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How to look sexy in rainy weather

I love watching the world slowly wake up again after a long winter. However, with the snow melting and the sun rising, a new element is introduced into our daily lives. Yes, I’m talking about rain, slush, and more rain. Is this something you are ready for?  Instead of succumbing to the rainy weather, there are ways to dress for it, be prepared, and still look great.

Kate Spade Trench Coat, $320, Hudson’s Bay.

A lightweight trench coat

A waterproof trench coat will protect all of your clothes and it is versatile for cooler and warmer weather. If you purchase a light-weight trench, you can layer under it or dress lighter depending on the temperature outside. Trench coats are also flattering and fit where as a typical raincoat can end up looking quite boxy. Trench coats can be quite affordable second-hand or online, or you can opt for a pricier option to use for years to come.

 

Leopard Rain Bonnet

Patterned Rain Bonnet

A problem all women experience in rainy weather is their hair getting frizzy from the water and if you find umbrellas incredibly annoying, keeping hair dry is a problem.  Instead, use a waterproof rain bonnet to make a unique fashion statement and keep your hair dry. There are bonnets that have patterns on them as well such as leopard spots, which is a sassy addition to a great outfit.

Patagonia Torrentshell, $129.

Patagonia Torrentshell

The Patagonia Torrentshell ($129) is an affordable raincoat that looks great and is versatile for city commuting and outdoor activities such as hiking. This jacket is also made out of 100 per cent recyclable nylon material collected from post-industrial waste fiber and yarn collected from a spinning factory. It is also made from discarded industrial fishing nets and all parts of the jacket can be recycled. It is affordable and protects the planet, a double win!

Lock and Love Faux Leather Women’s Jacket, $50, Amazon.

Pleather Jacket 

Another great rain jacket is a pleather jacket. Avoid leather because wearing animal skin is honestly out of fashion, but pleather is a great way to look amazing and it is waterproof! Pleather jackets are also cheaper than real leather and are easier to find. A nice bomber jacket for your nights on the town looks sexy with a pair of great rain boots and you won’t be soaking wet at the bar. Longer pleather jackets look great too, and can be roomier to have layers on underneath.

Pashmina/light scarf

Pashmina Scarf

It is too warm for a wool scarf and if it gets wet, it will take a long time to dry. Instead go for a pashmina that is lighter and will still keep your neck warm. If you decide to choose a bold colour or pattern, it will also contrast the dreary weather as well.

Another important addition to a rainy outfit is great boots to pull the whole outfit together. Check out Women’s Post Editor-in-Chief Katherine DeClerq’s great tips on which boots to wear this wet season. Making sure your outfit is waterproof and looks sexy will make you feel prepared, warm, and fashionable. 

How to get the perfect layered look

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful”.

I love winter. The feeling of snow lightly falling in my hair, the smell of ginger and cinnamon, and, of course, the fashion. I love being cozy, wearing sweaters, scarves, and hats. Sure, it may be cold, but with the right outfit, everything seems warm. For this winter, the trends seem to be heading towards the layered look — an outfit you can wear inside and outside while still maintaining a sense of style.

Here’s what you need to re-create the classic layered look:

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Anthropologie, $98.00


A blouse: This is the “under-layer” of the layered look, if you will. It can be a plan and traditional white shirt with a collar or something a little funkier – as long as the funkier option doesn’t clash with the other layers. These blouses can be worn underneath a sweater with a popped collar and a long necklace or on its own with a cardigan and  a short scarf. Pair with skinny jeans or flare dress pants.

Simons, $39.00
Simons, $39.00

A winter dress: These dresses are made with cotton or wool and look amazing with a pair of warm tights or nylons and an oversized sweater. Pair with some boots or high heel pumps for a more professional look. This type of layered outfit is great for the workplace and for an evening out. Just make sure that you are not going to do a lot of walking in the snow if you opt for more professional heels.

