Friends, this cold weather has become NO JOKE. It makes it very hard to dress up for a night out when all you want to wear it sweat pants and a thousand layers of sweaters on top, AM I RIGHT?

Or maybe you don’t mind the cold. In that case, you probably won’t be able to relate to this post at all and should just go live in Alaska. KIDDING. Alaska is cool. Or so I’ve heard. Sorry not sorry for the pun! ;)

In all seriousness, I’ve been living in struggle city this winter. “But winter has only been two weeks technically.” YES I KNOW but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t sunk in. Because it has. I get a major case of SADD in the winter and I hate that it’s already set in. I researched a bunch of ways to combat SADD in this post, but I’m adding another one today - DRESS UP ANYWAY.

But I’m not asking you to compromise comfort or warmth, friends. I would NEVER, EVER do that. All I’m asking is for a little creative layering.

Step 1: Fleece-lined leggings. I wear these with LITERALLY everything they’ll fit under. It is *the* only way I make it through these winter months.

Step 2: OTK boots. I paid under $100 for these and they’re still going strong after a year. I’d love to invest in another pair of suede ones - anyone have any recs?

Step 3: Velvet dress. Although short, I love the warmth this affordable piece from Tobi provides. It’s season appropriate with just the right amount of pizazz.

Step 4: Faux-leather jacket. This one from Wylie Grey has quickly jumped to the top of my most-worn pieces of the season. Besides the detailed embroidery (which I CAN NOT get enough of right now), I love that this is lined with a soft fabric, making it nice and cozy inside. Nothing ruins your day more than cold faux-leather, or real leather for that matter, against your skin on a sub-30-degree evening.

So there you have it! Next time you have a date night, girls night out or just want to get a little fancy, don’t shy away from the dress - just add layers!