With the mercury plummeting in Kathmandu, the city’s sense of style and fashion has taken on a new identity. The sweaters, jackets, hats and scarves have all come out of the closet, but styling for the winter can be pretty puzzling, especially after a long and stylish summer. But take heart, this winter, the art of fashion is heating up, led by a handful of Instagram influencers and bloggers. If you want to keep the chill away and not look like a bundled-up snowman in the process, here are some styling tips for the winter.

Add a touch of yourself

Some panic with the thought of being fashionable and keeping up with the latest trends, especially when it comes to winter, as it’s almost impossible to handle the anxiety of being an outdated person in terms of presenting themselves. Styling is an art, an expression of yourself which you decide to show the world. For Instagram fashion blogger Goku Shrestha (@heisgoku), stylish is being you with a touch of yourself.

“I feel like your styling represents you, metaphorically,” says Shrestha. Even little details add value to your look. “From folding your sweater to allow a small peek of the shirt of your cuff and the patterns of your socks,” he says, any tiny modification can add weight to the overall appearance.

Rhea Pradhan, stylist and fashion blogger (peppyowl.com), encourages fashion enthusiasts to present themselves in their own taste. Knowledge of the latest trends can help newbies but there aren’t many rules to abide in this fashion practice. “There is a current monochrome trend where people dress up completely in one colour, like red. It can make you look taller,” says Pradhan. “But I wouldn’t suggest just going after trends.”

From a fashionista as minimalist as Pradhan, her styling tips for the cold days certainly help, especially when one is constantly struggling with enormous clothes. “One of my tips for the winter is to not wear bulky clothes, wear layers instead. They keep you warm while maintaining the sleek look of your outfit,” says Pradhan. “One should consider investing in a good thermal.”

Stay neutral and cozy

Kathmandu is no stranger to the high-neck or the turtle-neck to combat the shivering weather with a pinch of unisex fashion. Fashion blogger Anushmrity Chapagain (@heyyitsanoo) says she is the kind of person who gets cold too easily—which is why she selects cozy clothes and layers roll-necks underneath her coats. To enhance her winter styling, Anushmrity pairs her roll-necks with neutral-coloured coats and sweaters—which can be found at stores in New Road and Bhatbhateni.

“They add a classy look and are never outdated,” says Chapagain. “Even neutral colours match with everything and are perfect for any season.”

Balancing colours is quite important, especially during the gloomy winter days. Shrestha likes to keep things clean and classy, featuring mute colours. “Shades of grey, beige, blue and a bit of white represent subtlety, warmth and sophistication,” says Shrestha, who has also been adding colours to his winter wardrobe.

Pradhan’s minimal style usually consists of black, white, and neutral colours. For winter, it can be any shade as long as it’s subtle. “Neutrals won’t get noticed even if you wear them again and again. They never go out of fashion so it’s good to invest in them,” she says.

And one can never go wrong with comfortable boots during the cold. They can be your saviour. “Boots scream winter and a pair of good boots can really accentuate your style,” says Shrestha.

Accessorising in the cold

Who says accessories are only for the summer? This winter, level up your style with your favorite accessories, which you probably had put away heavy-hearted for next summer. Chapagain loves adding accessories to her winter outfits. Her preference is for layer necklaces with high-necks, adding a classic and subtle touch to her style. Even head wear is in style this season. “I love beanies, berets and other hats. Mufflers and bags are my go-to accessories,” says Chapagain.

Winter is all about wrapping yourself with clothes but while styling, even that wrap can become a creative expression. Pradhan suggests carrying a scarf to keep you warm. Not only will it look good, but it will also shield you from the freezing breeze.  

Although Shrestha likes to keep his style minimal and more Scandinavian, he plays with accessories to finish up his look, like adding a cherry to a cake. And a pair of sunglasses can certainly “add a punch and sophistication” to any outfit, as Shrestha puts it. “You’ll probably never find me without sunglasses and apart from this, I wear minimal watches and bracelets,” says Shrestha.

Shopping in budget

With all these tips from styling ‘influencers’, you’re probably wondering about your expenses. Fashion does come with a price, especially in Nepal, since great designs are usually imported. However, it’s efficient to shop during the off-season, when most stores offer sales. And that’s what fashion enthusiasts suggest as well. “I often shop at Lane88, Aisha Fashion Store and Feminist Nepal. However, I find Lane88 in budget as they often offer end-of-season sales,” says Chapagain.

Pradhan’s suggestion for winter shopping comprises of mountaineering apparel from Sherpa, woolen items from Haushala Creatives, whereas Metaphor, Logo Fashion, and Ktm City are good stops for any basic budget shopping.

Although Shrestha isn’t a frequent customer at stores based in Nepal, he suggests there are decent shops in Durbar Marg and People’s Plaza. “You need to look around a bit but you’ll end up finding some good pieces. Luga from Durbarmarg was a budget-friendly store I often used to shop in years ago,” says Shrestha.