) are super sexy and have an invisible elastic band to keep them put.

Know When to Throw Away Fishnet Tights

Even though fishnet hosiery is made of thousands of tiny holes, snags and tears are completely unacceptable. Throw damaged stockings out.

Figure-Flattering Fishnet Stockings

Thanks to the availability of slimming hosiery and undergarments on the market, you can now get control-top fishnets: Spanx Tight End Fishnet Tights($28) eliminate grid bum once and for all, making your tummy, toosh and yams look as sexy as you feel!

And if tummy control is not a concern, check out Capezio’s Fishnet Seamless Tights($26); these tights were designed for dancers and will not show side or front seams, and can be worn without any risk of showing even the slightest peek of lining or control fabric.

How to Wear Fishnets at Work

You really need to be careful when incorporating the fishnet stocking into your work attire. Yes, they’re hip and sexy, and that may be exactly what makes them inappropriate in some work environments, even if they are worn with an otherwise conservative outfit.

Unless you work in an open, progressive or creative work environment, fishnets may work against you, making you look too racy and unprofessional when meeting with clients and colleagues who expect a more conventional look.

Wear Fishnet Hosiery with Pants!

A fun option that may work on the job is wearing fishnets under pants, showing just a peek of mesh between the top of your shoe and pant hem; go with either full on fishnet tights or choose fishnet socks or knee-highs.

How to Wear Fishnets with Skirts and Dresses

Although fishnet stockings look very stylish with boots, pumps, kitten heels or flat shoes when worn with a skirt, make sure that your dress or skirt’s hemline falls no higher than knee length. Mini skirts with fishnet stockings come across as trashy looking; a more chic option is a flattering pencil skirt or flared skirt.

Shop the Story

Fall Forecast: Loafers

In stride with the enduring menswear-inspired fashion trend, loafers are one of the must-have shoes as we step into fall. Master the art of androgyny with a pair of perfectly prep, classic loafers. And if you’re not keen on cross-dressing, opt for a high heeled loafer — it’s a sexy, clever way to dip your toes into the gentleman’s trend without giving up your feminine wiles.

The Flat Loafer

One of the must-have shoes for autumn is the flat loafer. It’s so much more than you remember; the iconic low heel penny loafer — complete with a vamp strap ready to store your spare change — is just one of the many ways to rock the loafer look this season.

The Classic Loafer

If you long for a completely classic, moccasin-style loafer, slip on a pair of slip-ons replete with tassels, medallions, metal straps (à la Gucci loafers) or inserts for charming (but rather useless) one cent pieces. Tory Burch’s Pennie Low Heel Loafers epitomize the sophisticated yet laid-back feel of the quintessential penny loafer.  These paradoxically casual dress shoes go with just about anything: they’re cute with  peg-leg or capri pants, look ready to sail with a pair of Bermuda shorts, and have an upwardly mobile yuppie-chic feel when worn with a simple straight skirt and twinset. For a more modern look, pair classic penny loafers with skinny jeans or short shorts with opaque tights.

Slipper Shaped Loafer

Jeffrey Campbell, usually known for his daring and outlandish styles, has scaled down the drama in the Elegant, an easy, day-to-night slip-on patent leather loafer that exudes class and style. This polished bedroom slipper shaped loafer is a more tailored alternative to the ballet flat that works hard during the day and dresses up easily for night-time looks.

Oxford Style Loafer

We also love Jeffrey Campbell’s take on the prep school loafer in the menswear cutie aptly named the Uniform shoe. This lace-up, nearly flat oxford-style loafer add a touch of  scholarly class great with everything from boyfriend jeans, to jumpers and dresses, with or without tights.

Loafers with Chunky Platform Heels

Get down to business in a penny loafer with a chunky, stacked platform heel. Ramp up the basic loafer with a practical and sexy block heel for a feminized, dressier version of the menswear aesthetic. Adding the heel means you can wear these loafers with all of your favorite business causal looks, from fluid trousers to curve-loving pencil skirts.

The sculptural silhouette of the Lidia Suede High Heel Loafers by Jean-Michel Cazabat lands these sky high pumps at the top of our list of favorite girly loafers. The suede with contrasted leather trim and top-stitched seam detailing give these shoes a vintage feel that mixes so well with modern workwear.

