Cute Cover-Up Ideas: From Shawls to Shrugs, Fashionable Ways to Stay Warm

Fall ushers in more than just shortened days and scattering leaves. It also means it's time to open up those dusty storage containers from under the bed and pull those knits off that top closet shelf. When the sun dips below the horizon and with it, the mercury, we need heavy-duty warmth. Luckily for us, fending off the bone-chilling cold and still staying stylishly sophisticated doesn't have to be mutually exclusive.

The biggest thing to remember this winter is that while you need warmer clothes, you don't want to sacrifice shape. So be aware of the angles you're creating; for example, if you have on wide leg pants, you may want to choose a fitted coat instead of a large jacket. And for sweaters, consider pairing long tunics and v-necks with leggings and skinny jeans. Once you've got a great base, you're ready to accessorize with some super stylish cover-ups. Take a look at some of these chic trends for winter warmth, all in good taste, of course.

Faux Fur Vests

This look is huge this fall, and while the fur may be artificial, it does have a warming effect. The most popular faux fur vests are gray or light brown in color, and may fall open in the middle, with no zippers or buttons. When wearing your faux fur vest, pair with a dark wash skinny jean and dark-colored top. This will provide a satisfactory contrast with the lighter colored faux fur. For boots, you may want to go with flats. An added bonus: if you live in a really cold weather climate, wear it under your outer coat for extra warmth, but keep vest on inside for fashionable flair.