Being from the Antipodes, where winter tends to be more like the summers I have experienced here, dressing for the subzero temperatures of a London winter doesn't come particularly naturally to me. I'm not the best at layering, am still to master the skill of artful scarf-tying and am yet to acquire a masterful collection of cosy, ear-warming hats. It is at this time of year I am constantly spying on Londoners to get winter dressing inspiration. And I am also looking a bit closer at celebrities in the colder climes, to get ideas on how to keep warm without looking like a mis-matched marshmallow in a hat.
Some of my favourite looks in recent days have come from the stars pictured above. Read on to find out what each of their outfits has taught me - so we can all incorporate their chic-ness into our own cold weather dressing...
- Take a cue from Kate Hudson and ditch the basic black coat. Instead, choose pale colours for an elegant look which will help lift your dull winter complexion. Greys work well for coats and knits while cream isn't so impractical if you stick to accessories such as hats and scarves. Add a bit of a pinky cream blush to the apples of your cheeks for that perfect cold weather glow.
- Blake Lively shows us how unexpected colour combinations - in this case, her blue coat and mustard boots - can work wonders to inject a bit of cheer and playfulness to an otherwise dull day.
Leather gloves top off the sophisticated look nicely.- Fur, whether faux or not (I'll leave that decision up to you), is one way of adding texture to your outfit - and also keeping veeeeery toasty. I love Jaime Winstone's Russian hat and red lippy which adds that special something to her basic jeans and tee outfit.
- Another one leading the way when it comes to texture is Cat Deeley, whose fantastic cape coat is set off with black accessories. But don't worry, these ones are anything but basic and boring, with tassels on her boots and a lace scarf upping the ante.