Get Classic with a Kick

If you’re feeling fashion forward and funky, style your block-heeled penny loafers with pencil skirt or trouser shorts and instead of stockings, step into a pair of business socks. Keep in mind that this look is only for the sartorially brave, and not something you’d attempt to wear at most workplaces.

Stiletto Loafers

The narrower the heel, the sexier the shoe. And thanks to designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Nicholas Kirkwood, loafers have never been sexier. YSL’s Tribute Suede Slingback Loafer Pumps are totally splurge-worthy with their loafer-inspired tasseled front, sumptuous platform and sexy stiletto spike. And for a sultry but still work-friendly shoe, we love Nicholas Kirkwood’s Leather Moccasin-Inspired Platform Pumps: there’s a hefty nod to menswear in the loafer detailing, but the slender 5-inch heel, island platform and nude color will make your legs appear to go on forever!

Shop the Story

Menswear-Inspired Fashion

Once upon a time, woman wanted to get noticed in the corporate world. Along with working her butt off and quashing weaker-sex stereotypes, she donned a set of ham-sized shoulder pads, covered up in a button-down, and boxed her figure in a straight skirt and oversized blazer. This was the eighties and she was a powerful woman in a power suit.

Boy Meets Girl: Menswear-Inspired Elements

Since lapping up the realm of menswear two decades ago, the “fairer sex” has never turned back. Creased trousers, fitted blazers, crisp button-downs — all staples in the closet of the woman who wants to be taken seriously. But this season, fashion has taken those staples and let them flourish in the limelight.

• Menswear Fabrics for Women
• Button-Down Shirts, Knits & Pinstripes
• Vests & Blazers
• Trousers & Pencil Skirts
• Plaid, Herringbone, Tab Details & Oversize Buttons
• Dashing Trench Coats & Fedoras
• Dapper Details: Boots, Ankle Boots, Tassels, Wingtips, Studs & Plaid
• Hats, Gloves & Handbags

Menswear Fabrics For Women

Traditionally masculine fabrics such as herringbone, tweed, plaid, check, pinstripe and flannel, are now front and center in women’s wear. And the classic gentleman silhouette is cropped, tailored and cinched to create conservative yet sexy styles that drip in old-school class. But with a whole closet to choose from, your no-flub philosophy is to embrace moderation and respect the diadem of detail. Avoid matchy-matchy head-to-toe fabric frenzies and choose signature pieces that give a masculine flair to your otherwise ultra-fem style.

Button-Down Shirts, Knits & Pinstripes

To master menswear, begin with your basics: the button-down shirt and the crease-front trouser. These unisex garments, in a trimmer, more feminine physique, easily transfer from his closet to yours. Up top, layering’s the word and knitwear, vests and blazers work their masculine magic. Over a flirtified dress shirt with ruffle-front detailing, slip into a heather-gray cable-knit V-neck that’s aglow in academia. A pinstripe button-down will fall in love with a sweater vest, and a crisp white shirt is begging to be tucked into a waistcoat.

Vests & Blazers

For button-up vests, masculine shapes that date back to when chained pocket watches were a necessity are seen from a feminine perspective, resulting in tailored and trim pieces that flatter a lady’s curves. Single or double-breasted, these miniature vests are painted in the season’s palette – tweed, herringbone and plaid — and are lined in signature menswear shirting.

Though not new to your wardrobe, blazers are playing a lead role in your borrowed-from-the boys production. In luxurious tweeds and herringbone, these classic pieces are seeing leather and corduroy elbow patches and a slimmed, sleek line. Black tux jackets (velvet optional) provide a red-carpet option – or at least the laywoman’s version – for dressing up while dipping delightfully into menswear.

Trousers & Pencil Skirts

Below the belt, the man’s closet is a wee bit sparse. You’ve got trousers, and that’s about it. And that’s why fashion has used menswear as a spring board to much greater heights. Yes, love your cuffed, wide-leg, crease-front trouser, but also adore a trim pencil or flouncy skirt in our new favorite fabrics.

Plaid, Herringbone, Tab Details & Oversize Buttons

Combine manly with girly by dousing a ruffle-back skirt in bold black and red plaid, or pair herringbone up top with a pair of cropped trousers equipped with tab details and oversized buttons.

Those mysteriously adorable (yet wildly impractical) formal short-shorts can also work here, but wrap your lower limbs in opaque hosiery and slip your feet into something flat.

