Written by: Giulia Simolo
In South Africa we’re lucky that we don’t have long winters, but purchasing winter clothing can be difficult and more expensive than kitting yourself out for other seasons. So, it’s a budget-friendly idea to buy the most essential items. Here are some tips on how to shop for winter clothing so you don’t wind up with items you never wear (which is not very eco-friendly at all!)
Accessories make all the difference
Extremities feel the cold the most, so tackle these first with some great items, like a nice pair of gloves and thick woolly socks. Throw in a few colourful scarves, thermal vests and maybe even a woolly hat and you’ll have some great accessories that don’t cost a lot of money but will help to keep you warm. They can also add great bursts of colour to your outfit. These winter basics should be at the top of your list. Because we still experience warm days during winter in South Africa, you might find that wearing a jersey with a thick scarf can go a long way to keeping you warm on days when you don’t require a heavy jacket.
Think practicality when shopping
Don’t fall into the trap of splurging on clothing that you think you need only to find that it’s still lingering with its price tag attached in a year or two! When shopping, take your time to peruse what’s available at the shops. Think about what items are most practical for you: that is, ones that will be used over again. Ask yourself where you spend most of your time. Your answer might be: work, out on the town with friends and to the gym, for instance. Think about how much time you spend at each of those activities during a week. You might find that you spend most of your time at work or at your favourite hobbies. Then think of the clothing you would need for those activities. Buying gorgeous high-heeled knee-high boots might sound tempting, but you might never get a chance to wear them if they’re not practical for your main interests.
Five must have winter clothing items:
The military style coat
The military coat – think double-breasted, waist-length square jackets or coats with funky metallic buttons – has been named as one of the winter must-haves for the season. It’s a great way to add some punch to your wardrobe and chop ‘n change with other items of clothing. When buying a coat, make sure that it flatters your body shape. Here are some tips:
- Apple body shapes (those with wider upper bodies) look good in A-line coats or coats that flare at the hemline. Steer clear of double-breasted jackets as these can make you look chunky on top.
- Pear shapes (wider lower body) are flattered by coats that have details on the top, such as wide collars, because this style brings balance to the body.
- Hourglass (curvy) bodies should try to lengthen their shapes. An A-line coat is a great choice as it smoothes over the hip area.
Sexy boots
Okay, those knee-high boots might be a tad impractical, but there are plenty of boots on offer this season that can be worn to work or play. A great eco tip is to stick to black or brown, as these will be most versatile with many different clothing. Also try to find boots that are comfortable (even if they have a high heel) and are not a colour/fabric that would get easily tarnished. Those suede light gray boots might look fantastic, but they could also get scuffed within a week of wearing!
Ponchos
Ponchos are back with a bang – not only are they really comfortable and warm, but they can also add some bohemian style to your image. Just make sure your poncho is the main focus of your outfit so that you don’t have too much going on with your look. If you feel the poncho is too large, you can always belt it at the waist.
Lace
A hint of lace is big this winter, so try to bring some of its feminine appeal into your wardrobe. Lace can be sexy as well as classy. Team up a lace vest with a military jacket for a lovely blend of layering.
Wide leg pants
If you hated the skinny pants revolution, then you’ll be happy to see that wide leg pants are a trend for the season. Although they might not be flattering for everyone, when they are teamed up with short cardigans or box-style jackets, they are super stylish.
The liveeco team
