I like to think that I know how to put a decent outfit together, but when it comes to the frigid winter months, any sense of fashion flair that I have goes out the window. Don’t get me wrong: I love pretty clothes. But the moment there is even a little nip in the air, I pretty much turn into a fashion-less blob devoid of any trendiness—layered up in my scarves, puffer coats, and many Heat-Tech layers. Admittedly, it’s hard to find joy in dressing when the cool air feels like knives jabbing into your skin. But lucky for me, I do have a new style muse who is getting me inspired to tackle winter dressing: that would be none other than Justin Bieber (a fellow Canadian, no less.)
This past month, Bieber has been spotted around New York City (which is very much cold right now) wearing outfits that are cozy, yet cool in their own way. On first glance, his getups—filled with oversized hoodies and extra-baggy pants—may look like a standard outfit that all the Lower East Side bros are wearing. But lean in a little closer to notice the details, and you’ll find plenty of elevated touches. His hoodies, for one, have a deliberately oversized fit—in shades like neon green, or neutral gray. I also like how he pairs them with equally spacious trousers, including a chic pleated tanned pair from Jil Sander. Love it or loathe it, these relaxed silhouettes have been on all the runways, and Bieber happens to be right on-trend. If loving his grubby skater boy fits is wrong, I do not want to be right.
I’m also inspired by how Bieber layers his looks. When piling on pieces to stay warm, it’s easy to end up looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but Bieber has proven that, with the right proportions, it can work. Take the oversized stripe shirt he recently wore, which peaked out of the hem of his fuzzy zip-up bomber just right—the navy pinstripes matching his dark-wash jeans. It’s all so on point. And better yet, he looks warm!
Then there are the singer's accessories. Rather than pick up your standard wool hat or snow boots, the star has kept toasty in more fashion-minded pieces like a Prada ball cap, a tiny knit blue beanie, and a pair of brown Loewe shearling house slippers. (Bieber loves a house slipper, having previously worn styles from Louis Vuitton and his own brand, Drew House.) Around his waist, he has punctuated his baggy pants with sleek leather belts, either woven or solid. Bieber is showing that it is, in fact, quite easy to complete a bundled-up outfit, and make it feel polished. So, the next time I am dreading leaving the house into the cold? Bieber will serve as my daily reminder: Slip on that belt! Change that shoe! Put in some effort!