Dashing Trench Coats & Fedoras

Style’s love affair with menswear hasn’t left you out in the cold – bundle up for the chilly season in classic coats that whisper of dashing detectives, feathered fedoras and dark alleys. The trench coat has been suped up with the signature masculine fabrics, while feminine curves are drawn with empire waistlines and ribbon-tie belts. The traditional trench is not to be forgotten, though, giving you the houndstooth-, plaid- and tweed-free option of a sandy beige or warm taupe. Keeping in tune to our desire to give the boy-borrowed pieces a much-needed slice, this season features oodles of cropped jackets with shortened hemlines and sleeves. Most stunning in a bold, inflated black-and-white herringbone print, these round-collar jacket often come to a single-button close and succeed at being both dashing and adorable.

Dapper Details: Boots, Ankle Boots, Tassels, Wingtips, Studs & Plaid

Toss aside your needlepoint stilettos and slender sexy boots and make room for chunky heels and clunky lace-ups – menswear-inspired footwear charts brand new territory. Keep rocking your peep-toe pumps and your sleek patent leather platforms, but save some mileage for a round-toe shoe that’s got some meat on its heel. Look out for such masculine detailing as antique metal accents, fringe, lacing, tassels, wingtips, studs, perforated leather trims and clunky soles. Fabrics range from your classic and reliable leather and suede, to daringly of-the-moment flashes of tweed, herringbone, and, you guessed it, plaid.

Hats, Gloves & Handbags

Such footwear perfection deserves a bookend of similar style success, and, when used sparingly, menswear-inspired accessories have got the right ingredients. When it comes to hats, all the boys are out to play — baker boy, newsboy, derby, fedora, bowler, oxford, and cabbie! Cute and coy, these tête-toppers in menswear-inspired prints keep you toasty without straying from style. Save your fingers from the cold, too, with a dashing pair of cropped and cuffed leather gloves, and wrap yourself up in a classic red plaid scarf. Chunky over-the-shoulder bags, doused in loads of leather detailing and swimming in herringbone, tweed and plaid, are right on cue, as are our favorite little clutches finished off with leather, metal or wooden hinged openings.

Add Feminine Flair to Menswear-Inspired Clothes

As this season continues its love affair with menswear, don’t let all the gentlemanly charm scoop you up and cloud your judgment. The trick to owning menswear-inspired style is to wear it all in moderation. We may adore the trusty trio of masculine fabrics, but head-to-toe pattern is never a good thing. And even though you’re borrowing from the opposite closet, aim for feminine silhouettes featuring details that are anything but masculine. With the perfect mix of masculine and feminine, you’ll be one stunningly stylin’ woman.

Shop the Story

Earrings for Your Face Shape

Whether you have a round, oval, heart, square or angular shaped face, we'll help you find the perfect type of earrings for your face shape.

Whether you have a round, oval, heart, square or angular shaped face, we’ll help you find the perfect type of earrings for your face shape.

You may have mastered the absolute rules of haircut to face shape, but accessorizing around your pretty face with the right earrings for your face shape adds a whole new factor to appropriately custom-fitting your look.

From shoulder-skimming strands to simply stunning studs, the latest earring looks are so varied that you’ll have no trouble finding the most flattering pair for you.

Earrings for a Round Face Shape

Oblong or rectangular earrings flatter a round face.

If you have a round face — one that is essentially as wide as it is long — you’ll want to choose earrings that elongates and adds a little angle to your face.

Try long, narrow earrings with a wee bit of curve that draw the eye downward instead of in a circle. Square, oblong and rectangular earrings are also options, as are dangling and angular earrings.

Steer clear of: circular earrings, such as hoops, as well as tiny studs and button earrings.

Earrings for an Oval Face Shape

Drop earrings, studs, chandelier and hoop earrings flatter an oval face shape.

An oval face needs, well… not much. This almost “ideal” face shape finds its width at the cheek bones and tapers smoothly in either direction, with a chin slightly slimmer than the forehead.

Almost anything goes for an oval-facer, so grab that spiraled dangly pair of earrings, slide in a pair of classic studs, look cute in button earrings, or go wild with more elaborate, dazzling looks.

Steer clear of: to avoid sporting a too-long face, don’t wear incredibly long shapes that will just pull you down.

Earrings for a Heart-Shaped Face

Chandelier or teardrop earrings flatter a heart-shaped face.

