Style File: Winter Wrap-Up

Even the Fug Girls will readily admit that a pair of black, opaque tights are the must-have winter accessory. They are perfect: slimming, flattering, warm. But what about the rest of your wardrobe? There's a tendency in winter to start sporting "MacGuyver for Armani" hopelessly-tent-like blankets. A bit of careful draping is always nice, but a full set of drapes, like some kind of misguided Scarlett O'Hara reference, is not. 

Wraps are the answer. Wrap dresses, wrap sweaters… they flatter women of all sizes, and most importantly, they’re a must-have for Pink Patch girls: they can be adjusted as your size changes. Eventually, of course, you’ll need to start replacing, but during the time it takes you to reach your goal weight, wraps won’t let you down. 

Given the state of the economy (broke), I’ve restricted my picks to affordable retailers. I can’t stand fashion blogs that throw gorgeous dresses in your face and then tell you that they cost upwards of $100. Also, I’d be a total hypocrite if I did that. The featured items come from Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Alloy and Target. Too embarrassed to shop for clothes at Target, regardless of how flattering they might be? A., who gives a sh*t?, and b., if you do give a sh*t, just lie and say you got it somewhere else. 

Figure 1. Faux Fur Collar, Urban Outfitters, $28. I love faux fur; it’s classic Hollywood glamour and affordable at that (as well as being sensitive and caring to our friends in the animal kingdom, etc.). The beauty of this particular fur collar is its versatility and function: it will keep you warm, since it’s nice and thick, and you can wear it with a coat or a dress, or even jeans. It’s a lovely, elegant touch that will keep you warm in drafty offices and dive bars. It also gives you great scale in terms of the rest of your outfit (reread Style File: The Basics, for more on proportion and optical illusion). Note: For an even slimmer appearance, wear your hair up: it will lengthen your face and add even more simple, but dramatic glamour. The collar is also available in black and leopard-print. 

Figure 2. Wool Wrap Coat by Steve Madden, Alloy, $79.60. The simple cut: perfect, it will add length to your figure. The belt gives you a waist, and thus the classic hourglass shape – the curvy woman’s goal. The hood: when it’s down, it gives the coat a nice bit of drapery, and good proportion without being overwhelming. Also, hoods come in handy when there’s a sudden change in weather. This coat is also available in black (slimming for everyone), which might be the better option for you, since ivory clothes require a bit of upkeep. If you decide to go for the black, make sure your accessories (scarf, hat, gloves) are bright and solid colors (or perhaps with a simple pattern): it will add drama, a bit of chic, and will avoid making you look like a very classy undertaker. 

Figure 3. Interlock Wrap Dress, American Apparel, $44. I am PASSIONATE about this dress (I own 3 in different colors). The V-neck, A-line wrap dress: any woman of any shape can wear it, and look great. The ¾ sleeves are slimming, and they make the dress great for winter (with a scarf or cropped sweater) OR summer (with heels or even flip-flops). It can be dressed-up; it can be dressed down. It can be easily adjusted to fit your changing waistline. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, so choose carefully and pick the colors you know you look best on you (ask a friend if you’re not sure). This dress is also durable, and can survive any number of washing machine cycles. Note: the sizes are true-blue, honest-to-God; a small really is a small; a medium, a medium. But keep in mind that this dress is incredibly adjustable as you get smaller. 

Figure 4. Wrap Sweater by Mossimo Black, Target, $19.99. So versatile, so elegant, so simple. I like this pretty raspberry color, but it’s also available in midnight blue, ebony, “spice latte” and blue-gray. Make sure you click-through to the link; the website demonstrates 3 ways it can be worn: as seen in the photo above, it’s long and flowing, giving you inches in the height department, and minimizing your hips. It can also be draped over one shoulder, or wrapped-up tight, for when you’re ready. It’s also 100% cotton and will stand-up to any number of washes.