Winter traditionally has been a time to slip on a down coat and bundle up with bulky sweaters. A hat, scarf and pair of gloves top off the ensemble, which leaves little room for personalization. And in warm weather regions, there’s often little transition from one season to the next.
For a unique look, embrace the latest trends and adapt them to suit the forecast in any part of the country. Cool weather looks are being interpreted with a regional spin as trendsetters discover sultry new shades, fabrics and twists on traditional winter gear. Explore this guide to the season’s hottest styles, which will leave jet-setting travelers well equipped for adventures that take them from coast to coast.
Miami
One of this winter’s biggest trends is layering—a style perfect for Miami, where winter temperatures stay high in the 60s and 70s. “Not only is it fashionable, but it’s practical,” says Antonino Aiello, owner of 100% Capri, a shop in Bal Harbour, Fla. “This goes for men and women.”
For Miami’s temperate climates, he suggests linen jackets for layering, like the Italian brand’s Giacca Sud style that combines soft jersey with a classic version of the fabric. Aiello also suggests linen scarves as a lighter option for winter, explaining that they keep wearers warm without being too overwhelming.
Linen, a natural textile, is a popular fabric for south Florida fashion year-round. This season, Miami visitors can stay fashionable while keeping cool with other styles like jersey cardigans, which can be paired with tall boots for a more traditional winter look. And for color, Aiello suggests white: “Everyone is entitled to a white winter,” he says. “If you can’t be surrounded by white snow, dress yourself in beautiful, white, fresh linen.”
Shop Miami
The Webster: The three-level luxury boutique offers fashions by top designers for men and women as well as jewelry, handbags and shoes. There’s also a third-floor gallery and rooftop restaurant with ocean views. (1220 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Fla.; 305-674-7899; thewebstermiami.com)
100% Capri: Specializing in linen, the shop offers home decor and clothing like button-down shirts, drawstring pants and scarves. (9700 Collins Ave., Ste. 236, Bal Harbour, Fla.; 305-866-4117; 100x100capri.it)
New York City
In cities where bundling up is the best defense against chilly temperatures, it may seem like there’s minimal room for customization. With some experimentation and creative use of cut and color, however, eye-catching ensembles can still be crafted. Basic black, for example, is a staple in New York wardrobes but is being taken to new heights with the incorporation of great winter hues.
“The must-wear color for men and women this year is burgundy, also called oxblood,” says stylist Sharon Kornstein of ImageDesign Consulting in New Jersey. “It’s popular because it acts like a neutral … but it holds its own and gives presence to an otherwise dull outfit. I like it as a sweater, scarf, vest or, for casual wear, as colored jeans.”
For men, fitted suits with shorter jackets are en vogue, either double-breasted or with a zipper. Patterns are also getting play, with plaid making its way onto jackets, suits and long-sleeve shirts.
“I love the look of a tied, knitted scarf for men with a jacket,” Kornstein says. “… Berets are [also] on trend, along with fedoras and knitted caps.”
Shop New York City
Pas de Deux: The one-stop shop offers high-end women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, perfume and more, with designers such as 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang. (328 E. 11th St., New York City; 212-475-0075; pasdedeuxny.com)
Owen: Check out a curated selection of fashions for men and women, with more than 50 top brands and emerging designers such as Rag & Bone, Lou Dalton and Acne Studios. (809 Washington St., New York City; 212-524-9770; owennyc.com)
Aspen, Colo.
Aspen’s style forecast calls for plenty of sophistication, coupled with comfort, style and a sporty-chic look. The mountain community’s hottest trend includes styles that stand out against the crisp white of the snow.
“From skiwear to tight-fitting jeans and blazers, metallics and gleamy materials are in,” says Stascha Kaelin, who owns the high-end fashion store Stefan Kaelin Ski & Golf. “Popular colors include caribe, silver, chrome, copper and mauve. For prints, try block stripes, geometric patterns, light colors and animal prints.”
Aspen tastemakers are seeking leather trousers, elegant knitted cardigans and cool biker jackets along with down ski coats for both men and women, she adds. Other trendy touches include fur embellishments on hoods and side-stretch inserts on blazers for a more slimming fit.
For men, new fresh colors and high-tech materials bring masculine glamour and athleticism to the slopes. And when it’s time to hit the town, warm jackets are anything but boring. “For apres-ski [time], midthigh coats include fur and rich knitted stretch fabrics as well as washed, glossy or rough faux leather,” she says. “Fleece is also in and wool with soft fleece lining. Leather appliques with badges, stars and eagle motifs are also popular in combination with studs.”
Shop Aspen, Colo.
Max: From Alexander McQueen to Lanvin and Thakoon, this boutique carries a wide range of luxury labels. (609 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen; 970-544-3445; maxclothing.com)
Pitkin County Dry Goods: Aspen’s second-oldest, continuously family-owned retail store offers contemporary styles for men and women from designers like John Varvatos, Rebecca Taylor, Helmut Lang and more. (520 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen; 970-925-1681; pitkincountydrygoods.com)
Los Angeles
The West Coast’s fashion mecca embraces winter with its own warm-weather adaptation. “[Trends include] luxe fabrics like shimmering gold and deep velvets for women and everything styled with an ankle boot—yes, even dresses,” says Katie Kay Mead, creative director for LA-based designer Made for Pearl. “… For men, we’re in love with the blanket-as-coat trend we saw on the runway.”
The blanket trend—inspired by the Burberry Prorsum show—is a great way to cover up on a cooler day in LA. It’s exactly as it sounds: a blanket that doubles as outerwear.
Southern California offers other quirky takes on popular cold-weather styles. A traditional winter fabric, velvet, is being paired with leather in shorts and miniskirts, all layered with textured tights, Mead says.
As for color, despite the sunny skies overhead, Angelenos take a contrasting approach with rich, dark hues. “Black is always a winner, and lush jewel tones,” Mead says. “And, yes, we wear lots of black in LA, [but] in lighter fabrics.”
Shop Los Angeles
Des Kohan: The exclusive boutique stocks a range of high-end designers and affordable pieces, as well as handpicked vintage Chanel, Gucci and Givenchy jewelry, and home items. (671 Cloverdale Ave., Los Angeles; 323-857-0200; deskohan.com)
Madison: One of four LA-area locations, the Third Street store offers a wide selection of top-label clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as pieces by emerging designers for both women and men. (8745 W. Third St., Los Angeles; 310-275-1930; madisonlosangeles.com)
