Warm up your winter with sizzling style

Stay current with a vintage cardigan

Spice up your winter wear with a vintage varsity cardigan — they’re all the rave this season. Just ask local designer Claude Michelle Sanon, 29, creator of the sports luxury brand Rowing by Claude Michelle. “Everyday sweaters are making a comeback,” he says. “From cardigans to the Cosby kind with patterns, sweaters are a timeless winter look.” Pair them with a crisp button-up shirt — a solid or subtle print will do — to make a style statement in class or at work. Add a bow tie for flare and fun or try a skinny tie to give this look an extra ounce of professionalism. Choose between khakis, earth tone-colored corduroys or dark denim depending on where you’re headed. Sperrys, Oxfords or moc toe boots are great for giving this look a sleek finish.

Turn heads in a tennis sweater

Make your fashion mark with a vintage tennis sweater after you peel away your pea coat. Cable cord or plain knitted or woven sweaters will do the trick. Add a splash of color to your outfit with a scarf, “a good accent piece, [especially] when used with patterns,” Sanon says. “Color makes a different contrast.” Eggplant, pumpkin or burnt orange, cranberry, forest green, glen plaid and herringbone are great places to start. Strap on a pair of high ankle boots for a more casual look, especially if you plan to wear corduroys. Take it up a notch with a pair of wingtips or penny loafers – now you’re really dressed to impress. Lastly, throw on a tailored jacket or colored blazer if you really want to turn heads on the streets or in the office.

Rock the layered rugby look

Layering clothes won’t just keep you warm this winter, it’ll have you standing out in the crowd. Make the rugby look your own this season by placing striped long sleeve shirts over button-ups and casual crew neck shirts. Shawl collars are a great choice as well: “[They’re] very hot and popular right now,” Sanon says. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors you wouldn’t normally put together, he adds. Trying new things to achieve a dapper look is what it’s all about in men’s winter fashion this year. Do pay attention to the size of stripes and other geometric shapes when styling things, however. For fly finishing touches, add a newsboy cap, wool/knitted beanie or warm cowhide with cashmere, tweed or two-toned gloves for those chilly Boston mornings says Sanon.

Slip into a loose, mesh dress

Trade in your snow gear for some trendy threads this winter. Start with a loosely fitted long sleeve dress with mesh detail for school, quick errands or casual Fridays at your job. The small but intricate mesh design brings an extra feminine touch to this style. Black is always fitting, but “leather and floral are hot options” to consider, Rico says. Layer with free-flowing knitted sweaters with fringe for a rugged but sassy appeal — already you’re looking more audacious. Accentuate your legs with printed tights or leggings that match your dress. Pair these with calf-length wool socks for fun or warmth. Gold accessories are a win when it comes to this look, Rico says. Go for bracelets of various sizes, a chunky ring, and traditional hoops for a pinch of glam. Lace up dark-colored combat boots to complete this cozy but cute outfit. 

Stand out in a high-waisted skirt

What better way to start your winter day than with a “nice long wool or tweed skirt,” says Boston’s Rico Laing, 25, co-founder and designer of The Finals Club lifestyle brand. Head to work, church, a date or school in a high-waisted skirt in a subtle color. Feeling risky? Try raspberry, burnt red, cheetah print or black-and-white ‘jailbird’ stripes. Tuck in a sheer or charmeuse solid top for contrast. Long sleeve shirts with buttons work well — keep it buttoned for a more professional look or unfasten the first few before heading out for some post-work fun. Steal the show with heels that serve a pop of color and passion. Strappy heels, “round toe [shoes] and thicker heels especially,” and wedges all work for fabulous footwear, Rico says. You’ll kick the competition out of the running with this sophisticated urban wear.

Pair faux fur with denim

Whirl your way into a winter wonderland with faux fur accessories. Accent your everyday or professional look with a faux fur scarf, vest, hat or coat. Remember, less is more when it comes to the fur look: “Keep it simple, but have accents to bring them out,” Rico says. When it comes to trendy tops, denim utility shirts are an item every fashionista should own. They’re easy to spruce up and pair nicely with a variety of bottoms. Whether you’re going on a date or to class, high-waisted horseback riding pants are a quick fix that are comfortable and classy. Complete your couture look with high-heeled lace up, combat or leather boots in the color of your choice.