Three days into this (already challenging) new year, I’m baby-stepping my way in with some new easygoing yet wardrobe-refreshing basics, starting with the wear-with-everything And Other Stories oversized blazer, above, and this most perfectly-cut white Re/Done t-shirt (I seriously have not taken it off for almost a week), plus this just-discovered outfit-punctuating berry-hued lip oil by Westman Atelier (layer it over lipstick or on its own!) Inspiring me to get dressed despite the daunting headlines is my new style obsession with Renata Zandonadi Quaglia, below, (prompting me to want to wear this, this and this). Keep calm and carry on is my mantra right now!
Though the balaclava is by no means new (the origin dates back to the Crimean war in 1854, when it was issued to soldiers to fight freezing winter temperatures), major fashion houses like Miu Miu and Marine Serre incorporated them into their Fall/Winter 2021 collections, helping to cement their reemergence. Add to that their burgeoning presence on social media — a rising trend on both Instagram and TikTok — and it’s easy to anoint the knitted head cover as this winter’s sub-zero trend to try. In fact, with the adjustment to full-time mask-wearing along with a surge in crafting over the last two years, there’s a through-line to the balaclava’s popularity. “The Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2021 show definitely inspired me to make my own balaclava,” explains Michelle Li, a stylist, writer, and creative director based in New York. “Instead of searching endlessly trying to guess which one would fit I just made my own.”
The granny-chic accessory has been on the industry’s radar for a few years, with Gucci and Calvin Klein helping to bring it back as early as 2018, but right now feels particularly relevant both as a means of protection, and way to get a bit more playful with practical fashion choices for those feeling more emboldened in their fashion choices. “I don’t really wear hats or beanies so this fills my head accessory void,” explains Li. “I love that it makes an outfit feel more seamless and clean and any opportunity to inject some knitwear into my outfit is always a huge plus.”
The balaclava’s current resurgence can also be tied back to the renewed popularity in ski-inspired fashion, with Fendi, Dior, and Chanel all releasing their own slopes-to-chalet capsules this season. “The balaclava is really the only hat to wear during the intense winter chill. It helps shield your face against freezing wind. I love that you can wear it over your face or cupped under your chin,” says Nikki Kule, founder of playful basics label Kule, and early advocate of the resurgent trend. “I was inspired to make our very first Moritz balaclava for KULE’s Fall 2017 collection by the famous photograph of Jackie O by Harry Benson (1968). We make fun trapper hats and dickie hoods, so the balaclava is a natural playful addition.”
Below, find all the inspiration you need for incorporating the balaclava into your own winter wardrobe. Consider this the proof you need: covering up can be chic.
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Hit The Slopes
If your goal is to keep your face from getting chapped and cold on a day outdoors, one benefit of the balaclava is the easy way in which you can transition it from sitting below the chin, to covering everything but your eyes. Finish with a pair of oversized sunglasses for maximum coverage.
40 Winter Maternity Dresses for Bundling a Baby Bump by Laura Lajiness
For many mothers-to-be, personal style quickly falls to the wayside during pregnancy, not always for lack of effort but to simply make it through the woes of the first trimester at the very least. But rather than default to your sweats in cold weather, stylish winter maternity dresses abound this season, whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester. Of course, there’s no shame in wearing whatever you feel most comfortable in—after all, nurturing yourself is most important when you’re growing life inside. But for moments when you’re inspired to level up from loungewear, cold-weather-ready sweaterdresses, long-sleeve silhouettes, turtlenecks, maxi-length styles, and more feel equally effortless as that coordinating sweatsuit with an infinitely more polished look.
If you’re not sure where to look for stylish maternity dresses for winter, there are, of course, pregnancy-specific brands that cater to a growing bump. But they’re not the only ones with great offerings. Many of your favorite designers and labels carry versatile designs that can accommodate your developing shape—the trick is sizing up and honing in on flexible and loose silhouettes, like knitted and voluminous dresses with lots of stretch and non-restricting waists.
Layering is also crucial. Some of the most comfortable maternity dresses are maxi styles crafted in soft jerseys or cotton. While they may feel a bit bare in the cold, you can toss on your coziest sweater on top or layer a long-sleeve bodysuit or fitted top underneath, finishing with tights and a warm coat for a full-on bundle. The same goes for loose-fitting shorter hemlines in lightweight fabrics and festive styles if you’re dressing for a holiday event—with an insulating layer or two in the mix, plus seasonally apropos suede boots, you’ll feel cozy as ever while looking très chic.
