Above images of Alexander Wang, Chloé and Michael Kors.

This winter is shaping up to be as chilly as Eva Longoria at a San Antonio Spurs game. (
Brrr!) But the falling temperature doesn’t have to be a total downer. Herewith, our winter survival guide.

Create an accessory look

Have you ever noticed that when you have cute gym clothes you’re more likely to make use of your monthly membership? It’s the same deal with
winter accessories: If you love your seasonal look, chances are that you’ll hit the town, even if it’s 10 below outside.

Your fast-track to winter style? A faux fur accent, like Aldo’s cute over-the-shoulder tote. If you’re playing with
fur, keep the rest of your look fairly tame, so as not to overwhelm: Try a cream beret, an oversize grey wool scarf, and grey leather gloves in a ladylike elbow-length. The vibe? Very Ali MacGraw circa
Love Story. Swap the grey wool for green plaid and
voilà! Preppy chic on par with Blair Waldorf.

Protect your leather

Well, that’s the dream: That you’ll spray your beautiful
knee-high leather boots before venturing out into the salt and snow. If your dream is still alive, this is what you need to do: Buy a preventative solution like ECCO’s Universal Waterproofing Spray.

Stuff your boots with white tissue paper, so they keep their shape, then spray evenly from about six inches away. Let the boots dry for a couple of hours before wearing them, then keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause leather to crack and fade. Investing in top quality leather boots—like the sexy over-the-knee ones from Jimmy Choo—will also help your boots ride out a few winters. How’s that for a reason to splurge?

Save your boots

If your preventative dream has passed on, don’t let your favourite boots go with it. To clean leather, start by brushing off excess salt and dirt. Then tackle the most damaged areas first, by using a soft cloth to gently apply leather cleaning solution, like the Smooth Leather Daily Care Cream from ECCO. (Bonus: You can use the cream on leather gloves and jackets too.)

After you’ve daubed the problem areas, use the cleaning solution on the entire boot, taking care to apply it evenly. Once it’s dried, use a different cloth to buff, restoring the boots to their former glory. If you’re wary of addressing the problem yourself, consider bringing your boots to a local shoe repair shop, whose experts occasionally moonlight as miracle workers. Your suede Miu Miu biker boots will thank you.



See more winter style and beauty survival tips on page 2…

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Above images of Alexander Wang, Chloé and Michael Kors.

Layer it up
First, the basics. Add warmth, not bulk, with extra layers that don’t skimp on style: leggings from American Apparel, a Wolford bodysuit, a cashmere cardigan from Michael Kors. Now for the coup de grâce: Swap your jeans for cozy jogging pants. One of fashion’s most surprising (and welcome) trends is the chic sweatpant, a revolution that started at Alexander Wang and has since exploded into the mainstream.

The only rule? The pants need to have some shape to keep them looking trendy, not tired. We love the grey tapered version from Jules Power that borrows from the drop-crotch style while being both comfy and totally flattering.

Winter beauty musts
When the seasons change, so too must your skincare routine—head to toe. (The one constant? SPF, just as important during the cooler months.) Start the switch-up in the shower with a deep conditioning hair treatment that will add luster and help prevent breakage in the extreme weather.

Then use an extra hydrating shower gel like the Signature Collection Triple Moisture Shower Cream in Warm Vanilla Sugar from Bath & Body Works. Build on it with a nourishing body moisturizer like Jergens Naturals Hydrate with jojoba oil and agave extracts to quench super dry skin. On the face, add a serum to your daily routine—it acts as a delivery system to bring moisture deep into your cells. Then go ultra luxe with a rich, hydrating face cream, like Dior Capture Totale Haute Nutrition. Last but not least? Lip balm. Add it to every winter coat and clutch to keep lips soft, smooth, and kissable—for New Year’s Eve and beyond.

Check out our winter survival essentials.

Read more
Style guide: Winter coats
One little black dress, five ways to wear it
Winter skin care
2011 beauty resolutions: Beauty trends updated