Today’s Outfit Idea: Staying In Fashion When the Mercury Plummets

All right, all you ladies who push your style aside because you’re too dang busy just trying to get your kids or your partner or yourself out the door in the morning – the Fastionista is here to ease your style fear.

Usually I can psych myself up to battle the cold and wear skirts or short-sleeved tops in the office, as long as I have a warm coat for getting to and fro. Today I’m no-nonsense, chilled-to-the-bone cold, so there will be zero bearing of skin. I joked back and forth last week with a Twitter friend about how wearing a belted comforter to work in the cold would be fine provided the belt was animal print . . . Now I’m seriously wondering if I can get away with that . . . Probably not, so here’s what’s in my closet today:

· Black Corduroy Pants: Cords are super warm and comfy, they have a classic texture, and a black pair not only brings some chic into the mix, but gives me a blank canvas on which to build the rest of my outfit. These pants follow the normal rules I’ve set for myself based on my body type (petite, with some curve to my hips): a straight leg, pocket detailing on the rear, midrise, and in pristine condition, of course.

· Cable-knit Sweater: My light gray sweater may be warm with this chunky knit, but it’s cropped to hit right at the hip, and hugs my arms and torso. Wearing cropped, fitted sweaters is a great way to stay warm in the winter without adding unnecessary bulk to our bodies. There’s a subtle pattern going on with the open weave of the stitch, too (called a pointelle), to add some visual interest.

· Red Plaid Layering Top: I’ll wear a cotton button-down shirt under my sweater. This could be any color and pattern, given that all I’ve got are neutrals so far, but the plaid will be a nice touch at my neck and wrists (because of course I’ll wear the sleeves rolled down today), and I want that pop of red.

· Accessories: A belt is necessary, and the cropped sweater gives me a chance to show it off, so I’ll add some shine here with a silver chain belt. I’ll also wear my silver and red tusk dangly earrings, to play off of the red in my shirt, and finish with a thin black cuff watch.

· Purse: For another pop of red I’ll carry my red satchel—it’s also got gold fixtures, which will contrast stylishly with the silver in my accessories, and make sure I’m not too match-matchy.

· SHOES!: There’s no doubt in my mind I’m wearing boots today—I’ll take all the added warmth I can get. But I don’t want to look like I’m going out to shovel snow, so I’ll go with my faux suede black boots that hug my calf (my cords fit flawlessly over them). They have just a touch of a heel so I’ve got a little added height without having to totter along on any icy patches (it may be cold enough for a penguin, but I don't want to look like one).

Voila! There you have it: great fashion fast. And you, gorgeous lady, are ready to take on the world, Fastionista Style!