With all the moaning and groaning that comes along with the first snow fall, let’s try not to lose sight of the silver lining that accompanies winter’s first flurries. The season of snow brings with it a potpourri of things to cheer for: festive foods, silver and gold makeovers of one’s living room, snowboarding season, gift giving, nights curled up by the fire, hot chocolate, reunions with old friends and plenty of occasion to make new ones (what’s up Boxing day party!).

If that isn’t enough for you to embrace a winter wonderland, there must be at least one other reason to smile at the snow: your wardrobe.  You’re probably thinking, “Winter wardrobe? More like Michelin man’s twin.”

 Forget about cumbersome coats cramping your style. You can still stay cozy in any sort of coat, without completely forfeiting your own unique style.  Although Ottawa’s winters can chill you to the bone and often do require a heavy-duty (Canada Goose?)coat, this year has shared a splendid amount of milder days allowing us to flaunt our pre -40 degree winter wear. Whether or not this winter continues to allow us to wear our memorable manteaux, the key to a cozy, warm and fashionable winter is all in the accessories you choose.

 To help make that first snow fall a little bit easier, try to  find fashionable ways to keep your outdoor garb interesting. