Colours, Coats, and Totes

As the leaves have fallen and the branches are bleak, we are without a big snowfall, what colours do we seek? The autumn’s cool breeze is now a distant memory. Our denim jackets retired, puffers and scarves, now our treasury. Last but not least, we reach for our tote; a classic, a constant companion, no need for a vote. 

Let’s delve into this season's colours, coats, and totes and navigate the do’s and don'ts of trends while remaining in sight of the timeless elegance that transcends fleeting fads, staying true to winter chic.

Beginning with colours, let us omit the TikTok trends from our minds, exchange blueberry milk nails for light blue nails and stick to what we know: the colour wheel and its varying shades of primary, secondary, and tertiary colours. Acquainting yourself with colour psychology and discovering what colours flatter you best will go a long way, whether you know it or not! In Audrey Stanton's How Does The Colour Of Your Clothing Affect Your Mood,  she emphasizes the importance of discovering your colour palette. She recommends we start with a fundamental understanding of different types of tones; “warm” versus “cool” and “muted” versus “vibrant." To experiment with these tones, she recommends embarking on a closet shopping journey, grazing various colours and experiencing how each one influences your mood. Typically, red symbolizes anger, love, or passion, while blue conveys stability, productivity, and calmness. Purple evokes a sense of wealth, royalty, and mystery, while brown offers a blanket of security and strength. Despite its simplicity, black exudes boldness, power, and elegance, while white brings forth a peaceful, clean, and innocent aura. Once your mood balances out from trying on the array of colours, it's time to discover the tones and shades that complement your complexion best. Identify the colours that enhance your eyes, distinguish those that may wash you out, find the ones that harmonize with your skin tone, and discern which ones may clash with your hair colour. As the winter season draws near and holiday gatherings approach, make sure you keep the colour theory near and dear. Let it serve you as a trusty guide, aiding you in navigating the indulgent world of steadfast holiday colours. From the deep shades of red and burgundy to the chic elegance of winter cream whites, the timeless pairings of black and white, adorned with sparkling accents, and the comforting embrace of earthy neutrals. With the reliable guidance of colour theory and enduring holiday palettes, there is no doubt you’ll be left with an array of hues to flaunt this holiday season.

With temperatures soon plunging below zero, it’s time to reach for our coats and recognize the transformative power they possess. They can transform an outfit from appearing boring and bland to effortlessly elevated. The secret to a stylish coat lies not merely in the garment itself but in the unique characteristics it embodies. I encourage you to opt for simple fitting coats with a distinct flare. If you’re in the market for a new coat, and find yourself pursuing the endless racks of Super Puffs at Aritzia, consider exploring the liquid shine or high gloss variations of the original Super Puff as they offer the conventional puffer look with a little more personality. If the puffer look isn't your cup of tea, then try opting for the trench coat as it is a perfect alternative. It excels at concealing the pajamas or sweatpants you might secretly be wearing to your early morning class. The trench is a versatile staple, suitable for sprucing up or dressing down for various occasions and settings. The trench coat provides warmth from head to toe, while creating an elegant but mysterious put-together look. Trench coats can be found at Aritzia, Hollister, Dynamite, Old Navy, and Alo Yoga for a variety of prices ranging from $60-$230. Another way to spruce up any jacket is to look for coats with a faux shearling interior to make your classic jacket stand out a little more. 

Finally, the inclusion of totes, scarves, and mittens can significantly enhance your winter look. A matching set of gloves and a hat are an effortless way of strutting subtle style. Long wooly patterned scarves can elevate your jacket’s appearance remarkably. Here’s a tip when choosing patterned scarves: opt for a simple pattern that incorporates a hue matching your jacket’s colour. For instance, if your jacket boasts a rich merlot-like shade, a plaid scarf with tan orange, deep navy blue, and merlot stripes can work wonders. The burgundy merlot stripe unifies the colours, thus creating a perfect ensemble. A cozy cool scarf like the ones at City and Oak on Princess Street in Kingston can be your next go-to. When reaching for your tote, prioritize neutral colours. Neutral doesn’t mean dull or uninspiring; it signifies a classic and enduring style. Shades like beige, black, tan, navy, grey, and white are versatile, seamlessly complementing various outfits, and suit both casual and professional settings. They facilitate effortless coordination, eliminating concerns about colour clashes. Investing in one high-quality tote surpasses owning multiple lower-quality ones that may end up neglected in your closet. 

A perfect pairing of colours, a uniquely flared coat, and subtle accessories will leave you flaunting the snowy winter streets in timeless fashion while exuding a glowing beam. I hope this article offers you valuable insights, and take with what you please, for now you and winter's fashion are simply at ease.