It’s easy to lament the onset of winter’s shorter, chiller days, but to do that is to ignore the opportunity to accessorize. Holiday shopping offers the perfect chance to snap up some of the more wild and wooly options that Californians don’t need 10 months of the year. So now’s the time to seize the stockings (and scarves, hats, mittens and muffs) and relish the fashionable add-ons of the season. Here are some style guidelines to keep in mind.
Rule No. 1: Show the socks. Booties or mid-calf boots can be paired with knee-highs—but they gotta count. Chevron stripes, contrasting patterns and bright colors are more fun than basics. Tall boots, like the over-the-knee models out this year, call for tall stockings. Over-the-knee socks are a must-have this winter and required wearing for the fashionista on your list. French Curve offers a classic gray cable knit option ($26) that pairs nicely with tall black boots. The more daring giftees on the list will appreciate RockNSocks’ striped over-the-knee numbers ($17.50). These black, maroon, olive green, orange and purple socks are earth-friendly foot fashion at its finest, made in the U.S. with recycled yarns, and they’ll keep toes toasty.
Rule No. 2: Show the fingers. Fashionable and functional, fingerless gloves make a great stocking stuffer. They’re like wearable comfort food that won’t make you fat. Boho by Moe Munroe fingerless gloves are practically works of art. The two-toned wine and gray gloves ($98) showcase a row of six mother-of-pearl buttons of differing sizes. They keep hands warm and cloaked in cashmere while the fingers remain free to type, hold a wine glass, whatever. The Wooden Ships by Paola Buendia “Montreal” long fingerless gloves ($24), in a mohair acrylic blend, come in all colors—winter white, gray, violet, black and strawberry—and make for an unbelievably soft knit that stretches from knuckle to elbow. The matching slouchy rib beret ($29) is a snug second helping of comfort. Which brings us to …
Rule No. 3: Cover the head. This year it’s all about hats. And whether you’re shopping for a classic beanie-wearing type or a trendsetter more likely to go for a floppy wool number, keep in mind there’s a style for every personality. One look that’s hot this season: spots. They’re adorning satchels, faux fur coats, you name it. They also make for show-stopping lids. Try Urban Outfitter’s faux fur Pins And Needles Leopard Trapper Hat ($34) or a classic with a twist: a Jeanne Simmons felt leopard fedora ($17). If you’re shopping for a stylish man, take a lesson from Ol’ Blue Eyes: the classic Sinatra fedora ($46), in charcoal or black, never falls out of style. The line of Sinatra hats, inspired by Frank himself, is the only one authorized by the singer’s estate and an elegant topper when baby, it’s cold outside.
