FashBlog.com

By Brandi M. Seals

As the temperatures drop it becomes necessary to dress warmer. There are sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and much more that can be used to stay warm. But, while you may want to add warmth, you probably want to avoid adding extra bulk to your frame. No one needs to look larger than they are. Use a few key tricks to staying warm and avoiding bulky pieces.

Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts may be comfortable and keep you warm but they usually make the wearer look a little larger. If you are not willing to give up sweatshirts, you can do a few things to minimize their puff. Start by buying your size. Oversized shirts are comfy but they do nothing for your body. A shirt in your size will do a lot to help out. Avoid patterns that may make you look larger. You can also buy sweatshirts in sliming colors like black and blue.

Sweaters
Sweaters are an excellent wardrobe piece. They are warm and can be layered or worn alone. The common mistake with sweaters is finding ill-fitting pieces. Men tend to be the biggest offenders when it comes to wearing the wrong size. Do not over correct the problem. A tight sweater is not the answer. Find on e that contours the body.

Wear a button-up shirt with the collar and cuffs sticking out to dress up a sweater. You could also use light layers like tank tops or thin tee shirts underneath a sweater to add warmth.

Long-sleeves
In casual wear it is possible to pair a thin long-sleeved shirt underneath a nice tee shirt. Make sure the colors of the shirts coordinate together and are not the same. A lot of people do this look with sports tee shirts and use one of the team colors as the long-sleeved shirt. You could do that or just use any tee shirt. If the shirt is long or oversized, tuck it in. If it ends at the top of your pants, it can stay out.

Any long-sleeved shirt will actually help keep you warmer than a short sleeve. You could wear a plain button up shirt with long sleeves, long sleeved tee shirts, or anything else with sleeves that you have. Find what fits your style and use it.

Jackets
Men and women can use dressy or casual jackets in any outfit to add some heat. It dresses up the overall look of the outfit and should keep you warm. Casual jackets are often made in corduroy or jean, but I am sure you will be able to find many options at stores near you.

Long Johns
Long johns are extremely warming. They are no long the as thick and scratchy as they once were. You can buy thin warm layers that are silky smooth. Brands like Cuddle Duds are popular because they are extremely comfortable and keep you warm. You can find them at just about any department store.

If you are a traditionalist and prefer those bland white long johns from your past, you can still find them in many stores.

Socks
Socks are an often overlooked part of the wardrobe. But, if you can keep your feet warm, it will do a lot to keep you warm. The thickness of the sock does play a part in how warm your feet stay, but really it is the fit that does the most. Tight socks do not leave much room for air to get around and warm your feet. Socks that are too big do not hold the air in well enough. It is the air that really insulates the feet.

Depending on what your activities for the day will be, I recommend wearing cotton socks or wool socks. Go for wool if you will be outside a lot on a cool day. Keep an extra pair on hand because wool socks will stay wet for a long time. Avoid unnecessary discomfort if your socks get soaked. Natural fibers really do work the best at keeping in the warmth.

When all is said and done most people know how to keep themselves warm. The hardest part is avoiding the added bulk. Finding pieces that truly fit your shape is the key to it all and avoiding puffy looking pieces. Always try clothes on before you buy them. Things look different on each person and they may not look as great on you as they did on the hanger.