I don’t know what the weather is like where you live but for me and my sisters the past few weeks have been a bit messy.  Lots of snow followed by sub zero temperatures, ice, sleet, and then rain has made going about daily routines a challenge to say the least and it’s altered the wardrobe quite a bit.  A dress with tights with cute heels to work? Not happening.  Skinny jeans with flats on the weekend?  Not unless you want to loose toes to frostbite.  So which items came to the rescue for form, function, and style in this brutal winter weather?  Here are a few MVPs:

April:

Capelli Billito rain boots – by far the best addition to my wardrobe this season.  These tall jelly rain boots kept my feet and pants from getting wet while digging my car out of the snow and the sturdy tread kept me from falling on my rear while walking from parking to work.  I found mine in a cute olive color at my local TJ Maxx for a steal but you can find these on Amazon at a good price too.  In my opinion, they are well work the investment for anyone who may run into a snowy or rainy day.  They come in basic black or you can go with something a little more unexpected like the bright purple to keep this functional wardrobe item from being too dull. I got several compliments and inquiries on these boots which is a sure sign they are cute enough to wear all day with leggings and a warm tunic. Cute and functional – my favorite combination.

Wendy:

It’s taken me some time to learn to be practical in this weather. In the past, I’ve resisted the reality of winter weather in a vain attempt to cling to fashion. Once, before leaving for a January trip to Boston, I pulled on a stylish faux fur bomber jacket, and my husband looked at me like I was crazy. Then he laughed. “That will be worthless against the Boston cold,” he said. “You have to bring Chicago puffy coat.” Chicago puffy coat was my nickname for an Old Navy coat I bought when the Windy City’s weather forced me to get real. This was many years ago, but I’ve repeatedly gone back to Old Navy for winter weather gear. Their puffy coats are warm, often on sale, and actually very cute! I think in more recent years they’ve streamlined the cut a little so they aren’t quite as puffy as my dear old Chicago one. The one I bought this year had a fleece lining and held up well during skiing in Utah, weekend walks to a neighborhood restaurant in the fast-falling snow, and during office lunch breaks when I needed fresh (freezing) air while other colleagues refused to set foot outside. My other tip is: a hat! Yes, I know it can mess with your hair but it really does make a difference and there are all kinds of cute styles out there. Bundle up girls, you’ll still look good!

Sunny:

I have to agree with Wendy when she says she clings to fashion over function for as long as possible until the arctic temperatures force you to be reasonable. Pants are probably my least favorite article of clothing. I am a skirt, dress, shorts kind of girl.  In the frozen months, I switch my tights for fleece-lined leggings. Check Kohls or H&M for a bargain! These allow me to still wear my beloved dresses even in single-digit temps. I pair them with flat soled boots to help me navigate any icy patches outside. I also like to throw a v-neck sweater over my dresses to change up their look. Warm, cozy, and chilly chic!