Thursday 12 / December / 2024
Yes, it is true that otherwise sunny Oman does not have a lot of the real winter (as we would like); but that doesn’t mean we can’t dress for the season and have a special winter style. Mix-and-match items from your wardrobe and add a dash of some new fabrics and prints that clearly say ‘winter is here’.
Keep your legs warm and trendy in some tights or leggings
If you still want to wear your skirts or dresses in winter, the easiest way to refrain from looking bare and inadequately dressed is to slip into a pair of these. What’s more? Tights come in so many different colours other than black. (But hey, black makes legs look slimmer and you’ll see most celebs sporting this colour.) Leggings are a great substitute for jeans if you are aiming for a sleeker silhouette under your jacket.
Dress ideas: Corduroy and synthetic cotswool skirts are a classic combination with leggings for a winter look.
Layer it with turtlenecks or button-down shirts
If you thought you had to pack your favourite summer dresses for warmer months, think again. Layering your dresses with something nice and full on the inside lets you flaunt all your dainty summer-wear in a whole new fashion. A winter-wardrobe must-have, nothing screams winter like a snug and stylish turtleneck tee. Button down shirts, on the other hand, work great to complete any summer dress that would otherwise leave you quite cold and bare for a winter day.
Dress ideas: Wear a turtleneck just the way it is with nice bottoms or layer it below a long summer dress. Opt for pastel shades in cotton for winter afternoons and go for a more knitted material in darker colours for the nights when the temperature drops even further. Strappy summer dresses in floral prints can be matched with a button-down shirt in a bold colour.
Throw on a denim jacket
This evergreen winter wardrobe essential never goes out of style. (And you just knew that was coming, didn’t you?) And the best part is you can wear a denim jacket with absolutely anything. Whether it’s a quick dash to the grocery store or an evening coffee with the girls, a well-fitted denim jacket can instantly add that touch of style to any dress.
Dress ideas: Pair a denim jacket with a winter plaid shirt. If you have a frilly, summer favourite that is a sleeveless top or dress, you can slip a denim jacket over it for that winter cover. And of course, you can also tie it around your waist if it gets warmer to sport a little old-school style.
Season’s shoes
Boots are all the rage this season. Go thigh-high if you are really looking for that added oomph. Alternatively, you can play it safe in a pair of simple ankle boots that suits all occasions (and comfort levels). With a variety of prints and styles to choose from, winter is the perfect time to bring out the boots. Stacked boots with solid thick heels are not just comfortable to wear but definitely look real chic as well. Then again, for fancier occasions, there are the strappy lace boots with stilettos.
Dress ideas: Match a pair of thigh-high boots with a full-sleeved coat-frock to ensure you keep the cold out and get a full cover. If thigh-high boots seem a little too bold, a pair of fancy, ankle length high-heeled boots in a bright colour with leggings will surely liven up a gloomy day.
Make the most of scarves and shawls
Especially those blanket scarves which can double as a shawl when a pleasant evening transits to a cooler than expected night. Go for crochet stoles which give your dress a peek-a-boo look if you don’t want to completely drape yourself in one. Knitted scarves are a favourite for winters too. Smaller scarves (that don’t have the property of doubling over as a blanket) can be used to delicately cover just the head to keep ears warm.
Dress ideas: Pick a long tasselled scarf and wrap it around your neck once. Let the tassels hang on either side of your waist. For some added style, hold the two-ends in place with a belt across the waist. Alternatively if the fringes are beaded, wrap the scarf around and bring the tassels to hang loosely down your front. Printed satin scarves (vegan-made of course) look very elegant when used to cover just the top of your head or as a sleek knot around the neck.
Cardigans of various sizes
No, they aren’t of our grandmother’s era but can sure look disproportionate if worn with the wrong things. If you are wearing a loose or wrap around cardigan, try swapping a short dress or skirt with skinny jeans or jeggings instead to avoid looking bulky on top. Something fitted below (even thigh-high boots) creates that contrast in silhouette. On the other hand, never wear short cardigans with long t-shirts. They are perfect for dresses that have a profound waist band where the cardigan doesn’t go lower than five inches below the waist.
Dress ideas: Knee-length cardigans have made a prominent presence on fashion runways. Wear it with a crop top and fitted jeans or leggings for a casual yet stylish getup. Knee-high fitted boots, a short dress and a simple long cardigan on top has been accepted as a favourite combination amongst style icons.
Hi Beauty Editor, Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook (Antara Bose)
