European Inspired Winter Must-Haves

When it comes to winter fashion, especially in the midwest, a few words come to mind.

Big. Puffy Jackets. The kid from The Christmas Story.

So while in Europe over the holidays, I did some independent research as to what the ladies over yonder are wearing to keep warm from the cold, winter temps. I absolutely love gathering fashion tips while traveling (especially to Europe) so this was certainly no exception. Let me first tell you what they’re not wearing: puffy, big ass jackets. Like the one I brought with me.

I looked like the Stay Puffed Marshmallow (wo)Man was taking over Prague.

Meanwhile, women were wearing these beautiful wool and wrap jackets. I would think to myself, how the hell are they staying warm – it’s 35 degrees Fahrenheit! Well, I’ll tell you how. They do not forfeit fashion for warmth. They layer the hell out of it.

Now, when I think of winter fashion, when it comes to Europe, these few words come to mind:

Layers. Wool. Chic.

Seeing as though I am a true blooded midwestern girl at heart, I thought I’d pull together a little collection of European inspired winter fashion with my personal touch to it. And when I say personal touch, I mean leopard print and maybe a onesie. Let’s do this.

But first, here’s some inspiration from one of my favorite Instagram accounts, @nordicstylereport.

 

 

 

 

Winter Must-Haves

I am a hoe for hats. They can add the perfect pop to any ensemble or the ability to keep it low key and simple. Berets are, of course, a staple across the pond. They are timeless. Sometimes I like to keep it easy with a black wool one, but I also love to color block my outfit with something like mustard yellow. I saw a girl wearing a leather beret in Austria and OMGGGG.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a basic knit hat for good measure. No fuzzy balls on the tops, just straight, to the point, and on sale.

 

When it comes to layering, we want to be comfortable. Sometimes the most uncomfortable part of any outfit is an underwire bra. Here’s a bra that will have you feeling cozy from the very first layer you put on. If you have not checked out undergarments from True & Co. yet…you’re missing out on some seriously comfortable (and women-owned) support. 

 

When I saw a lady selling leg warmers at a Christmas market, I said yes, please!  The yogi in me was delighted. Legwarmers are perfection for the winter months, especially if you are going to and from a yoga class.

 

 

I told you I’d add a onesie. I feel that these ladies come home from work and slip right into one. And plus, Onepiece onesies are THE BEST and I think everyone should own one. Why? Well, why the hell not is a better question. What would you rather be wearing while at home during a blizzard sipping on wine or hot cocoa or hanging around the fire on a ski trip? Exactly. SALE ALERT.

 

It’s always a good idea to own a pair of touchscreen leather gloves. They’re classy, functional, and warm. These cashmere lined babies are perfection. PS. They’re 40% off.

 

You guys, I basically packed a blanket as a scarf for my trip. Well, I’ll tell you what, they don’t use throw blankets as neck warmers out in Austria. They use regular scarves. So I went to Benetton and bought myself a proper one which I have not stopped wearing because it’s my favorite and I can actually see when I’m driving. This cashmere one from JCrew is beautiful, comes in a plethora of colors, and is on sale.

I did not see one pair of freaking Uggs. Thank the boot gods! Don’t get me wrong, I pop those puppies on for yoga and what not, but I am so freaking over those things – I kind of want to set my pair on fire. I know they are so easy to throw on while on the go, but they are seriously so Ugg-ly. I found a cute pair of waterproof Uggs that are a bit more aesthetically pleasing.

 

Black ankle boots were everywhere! I suppose because they are chic and you kind of feel/look like a bad ass lady in charge when you walk around town in these. I know I do.

Leather booties are big this season. I will be snatching up a pair for myself. Maybe even these….

 

 

My euro-inspired house shoes. Side note: our Austrian friends don’t wear shoes in their homes. In fact, they have slippers at the doors for guests and keep all of their shoes at the front of the house to avoid wearing them throughout their abode. These are for indoor use only. They keep my feet warm with their shearling and keep me from falling down the stairs with their sole.

 

The coats in Europe are beautiful. As they are here of course, but isn’t everything prettier in our travels? As I mentioned, I did not see a puffy jacket anywhere. I’m convinced they save those for the slopes. On the streets, it’s more fashion forward. I promised myself I’d wait for a good sale and get one upon my return. And that’s exactly what I did.

I swooped up this Badgley Mischka at the Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. It’s beautiful. Folks on Amazon do not like this coat, lucky for us. People stop me all day long and ask about it, so here ya go. There is no lining, so it is most definitely a coat for a couple layers. I have a size medium in this color – I worship it.

 

 

Teddy Bear Coats came about last year, but again, just yesterday some nice lady hollered from her car that she loved my teddy bear coat. So I yelled back, IT’S FROM H&M!!! I love this blue one!

 

Lastly, I will leave you with one of my favorite winter items – a faux fur, leopard print coat. I have one, I love it, and I wear it all the time.

 

 

What it all really truly comes down to is that whatever you put on that beautiful body of yours makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Happy winter vibes to you! Stay cozy! xo, Lauren

PS. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes with us! Find us at @thesisterproj.