How to... stay warm and stylish this winter

I know I already did a How to... dress for work in the winter. But I have been away from work for two weeks and the temperature has been lower than I can ever remember it being for Christmas. For the first time in years, the UK seems to be having a proper winter. And by proper, I mean more than a week of freezing temperatures.


I have always found it nearly impossible to dress warmly and stylishly. When I was younger I just accepted that it couldn't happen and went with the fleeces and walking socks that my mum thrust upon me. Then, as a student and left to my own devices I would dress soooo inappropriately for the weather, with just a tee under a parka jacket; trendy maybe but warm it was not.


These days I am all about keeping warm as I get incredibly grumpy if I'm not but I also love to look stylish. Last winter, in New York, I think I began to combine the two and have continued to hone my "skills" this winter too.


1. Layers! Important as a student. Important as a trend. Never more important than in the winter.


2. Vests. There are some gorgeous and cute sets out there. It doesn't have to be those daggy old things your mum used to wear! My sister got me a couple of lush sets from M&S for Christmas.

3. Socks. I got some great knee high wool socks from H&M recently and now live in them. Only £5.99 for two pairs.

4. Boots. Great for the snowy weather and keep your feet (and legs) toasty. I have my OTK boots which are great for keeping my warm and a pair of EMU boots (UGG's cheaper sister!) which are perfect for the snow!

5. Jumper dresses. For someone with a more than a bit of a liking for dresses the jumper dress is the ultimate in winter chic. I have them in all styles and colours.

6. Woolly tights. Again, I have many pairs, in black, grey and even plum! M&S do great value four packs for kids which fit me fine. I know I'm short but I don't wear the oldest they go up to so you may find you can fit their 16-17 ones! I found these warmer than jeans in New York as denim is not warm. At all.

7. Hats, scarves and gloves. There are so many gorgeous patterns out there that there is no excuse not to have at least one set! And many are very cheap in the sales at the moment. Topshop and Dorothy Perkins have massive bargains on winter warmers!

8. Hot water bottle. When at home and heading to bed, grab a hot water bottle. They're not just for grannies anymore. The boyf got the gorgeous one below for me for Christmas!

9. Coffee. Hot chocolate. Tea. Whatever your poison, it'll warm you up from the inside.

10.  Stay home. It is the perfect weather to cwtch up in front of an open fire, with a blanket and a good DVD!

Hope you are managing to keep warm this winter.

More soon. Love, SG