The divine heart-shaped face, characterized by a wide forehead, stunning cheekbones and a tiny cherubic chin, require earrings that mimic the face’s shape, but upside-down.

Chandelier and teardrop earrings, as well as triangular earrings that have the tapered point at the top, work well to broaden the chin and narrow the forehead. Even circular and oval earrings will work with your face shape, so long as they don’t taper as they descend.

Steer clear of: earrings that mirror your face shape, such as those that come to a point at the bottom, or, obviously, heart-shaped hoops.

Hoop earrings flatter a square or angular face shape.

Earrings for Square or Angular Face Shapes

If your face is accented by a strong, square jaw line and an angular forehead that are close to the same width, you have yourself a square face shape. Add a little length to that visage, and you’re rectangular.

For earrings, you’re in need of a pair that will soften your features, taking a dash of edge off your look.

As long as you avoid harsh angles and square shapes, you can wear just about anything in the earring category. Hoops and curved edges will add the necessary roundness, and drop earrings, long tear drops, or multi-tiered dangling earrings will give a square shape some length. If you fall in the rectangular category, avoid much length, tossing in the shoulder-kissing drops for wider, circular shapes or thicker earrings that give your long face some width.

Steer clear of: square, rectangular or harshly angled earrings that echo your face shape.

Got the rules to finding the ideal earrings for your face shape down pat? The next step is finding the perfect pair.

Belt Style

For so long, we ignored the belt. We let it become functional and minimal – a simple beaten-up number slipped through the loops of a favorite pair of jeans, a skinny red snake of a belt, slithering around the top of a pencil skirt, or maybe, a dramatic buckle on an otherwise mundane piece of leather.

Now, waist cinchers, hip huggers and ribcage ringers are standing in the spotlight. Belts are migrating all over the torso, finding themselves conveniently positioned under the “girls” for a little added oomph, pulling in waists to create the most feminine of figures, or slung haphazardly at hips to give shape to formless frocks.

Waist Cinching Belts

Sitting just above your bellybutton is where your belts are going to rack in the most mileage when it comes to enhancing a womanly figure. Ignore the talk of 80s flashbacks and tacky corsetry; this look is all about femininity. With a wide belt around the smallest part of your waist, you’re slimming, emphasizing, and calling all eyes to your sexy curves.

The thicker the better for these sassy waist cinchers. Oversized, square buckles look best in the same tone as the band, or in clunky, muted metals. Mix it up with an equestrian flair or go classy with a leather-wrapped western piece. In materials, you’re looking for a belt that can stand up to all your bending and sitting. Solid leathers, reinforced layers of satin, animal skins, and thick, wide elastic bands make for the best waist cinching belts. Anything flimsy will fold and crease at your midsection, or hang with unflattering looseness from your body.

Oversized Belt? Keep Other Accessories Simple

When sporting a massive mid-waist belt, it’s critical that you keep in mind the visual weight of this substantial accessory. Forget the piles of bangles and bobbles you usually drape from your various appendages: the belt is your focal point. Cinch in the clean lines of a pencil skirt or dress, show off your body in an airy tunic with a waist-loving belt, add flare to your button-down-and-trousers basics with a bold square buckle and a sophisticated strap, or pull in that roomy shirt dress or classic trench.

Try Unconventional Belt Closures & Materials

The waist-high belt has even sailed past conventions, trading buckles for bows, hooks and snaps, and typical leather straps for elastics, silky sashes, and bands of fabric. With these funky belts, kimonos meet burlesque, the 1980s meet the 1950s, and animal prints meet class, creating fusions of style that are always feminine.

Empire Waist Belts

Ah, the empire waist. Was there ever a waistline more bust-enhancing or age reducing than thee? Belts just below the bust line require very few rules: keep it small, keep it simple, keep it subtle and keep it sexy. Opt for thin belts in colors that contrast but work with your outfit, and chose posh patent, chic alligator, soft suede or a simple, perfect bow-tied ribbon.

Stop Empire Waist Belts from Falling Down

Your belt is going to need a little assistance keeping up appearances, so either strap yourself in tightly, or loosely stitch subtle loops into your outer seams. Strips of ribbon can even be sewn directly onto the garment, becoming a permanently polished finish to your fashion-forward ensemble.

