Winter is here! I can’t wait for the snow to fall, and the breeze to get that much crisper! But, my favorite part about cold weather by far is… the fashion! Obviously. This is a fashion blog. So, I am coming to you live from my dorm in Chicago to tell you what you need for the winter, and the best places to get them, wherever you are! (Chicago isn’t the only place with thrift stores and high fashion!)

My first essential: Turtle Necks! I am a huge turtle neck girl, and while I try to get away with a high neck lined mesh top in the summer, there is nothing quite like a turtle neck under a sweater in the cold. But it doesn’t have to be a sweater! My personal favorite way to wear a turtle neck is a muted color, paired with a wide neck lined top over it. It shows of the layers, and doesn’t leave your neck feeling suffocated with all that fabric. I find most of mine at Goodwill, and the men’s section is always a trusty companion. When I know I am using it as a layering piece, I usually crop mine, so that whatever I’m putting it over lays how it naturally is supposed to! If you aren’t looking to layer your turtleneck, that’s okay, too! Try a high waisted pair of jeans, and grab any turtle neck to tuck it in from the side! A side tucked turtle neck, especially when layered with necklaces, is high fashion AND warm. Don’t get me talking about turtlenecks, I won’t stop! Click any of these pictures to shop my selections!

My second winter essential: Doc Martens. I know! It sounds basic. Every girl has a pair of Doc Marten boots. But that isn’t what I’m talking about. I think I have 1 pair of basic Doc Marten boots, the rest aren’t! This brand isn’t just for your basic combat boot silhouette. They have all different styles and kinds of high quality shoes, perfect to keep your feet warm! My go to shoes are their Zuma 2 Leather Chunky Boots. It’s the perfect mix between Mid Rise Air Force 1’s, and their signature boots. They are heavy duty (and keep your feet nice and warm) while staying unique and stylish! I highly recommend venturing out beyond the classic 1460 Lace Up’s, and opt for a more unique and eye catching cut! (P.S. I am a sucker for platforms! I think that platforms tie together the outfit, and makes your style that much more elevated, no pun intended). If you are looking for good shoes at a discount price, I highly recommend Nordstrom Rack! I recently found a pair of Doc Marten boots (their Basquiat collab!) for half the price! Click below to see my top picks off the current Doc Marten website!

My final essential for the week (don’t worry, there’s more to come): Jackets! Yes, you need a staple jacket for your day to day, but a statement jacket can tie it all together! My go to for a fun jacket is Urban Outfitters. Basic, I know, but the men’s jacket section is on another level. My favorite jackets (that you will see a lot on this website) are the furry ones. And I know it is a trend, but my biggest advice is to try to put your own twist on it. Go out of your comfort zone with them, jackets are the best piece of clothing to experiment with! Another big essential, along the lines of jackets, is coats and layering jackets at Goodwill, or other thrift stores. I found a brown quilted coat at a thrift store a while ago. When I first saw it, I didn’t think that it would go with anything, but I went out of my comfort zone and decided to get it anyways! It is now my favorite (and warmest) coat! It is just big enough to be oversized, but not too big that I’m swimming in it. Go out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to experiment with a loud and fun jacket! It ties the whole outfit, coats are not just for warmth! Click the picture below to shop my top picks for the season!

That’s it! If you found yourself wishing you could read more, good news! You can! Tune in next week for more fashion tips, tricks, suggestions, and more! I also post on my gallery every week, for your personal outfit inspiration! XOXO, DK