Striking a Balance Between Fashion and Warmth Needn't be Hard

When the icy winds set in and the snow begins to fall, it is a natural human reaction to forget about looking fashionable and focus clothing choices purely on keeping warm and cosy. However, it doesn't have to be this way - it is possible to straddle the line between fashion and functionality. Here are a couple of top tips for keeping stylish and comfortable throughout the season.

Leather Boots

Let's face it, buying cheap faux-leather (or pleather) shoes and hoping they will last through the harsh winter is a waste of time. It is much more cost-effective to spend money on a good quality pair of real leather shoes and, with a bit of love and care, they may even last through to the next winter period. Investing in a pair of leather boots from Clarks will guarantee both quality and style. We recommend something fur-lined to keep those toes toasty on evening the coldest of evenings - or alternatively check out their GORE-TEX range. GORE-TEX is both waterproof and breathable, so it's great for seeing out wet days in style.

Cable-knit Jumper

Nothing says winter style like a cable-knit jumper. Whereas a Christmas jumper covered with robins, holly and falling snow is all well and good over the festive period, it looks severely out of place for the rest of the season. A classic cable knit in a navy or oatmeal on the other hand will fit the bill perfectly from November to March. It is also a favourite of starts such as Rachel Bilson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Taylor Swift, so anyone going cable will be in esteemed company indeed.

Military Coat

Above all else this season, the key piece that needs to be right is the winter coat. No matter how well-crafted the rest of the outfit, the inclusion of a tattered, dog-eared winter coat will render all other good work wasted. For a stylish coat that is timeless enough to guarantee warmth for years to come, it has to be in a military style. Yet again, the high street is full of sleek styles and flattering shapes to ensure the dreaded 'frumpy Christmas' look is avoided. Greys, khakis and navy are the way to go.