Sweater Weather is Here: 6 of This Season's Hottest Clothing Items

Joneil Escobar | Oct 31, 2016 5:30 pm | Add a comment | 2409 reads

The mercury is dropping rapidly as we approach the winter season, which can cause the uninitiated to grab desperately at random layers rather than singular items that when combined will see you through the cold. Don’t know what to wear? Below we've listed six must-have items to help you stay warm and comfortable in Beijing over the coming months.

The Classic Flannel
There is no better way start off your fall-winter fashion season than to look like a lumberjack. A flannel shirt completes the typical pumpkin-carving, apple-picking, hay-sitting Instagram or WeChat photo. After all, fall is not fall without flannel.

Sweater Weather
One of the things I love about this time of year is wearing sweaters. Why? Because they are super comfortable, convenient to wear, and easy to find. If you don’t invest in at least a couple of good quality, warm sweaters, then you are not doing fall fashion right. There's so much pleasure to be had in simply walking out the door wearing a comfy oversized sweater with jeans. From cropped to pullover dresses, there is a wide variety of styles you can choose from. Wearing turtleneck knit pullovers also gives that extra warmth if you get easily cold.

Scarves, Shawls, and Ponchos
These items are especially suitable for the carefree (but warm) fashion diva. The great thing about shawls and ponchos is that they are both loose-fitting and comfortable, and, let's be real, it kind of feels like you're walking around wearing a blanket. What's more: they can always come in handy as a thick scarf. They’re incredibly versatile and can be worn however you want.

Bomber Jacket
As we get deeper into fall, and the chillier the weather gets, the better it is to layer up with a bomber jacket. After all, they have been the trend amongst celebrities and young adults worldwide, and in Beijing too, as of late. That is because of their sporty and casual feel and protective qualities against the wind. It's also versatile. For example, aside from the traditional military green, you can also find light pink alternatives for a softer look. For extra warmth, try to find yourself a padded or fur-lined bomber jacket.

Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are made for the fall season, which with any luck we'll see a little more of before we're all cocooned at home. Not only does wearing one make you look like a badass, you automatically feel like one. In all seriousness, purchasing a good quality leather jacket will be worth the investment because it will last a long time and is extremely versatile. Black and brown leather jackets, especially, are perfect for everyday use. I personally wanted to add a bit more color to my wardrobe and bought an inexpensive but good quality red leather jacket two years ago. I still wear it today, and it has been my favorite jacket to wear ever since.

Overcoat
For the more sophisticated Beijingers, you can’t go wrong with a long, sleek, and classic overcoat. This clothing item is perfect for formal wear, in times where you need to look a little more professional. Wool blend overcoats are great to wear for those chillier days. Although overcoats are primarily categorized in menswear, women can easily sport one just as well (or even better). As we approach the winter season, the most important tip I have for you is: layer up. It’s unfortunate that the fall season is too short to truly enjoy before fashion favors practicality and utility i.e. the human caterpillar look (see top image), over anything shapely.