Give the sweater a break

Riley Dunbar

It is officially February and while the cold weather doesn’t show signs of stopping, the love for sweaters every day is ending.

Some may think the once loved top is getting a little boring. One can only pair it with so many statement necklaces before it loses it sparkle. But, with temperatures below 30 and a need for style, what’s a woman to do? Luckily, you have options.

The Cape

It only took the Burberry Monogram Cape to be seen on celebrities everywhere for a cape craze to explode. The cape might be working its way to being a timeless staple. Even if the trend doesn’t stick around, the cape is a great piece to have on hand for this winter. The effortless, cool and chic piece is a must have for sprucing up an outfit. Pair it with skinny jeans and leather wedge booties and pretend you are walking the sparkling streets of New York City instead of the paths of Iowa State.

The Vest

The vest has made great progress in recent years from the huge puffy vest it once was. Now available in different fits, colors, styles and materials, it is almost impossible to not find a vest that matches everyone’s personal style. With these newfound options, why not embrace it? Vests are easily paired with anything from jeans to a dress and are a cute way to amp up a basic long sleeve tee. Popular styles of the season are fur and herringbone print.

The Leather Jacket

This jacket has been a timeless piece for decades, but everyone seems to forget about it in the winter. No, it isn’t warm enough to walk to class, but that doesn’t mean your favorite leather jacket should stay at the back of the closet. The leather jacket is a great way to add some extra edge to a winter outfit. Wear it just like you would a blazer, over a flowing top or with a statement necklace. Don’t just stick to classic black. With a variety of colors available, choose the one that fits your style best.

The Blanket Scarf

If it has the word blanket in the name, there isn’t a way it can’t be great for winter. A blanket scarf is the ultimate accessory because it is so versatile. Wear it as the scarf that it is. There are endless ways to tie it. Head over to Pinterest to discover multiple ways to style your scarf. Another popular way is to belt it. Drape it across the shoulders and the arms, then add a cute belt at the waist. Or, go for an easier way. Fold the scarf in half to make a triangle and wrap it around, cardigan style.

The sweater will always hold a special place in our heart as a winter staple, as it should. But it no longer has to be the star of the season. Give the sweater a rest and try out one, or a few of these options that keep you both warm and chic.