Keeping warm and stylish is something many of us struggle with during the winter months. So how do we do it? That is the FAB 40s theme this February. And speaking of the FAB 40s, I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited into the group. I am now a permanent fixture within this group of amazing women in their 40s. I’m chuffed to bits, as they say in my neck of the woods (Yorkshire, England, in case you’re wondering!).
The Fab 40’s is a group of stylish fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their forties to join us. This group’s goal is to take on style trends and show how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after 40.
So how do I do it? How do I stay warm and stylish when it’s cold outside? Well, I start with a pair of thick tights! I can never understand when women have bare legs in such cold weather. When I was on holiday in the UK and the States in January, every time I saw someone with bare skin, I would exclaim, “OMG, bare skin!” A friend of mine laughed at me, said I sounded like I was from another century when bare ankles were almost the epitome of scandal! I just couldn’t bare the thought (no pun intended 😉 ) of bare skin and freezing cold temperatures! Thick tights is my number one necessity.
My number two necessity is a really decent, warm coat. Whilst in the States, I wore a quality puffer jacket that I bought last year in a UK outdoors shop – it’s waterproof so great for the snow as well as the rain. However, it’s not the most stylish of coats (you couldn’t really wear it with a dress, for example). So, my Alice’s Pig coat is my best option to stay warm and stylish. It’s such a pretty coat, nipped in at the waist and then flares out over the hips. I absolutely love it. The only thing that’s not so great is it’s weight. It does weigh quite a bit so not the best coat for travelling in. But it certainly ticks the style box.
My third necessity is a warm pair of boots. These black suede boots are a favourite pair of mine. I’ve had them for years – I even had a second pair in dark brown but they wore out, sadly. The fact that they are thick suede makes them lovely and warm. I know they’re not the best for the rain but we’re talking warm and stylish here, not necessarily dry and stylish! They also have a slight platform wedge heel which means any cold beneath the soles, doesn’t quite reach my toes (which do have a tendency to get really chilly!).
Necessity number four: a warm and stylish scarf! You can’t go wrong with a scarf – you can use it to really make an outfit pop. Like here, my outfit might seem very wintery, on account of the dark colours of the skirt and sweater. But I added a pop of bright colour with the red. And that simple addition brought the outfit to life. I chose the red to go with the red in the coat (and the glasses) – but, in truth, I could have worn a scarf with a clashing colour, which would have been fun too.
When it’s really, really cold, then I have a fifth necessity: a hat. Unfortunately, warm hats aren’t often the most stylish. I have a few woolly hats but none I would have teamed with this outfit. If I’d have had a beret, then I would have worn that. And berets are making a comeback, didn’t you know? Read Catherine’s (of Not Dressed as Lamb) post about that here. I also wanted to show you a close up of the Desigual bag I bought recently. Isn’t it divine?
And now it’s time for you to see how the other FAB 40s gals do warm and stylish…
Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots carries off classic style every. single. time. And this outfit is no exception. The leopard print coat is utterly divine, and I’m seriously coveting those gorgeous tights.
Leopard Coat – Amazon
Velvet Swing Dress – Old Navy
Tights – Esprit
Suede Boots – Eva & Zoe
Earrings & Ring – Charming Charlie
Necklace – Gift
Sunglasses – Deb & Dave
Bag – Jones New York
Sheela of Sheela Goh is the ultimate style queen. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone carry off shorts the way she does. She always looks like she oozes confidence and those velvet boots are to die for! Absolutely gorgeous.
Sequin Beret – HM
Leopard Coat – ASOS
Embroidered Tunic – Zara
Velvet Leggings – HM
Heat Tech Turtleneck – Uniqlo
Crossover Snake Bag – Zara Girls
Tassel Bag – DIY Vintage Coach Bag
Cowboy Boots – so, so, so old Zara!
Mary of Curly Birdie Chirps wanted to take a more casual approach for this month’s theme of keeping warm and stylish. But I think that fur stole makes this outfit scream uber stylish! Especially with those classic black leather gloves.
And back to my outfit 😉 This was actually my Valentine’s Day outfit. But we didn’t go anywhere fancy and we didn’t actually go out alone! We went out for a lovely Chinese meal with our neighbour and their family. But what a surprise… hubby bought me a rose! He doesn’t usually do Valentine’s Day so I was a bit shocked (and delighted, of course lol) <3
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