KNIT-ty Gritty

Knits are a great way to keep warm during the winter. Fashion a knit sweater dress with leggings or a knit vest with a layered tee and a pair of jeans. There are lots of ways to mix-and-match your knits with wovens and other textures to add dimension and most of all, warmth.

J. Crew's Merino Cable Vest is a tribute to classic comfort with its cable knit design. This is a great staple to have for your winter wardrobe as its basic but stylish and can be carried over into seasons to come. Not to mention, you can dress it up with trousers, down with jeans or wear it all layered up.

Sweater dresses make an appearance in some form or fashion virtually every fall and winter season. Featured here is Forever 21's Suzanne Crochet Tunic dress with a cowel neck, front pockets and oversized flutter-like sleeves. Wear this over textured leggings, throw on a chunky empire belt and finish it with a pair of booties for a hot fashion statement. This also makes for a great basic to carry over each season.

Hold the heat in with knit berets. The two pictured above retail at New York and Company, however, these cozy caps are featured in nearly every designer's winter collection. Knit berets are bohemian chic and can be worn losely pinned or tucked tighter for complete coverage.

Get Laced

In a tough economy, the look of delicate lace is softening things up.  You'll see lace everywhere from leggings to scarves, dresses to accessories and even on some shoes.  Don't overdo your lace look as this can result in a cheap interpretation of a dainty fabric that is more-or-less meant to add texture to an outfit rather than being the outfit. The great thing about the modern-day lace look is that you can dress it up fancy or dress it down casual. 

Forever 21's Floral Lace Yoke Top is a great way to incorporate your lace in a casual look.  This is a fresh approach of a relaxed fit top with lace detailing.  The lace extends from the front scoop-neck yoke around the back without crossing the line into formal attire.  At only $19.80, this look can't be beat.

If you are on a budget and want a dressy lace top, this Lace Cap Sleeve Top, also from Forever 21, is a great find.  Although the entire surface of the top is dressed in lace, it is lined with fabric from the bust-line down, muting the lace so it's not overbearing.  From a distance it appears as though you are wearing a solid top that has lace detailing from the neckline to the cap sleeves, however, up close, elegance emerges throughout! This is all the texture you need in your outfit so pair this top with sleek trousers and simple accessories.

White House Black Market has a fabulous Lace Peep Toe Pump. The texture of this lace is so elegant and characteristic that the shoe stands as a statement piece alone.  Embroidery-like lace is draped over black satin fabric which makes the design even more luxurious.