Keep scrolling to discover Vogue’s edit of 40 warm and stylish winter maternity dresses, from cozy to festive.
The Leisure Dress
On your most relaxed days, a leisure-inspired maternity dress will feel like perfection with sneakers, be it a sweatshirt-style silhouette, soft rib-knit, or simple cotton A-line mini.
Everything we want to do, drink, eat and wear before the end of the year by Paula Movil
The countdown begins to say goodbye to 2021, but not to those plans that we had pending: restaurants to visit, cocktail bars to taste, brand-new sneakers and snacks to repeat … are you joining the cause?
Shop at the funnest store in Manhattan
Do you celebrate New Years Eve in style in New York ? First, our sincere envies. Second, treat yourself to the first whim of the season in our (new) favorite store: KULE , a brand whose motto is to have fun with each garment , integrating colors, prints, graphics and its hallmark : stripes. It is located in Rockefeller Center (610 Fifth Avenue) and is the fruit of Nikki Kule’s imagination . “Our clothes are happy and all of this starts with a positive attitude and with a design process that wants to make the customer feel the same,” explains La Kule to Condé Nast Traveler .If you’re traveling with your canine best friend, take advantage of the trip, as Kule just launched a second collaboration with the Max-Bone brand with a line that includes vests, hats and pieces for both dogs and humans. So that you go well together.
It’s not the strangest thing to lose track of what day of the week it is anymore, but this week we really embrace it. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a period when time stops…but simultaneously speeds forward. The only thing that makes sense to wear right now is pajamas, the only shoes are slippers, and the only time to take a shower is right in the middle of the day. We want this official coziest week of the year to hold true to its name, so let’s get our pajamas and a cup of hot chocolate. If you have a fireplace, I highly suggest you get that going, too.
The formula is simple. You start with getting into pajamas ASAP. KULE happens to make a really good pair in both long and short. Don’t take our word or it though. Amanda Dobbins from the Ringer Dish Podcast has a glowing review of this chic, incredibly soft, cozy set. You should be wearing pajamas all day.
The Long PJ Set
The Short PJ Set
The Long PJ Set
The Short PJ Set
And with your fabulous pajamas as the base of your ensemble, you need some ultra cozy accessories. Think: cushy and festive socks, super soft shearling slippers, and a blanket to wrap it all up in.
Candy Cane Sock
Shepherd of Sweden Sheepskin Jenny Slipper
Colville Striped Wool-Blend Blanket
You will also need to keep absolutely fabulous, but not fussy. This week is all about looking great with ease and effortlessness. A must is an original Carrie Bradshaw long pearl strand to wear with pajamas. It gives you the comfort off knowing that you could get up mid-movie or book to grab some extra popcorn from the corner store, and look glamorous doing so. Of course, you will also need a perfect and cool mug, one that fits a heaping serving of hot chocolate loaded up with marshmallows. For some guilt-free indulgence — a seemingly impossible combo, but one I recently found — dark cocoa covered almonds that come in serving size pouches (though I dare you to just have one). And while lounging in pearls, sipping hot chocolate, and snacking on chocolate covered almonds, you will need a face mask! A paste or sheet mask — whichever you prefer — that’s super restorative because this week is all about relaxing and renewing before the New Year, of course.
And of course, fancy but very cool and original champagne glasses with which to celebrate. Cheers 🥂 to a week of cozy relaxation, and a Happy New Year.
The 15 Best New Pieces of Fall Menswear to Buy This Week by Eric Twardzik
The latest and greatest from Saint Laurent, Rocky Mountain Featherbed, Pierre Hardy and others.
Is it too late to make a wish list? Most assuredly not, when the options include such spoils as a Merrell hiking boot re-envisioned by Noah, Babar-themed ski apparel from Rowing Blazers and a fresh drop of Todd Snyder-ized L.L. Bean wares in an archival tartan. As we were saying…
Photo : Kule
Kule The Men’s Oy Vey Sock
The 11th season of Curb Your Enthusiasm is wrapping up, but you can keep its ethos going all winter long with these socks from Kule. The stripe design recalls the look of old-school varsity socks, and as such, should be worn with canvas sneakers and penny loafers alike.
