About Winter Accessories

Hello again everyone,
Now that it's finally become winter in Tokyo, it's going to be cold weather from here on out. Most brands have come out with their new coats and warm clothes by now, so this time I'd like to talk a little bit about winter accessories. Since accessories are usually reasonably priced, you can buy many and experiment a little. They present just another way to enjoy winter by adding a little spice to your everyday style.

The Basics of Coordinating Accessories

In general, it's best to choose accessories that are easy to match with the color of your winter coat. If you're having trouble deciding, go with the color or material of your favorite coat, or choose something compatible with your purse or shoes.
The material of your winter accessories is really what separates them from the rest of the seasonal goods since style and shape are usually pre-determined in Lolita Fashion. For example, try selecting something in a wintery material, as even ribbon hair bands can be made from felt, knitting, tweed, or velour. In this season, fur is the most common material and can be used to add impact to your outfit or you can match it with another fur item to create a nice combination. The same goes for popular animal prints.
Now I'd like to introduce some of the various winter accessories.

Ear Muffs

Not only are they practical, but ear muffs also look very cute when worn. Made from fur, fleece, and similar fluffy materials, they can make you feel warm by just looking at them. Since they work well as casual items or as a nice touch to a full-out coordinate, they're a very useful item to own. I recommend them for any prolonged outings or when you want to add a cute touch to a more mature outfit. In Lolita Fashion, many ear muffs have a ribbon on the frame, or have muffs in the shape of hearts or stuffed animal faces to make them even more adorable. Try switching ear muffs out for your hairband. They look good whether you wear your hair up or down.

Scarves

Scarves are what most of us think of when we thick of winter accessories. They are perfect for accenting your outfit, and you can never have too many. Especially on cold days, if you keep your neck warm it can warm up your entire body. Scarves look great when worn with simple coats that do not have fur around the collar, or jackets, hooded sweatshirts or cardigans. They are perfect for days when you want to wear your hair up. The word "scarf" covers a broad range of styles though; from long thin scarves to ones with fringes on the ends, and of course even the simplest scarf can be worn beautifully as a daily addition to casual attire.
For those of you looking for a sweeter style, it might be cute to choose a scarf with bunnies or teddy bears designed on it. Try matching with other items with the same animal prints on them to go for a completely adorable coordinate. A minimum tippet can be useful to give your outfit a slightly rich appearance. Scarves are also very useful for adding color to plain colored coats. For example, if you have a dark colored coat, try wearing a bright colored scarf to make your face appear more lively (be careful not to get makeup on your scarf if you choose white). To get more looks out of your coordinates, choose scarves that don't cost an arm and a leg so you can collect many in different colors. Adding a corsage or brooch to your scarf can also really bring out a gorgeous look.

Gloves

Gloves are another item that you can't pass up for winter fashion. Besides matching with coats that have sleeves down to your fingertips, you can go for a dressy look by matching long, elbow length gloves with a cape that has short sleeves. Choosing gloves that match the color of your coat looks nice, but it can also be cute to choose a vivid color too. For those of you that like making your own clothes, why not try adding your own designs to a simple pair of gloves? You can add ribbons or applique to them, or add beads or rhinestones to a finger or two to give the impression of a ring. For larger items, attach them to a rubber band or something similar and then slip them on over your gloves for another cute way to make a ring.
On the other hand, if you're going for a more gorgeous look, you can try a muff. Cylindrical muffs are good way to ward off the cold while presenting a classical presence. Usually they hang from your neck by a strap, but there are muff bags that you can put small items inside of too like a purse. The image of girls with both their hands kept warm in a muff is truly adorable. It also can look very elegant to match with a dressy coat or cape. However, since the movement of your hands is limited with a muff, it can be a little dangerous for anyone that doesn't watch their footing, but sometimes you have to choose between practicality and refinement. Although you're a bit limited with the amount of items you can carry, why not try out this style for a regal princess look on those cold winter days? Many muffs have adjustable straps and you can sling them to the side when not in use.

Hats

Hats allow you to change your image in the blink of an eye. The staple of winter Lolita Fashion for hats is undeniably the beret. Berets are useful because they are easy to match with a cute style. They are also an excellent choice for anyone who doesn't like hairbands or headdresses. There are many kinds out there, from ones with embroidered designs to pom-pom puffs or ribbons on the top, so take your time in choosing a design that fits you best.
If you want a more classical look, I recommend a boater hat. Take care to choose a hat with good balance and a brim that is not too wide. Straw hats are for summer and winter hats are made from wool. Although the shape is the same, as I mentioned previously, material is the most important when it comes to winter accessories.

We'll end here for today with our discussion on winter accessories. So, what did you think? Have you decided what style would be best for you?
Speaking of winter, remember it's also important to choose warm undergarments. Although there are many different kinds of long sleeved undershirts and spandex, if you choose something warm that is made from high quality material, then it won't be too visible beneath your clothes and not make your outfit look bulky. This can be very reassuring for those times when you don't wear a thick overcoat. These are many lovely designs out right now, so shop around until you find one you like. Enjoy being fashionable in even the coldest weather and take care to not catch a cold! Until next time!