let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.

There is something about winter that makes fashion easy to overlook. The chilly temperatures and snow filled streets put warmth and practicality above anything else. Including style. Truthfully? Even I am guilty of this. When the mornings are so cold I can barely force myself to get out from underneath the covers…. the last thing on my mind is looking good. Not this year. I am determined to make a change. This year I will be devoting myself to fashion – even during the winter months.

Wondering why I am so determined? Fashion matters every day of the year. Especially when you want to beat those winter blues! Getting into a routine of slipping on a onesie when you get home or wearing a bulky hoodie to work isn’t always a good thing. When you stop putting effort into the way you look, it makes you more susceptible to the winter blues. That can lead to feelings of sadness, isolation, or general unhappiness. Taking care of yourself and having pride in your appearance has been proven to be effective at combating those feelings. So, when you want nothing more than to cuddle up with a giant blanket in your sweats, remember: the winter blues are real!

It’s true. While the winter blues may seem like a silly idea, they actually do exist. When men and women spend less time outdoors (thanks to that massive snowstorm that forced you to cancel plans with your BFF) it can lead to feelings of loneliness. If that wasn’t enough, it also becomes harder to get in enough exercise. This in turn impacts our general mood and feelings of self-confidence. The change in weather conditions can also impact the quality of sleep we get each night – making us feel tired and lethargic. The easiest way to deal with these issues is to take a good look at your wardrobe! You don’t have to get dressed up to the nines, but put on something that makes you feel special.

Other reasons to put a little effort into your style during the winter season? Wearing something that makes you feel good can boost your confidence level, help you to feel more social, and improve your overall mood. Those are definitely good feelings to have when the snow is coming down outside!

Despite my longing to be cozy every single day this winter – I refuse! There is a time and place for PJ bottoms and hoodies. Instead of forgetting about fashion and style, this year I am striving to find a balance between warmth and a wardrobe that makes me shine. Will you be doing the same?

xo Shannon