CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
Bright jackets, like this one worn by Laura Crosson, can add a splash of colour to your outfit.

As Canadians we know the biggest fashion struggle is the weather that comes with the winter season. During the fall, we shop for sweaters, coats and mittens that co-ordinate and are fashionable, but when January hits we all just want to wear sweatpants and fuzzy boots until May.

The average temperature in London in January is around negative 6.7 degrees Celsius according to climatemps’ website and staying chic through the temperature is a challenge. Our goal should be to embrace the challenge and find ways to show our style while staying warm.

Canadians love scarves; they are warm and can come in an array of patterns and colours. Recently, larger scarves have become more fashionable. It has become a statement to wrap yourself in a large scarf that could be mistaken as a blanket. Isabella Virgin, a fashion student in her second year at Fanshawe said her favourite winter clothing item is, “Scarves, big scarves.”

Hats are another versatile and easy options for quick trips running errands. Depending on your style you can wear a toque, beanie or a fedora to add flavour to your look.

Another item every Canadian has is a winter coat. I have found myself going to get groceries or run errands and wearing a pair of leggings and a sweater, but if I throw a fashionable coat on and a nice pair of boots, I can still look cute with little effort.

An interesting trend is wearing a coat in a bright colour. The majority of people wear grey, black or dark blue coats; however, investing in a coat with a pop of colour can be fashion forward and a way to brighten up winter. Accord to In- Style UK, the colours to look for are emerald greens, cobalt blues, bright red and printed coats.

Another great way to stay warm through the winter is by layering. Layering multiple long sleeve shirts or sweaters is an easy way to stay warm on long walks to school. Though layering does not just have to be a strategy to stay warm.

The latest trend is to layer coats and jackets. Wearing a leather bomber underneath a fashionable top coat looks trendy, but also helps you conquer the winter’s sub-zero temperatures.

It is also possible to layer on the bottom. Wearing tights or leggings with high socks paired with a patterned dress, or skirt with a baggy sweater is a great way to stay warm, but still comes forth as a feminine and fashionable look. To incorporate the socks and make them part of your look, rather then just a measure to keep warm, you can wear tall boots, where you can still see the socks right below your knee.

I hope you all embrace the challenge to dress warmly and look fabulous.