Forget dreaming about a White Christmas. If you live in Florida, then you know how confusing winter in Miami can be.
Morning temperatures can be as low as 60 degrees, which is freezing by Miami standards, and nights can be hot and humid instead. With the fast-changing temperatures, you’ll notice that when it comes to winter fashion, Miami is quite unique.
In the mid-west, people are wrapped up in layers and layers to keep themselves warm in the cold wintertime. People walk around head to toe in thick coats, long scarves, and gloves to keep them from shivering their pants off—granted, they get weather less than 30 degrees.
In Miami, things are quite different.
Miami is known for its warm beaches that make a great vacation spot, its tropical palm trees on every street, and the hot and humid weather. However, in the few moments in December and January when the temperature drops below fifty and the winds get super chilly, Miamians are jumping at the moment to show off their best winter looks.
The number one rule for dressing for the colder months in Florida is to have a balance.
Since it’s too cold to not cover up but hot enough to start sweating in seconds, cut-out sweaters are the perfect item for the weather transition. Pair with dark skinny jeans and boots, and you have an instant winter look.
Another fashion tip is to layer, layer, layer. Layering allows you to play around with a mixture of patterns or textiles, while still being functional enough to keep you warm throughout the day. The key is to get a thinner piece, such as cashmere or a lightweight sweater, that isn’t bulky but still offers warmth.
Ceylon Phillips, a Florida native and student at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC), did just that.
“Layering my clothes saved my life when I visited Canada last year. I played around with different lengths all the time, a cropped sweater worn over a turtleneck was my go-to look. On super cold days, I’d layer multiple scarves around my neck for a chic look,” said Phillips.
Whether thigh-high or ankle length, everyone loves a good pair of boots too. After all, they are fashion staples during the cold months of the year.
As soon as the wind gets cool and you get that first shiver, some Miamians jump out of their seats to put them on—especially teens. They can be worn in various ways: tucked into jeans, with a maxi skirt, or a simple skirt.
Victoria Zangaro, another Florida Native and MLEC student, says that although she doesn’t love the cold, boots are definitely one of her favorite clothing items.
“I love wearing knee-high leather boots, with a light sweater and skinny jeans. It’s a simple yet effortless look that I know is bound to get me a lot of compliments”, said Zangaro.
Another chilly-weather staple is a bomber jacket, a perfect combination of stylish, practical, and warm. Originally made for military bombers, the loose armholes and elastic band provide ultimate comfort and thick padding ensures you stay warm when it’s cold outside.
Jeremiah Jackson, a High School student at Turner Tech, claims that he gets inspiration for his winter fashion from R&B singers such as Bryson Tiller.
“Bryson Tiller’s style really influenced my style, even now. When his first album came out, I started wearing colorful bomber jackets, fitted caps, and ripped jeans. I think it’s a good outfit for the colder months because you have variety, not too covered up but still warm,” said Jackson.
Winter and Miami are two words that when put together certainly make an unlikely pair. After all, Florida isn’t exactly a winter wonderland. But despite the unusual weather, there are plenty of styles you can do to keep you warm and chill.
Miami is a fashion capital for a reason. With our colorful city and international styles, we were made to dress to impress.
So don’t hesitate to throw on your coat or booties, and go out and enjoy the “cold” weather we get only a few times a year.