Hip-Slung Belts

Give Loose Garments Shape with a Belt

Much like the waist-cincher belt, this hip hugging belt draws attention to more of our beloved curves. Give shape to a droopy sack of a shirt, pull in a shapeless dress, or simply add a ring of color to any hip-skimming tunic.

Stock up your belt collection and give that tired denim-topper a few friends to hang out with, and don’t discriminate. Grab every thickness, every material and every style you can get your hands on (following the above guidelines), and start pairing a belt with everything.

Boho Chic

The boho buzz that has been ringing in our ears lately is getting even louder. Fashion this season is embracing all aspects of the bohemian look, from hippie nouveau to boho chic.

The boho look for spring is all about creativity. The look gives you the freedom to layer fabrics, mix prints and fearlessly accessorize.

Boho Fashion Must-Haves

The boho trend includes pieces such as caftans, tunics, tiered peasant skirts, ankle-length embroidered dresses and slim, weathered jeans.

Accessories are anything but minimal for the boho gal, so this style features ethnic-inspired earrings, large leather belts, floppy hats, over-sized sunglasses and bangles to your elbows.

All pieces follow a natural trend with earthy hues, ethnic textures and nature-mimicking prints. Shoes are no exception — footwear such as cotton espadrilles, leather sandals, beaded flats and cowboy boots dominate the look.

The boho look does require a bit of extra work, as a style based on perfected messiness can easily go wrong. What this trend needs is a sense of balance. Pull together your look by layering and mixing colors, patterns and materials while keeping an overall balance in mind.

Fashion icon, Sienna Miller, has been leading the boho trend. She’s often seen parading the town in skinny jeans tucked into boots, long tunics, cropped cardigans and minimal makeup.

Boho Accessories, Makeup & Hair

Complete the boho look by weighing yourself down with the bold accessories that suit the eclectic style. Drape over-sized wooden beads over a soft smock dress or strap a wide, leather belt around a hip-length caftan. Hide behind massive rectangular sunglasses or classic aviators and let your hair, if it can, tumble in tousled waves past your shoulders or curl naturally high and wide.

Boho make-up is minimal for everyday looks, keeping to mascara, concealer, nude gloss and a fresh-from-the-south sweep of bronzer.

Rules of moderation don’t apply to wrist-wear for the boho look – feel free to cover your forearms in wooden bracelets and exotic bangles. The final accessory of the boho style is a pair of ethnic-inspired earrings tucked in amidst your wavy tresses.

Leading Boho Designers

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Chloé, Roberto Cavalli, Anna Sui, Jimmy Choo and Bottega Veneta are among the designers latching onto the boho look this season. These designers have put together vintage-inspired collections that are a successful modern take on boho chic.

Boho Fashion History

The boho look made its stylish debut on the back of Anita Pallenberg in the 60s. Often called the sixth member of the Rolling Stones, Pallenberg was known for her individual style that gave bohemian the funk it needed.

Long before Pallenberg, the term “bohemian” came from the term La Bohème in France. It was used to describe the bands of gypsies that traveled through Bohemia — now the Czech Republic.

What Does “Boh0″ Mean?

“Boho” refers to Bohemian, a stereotypical way of life for artists and intellectuals. The lifestyle is rooted in the American “beat” movement of the 50s. Members of the movement, beatniks, rejected conventional middle-class values and embraced radical and exotic customs.

“Bohemian” stands for a free-thinking, free-being philosophy that favors unconventional habits and clothing. In the past, bohemians often wore out-of-date, unfashionable clothing that defied mainstream fashion trends.

This grew into a widespread embrace of haphazard mixes of colors and fabrics by many artists. Now, the boho look is a perfect balance of intentional messiness, artistic creativity and vintage chic.

Stylish (Warming) Winter Accessories

The weather outside is getting frightfully cold, which means it’s time to pull out the winter gear. But let’s be honest, getting toasty with hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, ear muffs, mini capes, stoles, shawls can really weigh down your style.

Take it from a Canadian girl who knows, the solution to the overload is to keep your cold weather accessories lean and simple.

Winter gear may seem more functional than anything else, but this doesn’t mean you can’t be fashion forward when dressing for the weather.

Go Glam with Real Fur (or Faux Fur) Accessories

Fur Hats

Go faux fur or real fur on anything from hats to boots and say goodbye to the chills. If you dare to be bold, the look-at-me glam of a full fur Cossack fur hat or Russian hat is just right for you. These hats look best on a tall frame, and require a lot of personality.

