A Cold Night Out

My friend Anna  recently asked me about what to wear when you're going out on the town at night but the weather is freezing cold! This is a problem that I regularly struggle with as well, so I decided to address it. Really, what is a girl supposed to do when she wants to look cute and dressed up but still keep warm in winter? (And let's be real, the weather still feels more like winter here even though it is supposedly spring). 

Whether you want to wear a dress or jeans is a matter of personal choice, or perhaps even a matter of just how cold it really is, so I broke it down into two options. If you’re going out on a first date or to a holiday party you may want to get a little more dressed up than if, for instance you are going out for drinks with friends or coworkers. However, I think either of the options below can be tailored to just about any situation.
My two basic outfit outlines for a cute and warm look are these:

Look #1: Jeans with an embellished top, a cardigan or blazer, statement jewelry, close-toed shoes with a heel (booties work well), and a dainty clutch.
Look #2: A cute dress with a cardigan, thick tights (or even fleece-lined leggings), tall leather boots, glittery jewelry, and a cute clutch.

My advice boils down to these essential conclusions: wear something cute or glittery with a layer or two over it for warmth, wear plenty of fun statement jewelry, and carry a cute clutch.

(Top: Express, similar styles here, here. Sweater: Ruche, similar. Booties: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx. Clutch: Spool No.72)

 Using your accessories to full potential is key when you have to bundle up your body head to toe. A great way to dress up any outfit is to wear sparkly statement jewelry; jewelry doesn't care about the weather and can be worn any time of year. Also, a cute clutch is an essential for going out since it is more dressy and smaller than other types of bags. Carrying a clutch says you mean to be here, you weren’t just dragged out in your work clothes, you planned ahead and dressed purposefully.

Wearing a nice coat, such as a pea coat or dress-length coat can also help pull your outfit together and keep you warm.

Dark wash skinnies create the most polished look when it comes to jeans, but wear a dressy top when you opt to wear pants! Anything with lace, silk, sequins, beading, or ruffles is probably perfect. Bright colors are always a plus! 

Top: Ella Moss, similar. Sweater: unknown. Booties: Dolce Vita. Clutch: TJ Maxx. Necklace: J. Crew. Bracelets: J. Crew. Earrings: The Pretty Pony Boutique. Nails: Essie "Butler Please." Lipstick: Bare Essentials "gelato." 

 Dress: Ya Los Angeles. Sweater: H&M. Boots: Steve Madden. Clutch: J. Crew. Necklace: The Pretty Pony Boutique.

Coat: Jessica Simpson via ModCloth (similar).

 Dress: Francesca's Collections, similar, here, here, splurge. Belt: B-low The Belt, similar. Necklace: J. Crew Factory. Earrings: The Pretty Pony Boutique. Clutch: J. Crew.

 Left to Right (links to similar): Express, J. Crew, Express, Express, Ya Los Angeles via ModCloth, Ruche, Express.

Embellished black top: Old Navy, similar here, here. Pink cami: J. Crew. Sparkle cardigan: Banana Republic. Necklace: Bella Clothing and Shoes. 

A touch of lipstick and dramatic eyeliner never hurt either. 

I hope this is helpful! 

xoxo, C.C.