The weather is starting to get colder, which is why women need to update their wardrobe over the winter to ensure they stay looking stylish, as well as warm and comfortable.
Here are some ways to style your daily abaya for the winter months.
– Layer up
One of the best things about abayas, whether they are open or buttoned up, is that you can easily wear lots of layers underneath to keep warm.
Sweaters, particularly those in natural materials, such as cashmere, look stylish underneath an abaya, while turtlenecks work wonders in keeping your neck warm when it is cold outside. They also enable you to maintain your modesty if you want to put on an open abaya that day.
Don’t forget to carefully consider what you will wear on your bottom half too. The great thing is you can choose whatever you feel warmest and most comfortable in, as nobody will be able to see your legs. This could mean wearing high-waisted fleece-lined leggings, which keep you nice and cosy over winter.
Alternatively, if you want to feel stylish, you could opt for this season’s trend of wide-legged trousers. Just because you’re covered up, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, and you could choose one of the popular trouser looks of the season to wear underneath your abaya.
According to Vogue magazine, these include trousers in earthy tones like deep brown; balloon-shaped trews; an updated take on cargo pants; and slouchy wide trousers.
New-gen leathers are also popular, as well as navy bottoms and slim-fitting, cigarette pants.
– Choose warmer fabrics
It is also sensible to choose a new abaya that is made from warmer fabrics, so that you can retain as much heat as possible during the cold weather.
There are abayas made with cashmere blends, wool, fleece-lined cotton, velvet and other plush linings, so look around for something cosy, as well as fashionable.
Choosing a thickened fabric or even double-layered abayas will ensure you trap in the warmth between your layers, so you stay comfortable when you’re going from inside to outside.
– Pick the right outerwear
Winter is not the time to ditch the coat, as you will need a thick outer layer when the temperature drops to between two and seven degrees Celsius. Britain is also known to have lows of below zero degrees, even if the average winter temperature is relatively mild, so prepare for those colder days by buying the right coat.
Look for something like a trench coat, as this will give a bit of tailoring and structure.
Alternatively, you could opt for a cape, as this avoids you looking untidy and doesn’t ruffle the abaya underneath. A cape with a faux fur trim looks especially elegant and can really elevate your style.
Don’t forget your winter accessories too, such as a warm scarf. This can be wrapped around your neck loosely for a stylised look and to avoid looking too bulky. Natural materials like wool or cashmere are best for keeping warm, as they trap air in the fibres.
– Choose wintry colours
It isn’t just about how to stay warm, but how to embrace the autumn/winter look. This means choosing an abaya that is either dark, like plum red or emerald green, or neutral-coloured.
This adds a luxuriousness to your outfit, and feels seasonal, especially when teamed with ankle boots and a long cardigan.