Hey all! It’s Caitlin from Wore Out and if you’re anything like me the constant cold, grey, wet mess that is winter in Vermont can be totally draining. Drawing inspiration and energy from your surroundings can be nearly impossible when the windchill is -30 and everything is coated in a thick layer of salt grime instead of snow.

Inject some excitement back into your wardrobe and your psyche with these 5 “must have” pieces from Downtown Threads. Perfect for layering and easy to integrate into your existing wardrobe these pieces are the ticket to kicking your winter wardrobe blues without breaking the bank.

Pretty Prints; the perfect way to take an outfit from blah to blam!This vintage blouse immediately caught my eye, I love how the bold floral print works with the silhouettes of the ladies and gentlemen in their finery. Printed blouses are the perfect way to add interest to an otherwise bland outfit and Downtown Threads has a huge selection of prints from polka dots to Hawaiian and everything in between. Try layering a printed blouse under a great vest or blazer with leggings or skinny jeans and your favorite boots, or pair with your favorite  high waisted skirt, colored tights and pumps for a twist on classic workplace wear.

Solid Staples; you can never have too many!Showcase your new riding boots or ankle booties with this universally flattering tea length skirt. The rich brown color and thick corduroy makes this skirt perfect for cooler weather wear. Corduroy not your thing? Downtown Threads has similar length skirts in solid jersey, bold plaids and vintage floral prints. Look to pair these with cable knit tights, your favorite denim button up and a killer pair of booties for a look that’s equally comfortable & chic.

Ponchos & Capelets; Surefire ChicWouldn’t this capelet look perfect with the warm brown tea length skirt from above? This capelet and the aforementioned brown skirt would be stunning paired with a slouchy tan boot and 70′s inspired floppy felt hat! Not sure how to make a caplet work for you, it’s easier than you think with these tips:

• Ponchos & capelets can add volume up top so make sure to balance out your look with a streamlined bottom like leggings or skinny jeans with riding boots
• Under your poncho keep the layers to a minimum to avoid looking bulky and ensure the capelet/poncho falls correctly
• Don’t over complicate it. Let your poncho/capelet take center stage by pairing it with classic wardrobe staples and a bold accessories like a large watch, bangles or cocktail ring.

Classic Outwear; it’s classic for a reason
I’m always looking for pieces the mix classic silhouettes with unexpected fabrics like leather, satin or corduroy and incorporate fabrics with bold, unusual prints. The classic cut/style ensures your piece wont go out of style overnight while the texture/print add interest and individuality. Everyone needs a blazer in their fashion arsenal and this one is pretty sexy. Great as a layering piece or outerwear this blazer pulls double duty making it worth investing in (but since it’s on consignment at Downtown Threads you can snap it up for under $30!) Pair this leather blazer with high-waisted dark wash flares, a crisp white button up and a gold collar or statement necklace for a updated take on a classically chic look.

Spring Ahead; pieces to wear now and laterWhen I first saw this skirt I joked to Carolyn, who curates the B-Side at Downtown Threads, that it looked like something my mom wore in the 80′s. Without missing a beat Carolyn turned to me and said, “you’re probably right but you’re not going style it the way your mom did, so it’s not the same.”  How right she is.

Make this floral midi skirt your own this winter with a chunky knit sweater, thick tights, oxford ankle booties and perfectly mused topknot. In the spring and summer loose the layers and show another side of this sunny skirt with a cropped linen top, leather sandals and woven bag.

Hopefully these pieces have provided a bit of light at the end of the winter fashion blues tunnel for you. Stop in Downtown Threads to stock up on pieces like these and everything in between and while you’re there don’t forget to mention this post!

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Fashion by WoreOut