I like to describe my fashion sense as “heaux chic.” And even though I feel pretty committed to the genre, as I’ve gotten older things have changed. And no, I haven’t suddenly internalized patriarchal ideas that as women age they should veer away from overt expressions of sexuality. It’s a lot more simple really — I just get really cold now.
I know, I know. In the words of our lord and savior Cardi B, “a hoe never gets cold.” But I’m pretty sure this stops being true after 25 — because I definitely get cold. Whether it’s my age, my severely untreated anemia, or the fact that my family is from Southern Pakistan and just wasn’t made for colder climates, I can no longer stand any temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you live on the East Coast like I have all my life, you immediately know that winters are not kind to me.
I’ve always equated showing more skin to sexiness. And though that’s a pretty rudimentary understanding of sensuality, I like to think it hasn’t veered me wrong so far. So what do I do when the “sexiness” I’m trying to convey is being overshadowed by shivering and looks of discomfort? I decided to enlist the help of stylists to answer the age-old debate: How do I dress slutty when it’s freezing out?
“Style and function can absolutely co-exist without sacrificing confidence or sensuality, no matter the occasion or season,” Courtney St. Clair (also known as the IT Factor Stylist) tells Betches.
The first thing to focus on is showing shape over skin.
“Cold weather sexy is all about sculpting your silhouette using things like body con sweater dresses, fitted turtlenecks tucked into a pair of jeans that fit like a glove, long jackets with belts that cinch at the waist,” St. Clair says.
She also advises lined tights. You can still rock a seductive mini skirt or dress all while staying warm. And if you want to take it to the next level, Chantelle Houareau, Founder & Lead Stylist at WARDROBE DEPARTMENT says it’s all about a sexy boot.
“You cannot go wrong with a pointed-toe knee high boot, sheer tights, and tailored shorts paired with a plain black turtleneck, all tucked under a well tailored black coat,” Houareau says. “This outfit combo is my go-to for a winter girls- or date night. If you’re walking through snow or ice, switch the heel for a more of a kitten heel.”
And even though many people (including myself) associate skin with sex appeal, Houareau says the wintertime gives you the ability to play with a different type of sensuality — one that requires layers.
“There’s something so inherently Parisian chic about removing our gloves, unwrapping your scarf, and draping a coat off the back of your chair to reveal an unexpectedly good outfit underneath,” she says.
Plus, who says your coat can’t be sexy?
“The coat is often the outfit,” Hourareau says.
She suggests either a well-tailored wool or wool/cashmere blend coat. And if you really want to give an elevated, sensual look, go for a vintage fur.
“Structure and fabric can instantly elevate a look from basic to winter bombshell.”
But if you absolutely cannot sacrifice skin, St. Clair says to at least make it strategic.
“No one wants to be half naked in a snowstorm, but an intentional flash of skin will have you looking super seductive. Try thigh high boots that show just an inch of your leg, long dresses and skirts with a high slit, an oversized blazer buttoned up with a sheer top underneath.