Fashion has reached a new era, one in which your most coveted articles of clothing can now become essential year-round duds. If you know what you’re doing, you’ll soon find that storing segments of your wardrobe away from season to season has become a thing of the past. It’s just a matter of being creative, i.e. leather jacket over sun dress over tights, and voila—a perfect blend of all seasons into one outfit. As a self-proclaimed fashion guru, the following list of must-haves, for navigating the outdoors and looking chic at the same time, is based on what has caught my attention as I walk the Big Apple streets. I have also listed a few of my favorite designers, stores, and products, ranging in price from costly to affordable. In this economy, it’s all about knowing when to invest on a timeless piece or when to opt for something that only looks like you spent a million bucks.
1. Boots - leather/suede or faux leather/faux suede flat boots are practical and chic (Calvin Klein’s Mazzie boots); for nights out on the town, be bold and try over-the-knee, thigh-skimming boots (ALDO) or booties (Bandolino and Zara).
2. Hats - cashmere knit caps and berets (Lord & Taylor and UGG).
3. Tights, Leggings, and Leg Warmers - all colors, prints, and fabrics to keep your legs warm (Express, DKNY, Banana Republic, "6126" - Lindsay Lohan’s new line)
4. Coats – think color, shape, fit, and material, and then find one that fits all your requirements while flattering your body type; always bring an honest friend when hunting for the perfect winter coat (J. Crew and Andrew Marc); a fitted trench is also an investment piece that will keep you looking chic for most of the year (London Fog and Juicy Couture).
5. Scarves/Wraps - cashmere, cotton, or wool, they are a winter must to accent any outfit (chic selections found at Urban Outfitters and H&M); cowl neck and head wool wraps (Lord & Taylor); my personal fave gift was a hand-woven cobalt blue knit scarf from my sister Olga.
6. Gloves - fingerless gloves (chic pairs in all colors at American Apparel) are practical when dialing your phone/Droid/iPhone/ Blackberry.
7. Sunglasses - when navigating city streets, the sun glare can cause walking collisions (fabulous selections at Banana Republic and Chanel), so channel some of that summer sensibility and wear your shades.
8. Earmuffs - a throwback from our childhood years, pick up a pair from a street vendor or a chic faux-fur pair from Bloomingdale’s (Juicy Couture).
9. Bags - a sturdy, roomy carry-all or messenger bag with lots of compartments (Botkier and Kenneth Cole); also check out the new fringe bag (H&M).
10. Face Cream - anything with SPF is a must (Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, found at your local drugstore).
11. Lips - whether using lip balm or tint, protect your lips from drying out and from the sun’s damaging rays (C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint, found at Bath & Body Works, and Trader Johann’s Virtuoso Spearmint Lip Balm with SPF 15)
12. Hair Powder - on those days that you don’t have time to wash your hair before braving the elements (besides, it’s recommended to not shampoo more often than every other day), just dust some sweet-smelling powder into your hair and it’ll absorb the shine (www.luluorganicsnyc.com).
13. Nails - should be kept clean, short, and/or colored (Sephora by Opi, with a new line of colors…my favorite: Metro Chic, a purplish-gray hue that is also formaldehyde-free; also check out Opi's new color, Mint Candy Apple).
14. Blazers - any color, any length, worn over a graphic tee and skinny jeans or just worn over a dress for those days that you don’t need a coat, or even those days that you swear off public transportation and can travel in the warmth of a cab (Club Monaco and Urban Outfitters); just think layering and accessories, like topping off your new blazer with a warm, stylish scarf.
15. Leather - cropped leather jackets dress up any outfit and add that extra edge, all while keeping you looking and feeling hot (Ginny H).
There you have it—15 must-haves to look stylish, feel comfortable, and brave the elements this holiday season.
And always remember, to look good you have to feel good, too, which means you have to stay in shape and take your vitamins (especially Vitamin D—the sunshine vitamin). Whether it's strolling the city streets, walking your dog, going to a gym, or hiring a personal trainer, always remember that your health is the number one priority. For gear that you can work, play, and exercise in, try lululemon athletica, a yoga-inspired Canadian brand of luxury fitness apparel that can be found in stores and gyms nationwide. Also, for top-notch personal training and tips on how to reach your fitness goals this year, check out www.chromedbodies.com.
Monica S. Navia is an attorney, former television writer/producer, and NYC dweller.