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Anthropologie, $98.00

A sweater: I feel like this one is obvious. A nice sweater can make or break a wintered-layered look. I tend to love oversized sweaters because you can layer more easily, but if you’ve got a body that just screams for more form-fitted materials, go for it!! If you do opt for the more cozy option, make sure it doesn’t swallow you up. There is a fine line between oversize-chic and just too big! Wear these sweaters with leggings and a pair of nice shoes to make it more business appropriate. Remember to accessorize. For form-fitted sweaters, pair with fitted pants and a textured scarf for a more wintery look.

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A cardigan: similarly to the sweater, this one is a closet staple. You can pair it with a blouse as mentioned above, or with a shirt or sleeveless top. It’s important to remember to measure the length of the cardigan according to your body type. Some cardigans can appear rather short on taller women, so make sure it works for you. The trend is to wear the cardigan open, without doing up the buttons, letting it fall in a flattering way.

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A scarf: Because it’s winter, duh. The scarf is the perfect accessory. It protects you from the cold wind while you are outside, and then doubles as a great accent with a shirt or sweater.  It also has the added bonus of being fuzzy. For added texture, pick a scarf that has fringe or intricately woven materials. This will add a more bohemian style to your outfit.

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A hat: This layered look needs a final addition, a winter hat. My personal favourite is a toque or a slouchy hat, something that doesn’t make my hair look ridiculous once I get to the office. The best part about a hat is that if you have a bad hair day, you can always keep the hat on because it’s the winter style!

 

What is your layered must-have? Let us know in the comments below!

3 simple ways to wear a blanket scarf

It’s that time of year again; days where you choose to skip the gym and hide under big sweaters in the name of fashion (and cookies). Blanket scarves are the new trend this winter, but the size can definitely be overwhelming. With the right tips and tricks, you can turn this warm, versatile item into a work of art. Check out how to wear them below:

1. Be A Sophisticated Turtle 

Wrap your blanket scarf around your neck once and let the two ends hang for a big, cozy look. Resembling a turtleneck that’s more ”I woke up like this” than ”grandma made me wear it,” this type of look goes great with a leather jacket and a pair of leggings. Be sure to contrast the colour of your outfit with your scarf to really make it pop! Make this look work-appropriate by opting for a blazer, some nicely tailored pants, and your favourite hand bag. Finally — a look that screams chic while still keeping you warm during the week!

MonicaxGuan blanket scarf leather jacket
Image by: Monica Guan

2. Baby, Let Your Hair Down 

There’s nothing like a warm cup of tea and your favourite blanket after a long day at work. Throw on your favourite sweater and wear your blanket scarf like a shawl for the perfect outfit to lounge around in. For a more effortless look, let one side drape over your shoulder and the other side drape over your shoulder. Either tie the two ends together to keep them out of the way or let them hang in front for more coverage. It’s perfect for a night in with your friends or a quick date at the coffee shop. Embrace the blanket part of the blanket scarf without being caught! To pull it all together, wear this look with a pair of cute shorts or pull on a pair of leggings for those days you think you should be doing yoga, but decided not to. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.

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Image by: Monica Guan

3. Make The World Your Runway

Straight outta Milan is what you’ll feel in this high-fashion look. Great for a day out in town or a stylish walk in the park, using your blanket scarf as a shawl or a batwing-style sweater is a sure fire way to turn some heads – if not all! Cover your shoulders with the scarf and let the fringed ends hang evenly down both of your sides. No knots or tying required! You can belt your scarf down to create an open-sleeved cardigan for a more put-together look. However, to truly master this outfit, it’s important to accessorize. Match your scarf with a basic top underneath and pair with a floppy hat and some thigh highs. Update your look for an extra chilly day by ditching your tank for a cute turtle neck, a pair of dark denims, and some ankle boots. Bam! The key to pulling this off is simple; confidence.

MonicaxGuan scarf poncho knee high wide brim hat-2
Image by: Sandun Dissanayake

 

There you have it: three easy ways to wear your blanket scarf. Warm, fashionable, and cute. It’s like wearing a hug throughout the day! Have some other great ideas on how to wear a blanket scarf? Share them with us in the comments below.