Fur Capes, Stoles, Muffs & Shawls

Fur mini capes, shawls and stoles are the perfect way to bundle up indoors without wearing mitts around the office. Pair these fantastic fur pieces with simple, sleek lines. Tied with a fat, silk ribbon, mini capes and stoles look good over almost anything. Warm up a dainty cocktail dress with an oversized stole, or pair jeans and fitted top with a sassy mini cape. Whatever fur accessory you’re wearing is going to be the focal point of your ensemble, so remember to keep whatever you have on underneath elegant and simple.

Fur Boots

To warm up your toes you’ve got oodles of options in the realm of fur. This fall’s boot trend loves fur and so do we. The slouchy moccasin boot this season tops my list of favorite furry footwear, but these too need to be outfitted accordingly. Tone down the rest of your attire if you plan on sporting any fur. Keep your footwear fur exclusive to knee-high boots. This includes fur cuffs, lining, and creatively placed accents. Avoid ankle-high boots with fur, and especially steer clear of the all-over fuzzy yeti boots.

Winter Hats

When it comes to headwear, every face shape, hair length, and even head shape, looks different under a hat. The best way to determine which hat look is best for you: plant yourself next to the hat rack at your favorite shopping destination and just start trying them on. Hat trends for this coming season are anything but ordinary. Styles range from simple tweed fedoras, to an adorable bonnet-meets-poor-boy cap.

• For extremely cold weather, pick a warm, wool hat or an hear-hugging fur-lined trapper hat. When it comes to wool hats, avoid pompoms but do pick something with a little bit of fun. Crocheted appliqués give a timeless elegance to an otherwise boring little toque. And if you’re going to get a trapper hat, splurge and invest in a quality design that will last you a lifetime of winters.

• Berets are another cozy option. Be a little more creative than the wooly original, and grab yourself a beret in more luxurious textures such as tweed or herringbone.

• The ageless fedoras and poor boys are still topping hat racks everywhere so why not join in?

• If you’re searching for a hat that looks good on almost everyone, look no further than the fedora. With its stiff shape and flattering brim, it’s hard not to look good. You’ll find fedoras in felt, short fur, tweed, herringbone and houndstooth.

• The poor boy cap is popping up this season in its most adorable form, if you ask me. This little cap, which has a shorter brim that frames your face like a bonnet, looks best in tweed with velvet accents.

Keep Your Fingers & Hands Warm: Gloves & Mittens

• To keep your digits warm, opt for either mittens or gloves in a sleek fit. Frumpy hand-wear takes away from the rest of your ensemble.
• The leather driving glove is a classic option that always looks elegant. To update this stylish hand-hugger, grab a pair in this season’s favorite color – purple – or go for a cropped design that fastens with a snap at the back of the wrist.
• Gloves and mitts are allowed to have a little fun, so chose a funky pattern with a little bit of sass. Subtle animal prints, seasonal snow flakes, and the classic argyle will all spruce up your hands, but always keep moderation in mind.

If you’re going to go funky with the hand-wear, avoid taking it over the top with too-matching mitt/glove and hat pairs. Those blue-striped, fuzzy gloves with a coordinating pom-pommed toque may look appealing, but no one’s going to take you seriously if you look half your age. Keep your accessories in the same family (color, texture or style), but avoid cloning your gear from head to toe.

When getting yourself ready to step out into chilly weather, remember simplicity is your key to success. Think lean: your winter accessories are essentially there to provide you with a little added warmth, so there’s no need to drown yourself in bulky layers.

Stephanie Shoulder Bag from DVF

The perfect bag for every occasion - from a casual lunch to a night on the town.

Add a hit of metallics to your outfit with Diane von Furstenberg’s silver woven leather bag, a perfect example of the season’s exotic texture trend, kicked up with a modern metallic edge.

Carry your laptop, iPad, books, lunch, and a change of clothes in this phenomenal DVF bag.  With room to spare, it’s got two shoulder straps, gunmetal hardware, a top zip fastening with a faceted oversized zip-pull, three internal pouch pockets and one internal zipped pocket and is fully lined in white and brown canvas.

At once reminiscent of tribal weaving, medieval chain mail armor, and a twist of futurama, this bag ticks all the boxes for today’s trends but will undoubtedly have staying power as an stand-out staple in your closet!