[excerpt] When the temperatures plunge to sub zero, your first thoughts aren't about fashion. And while there's something to be said for putting function before style, especially in winter weather, that doesn't mean that you have to look frumpy as you battle the elements! Here, five big winter fashion faux pas -- and what you can do to avoid them:
Faux Pas: Wearing clunky, chunky, take-me-snowshoeing boots for daytime. Sure, your boots need to protect your feet from snow, ice, and slush, but they don't need to be big, bulky, and totally un-chic to do so!
Fix: Choose a stylish but warm pair for work and daytime (and save the clunkers for digging out your car or weekend snow walks). The best boots are made of a waterproof material, such as nylon or treated leather. If you like the idea of extra-toasty feet, look for a pair with a thick lining (shearling is warm and indulgent). And try to buy the sleekest silhouette you can find, which will look appropriate under work pants and skirts.
Faux Pas: Sporting hat-head. Flat, matted hair is always a style no-no.
Fix: Buy a hat that fits, and learn to work your hair under it. Your cap shouldn't be so tight that when you take it off, you have an indentation in your hair. Instead, look for a warm-but-roomy hat, like a modified fedora or softly shaped bucket hat. If your hair is long, loosely clip the front section back before you put on your hair; a few post-hat shakes will minimize mattedness. For short hair, stash a tub of hair paste in your bag, and rake a small amount through post-hat hair for a chunky, done look.
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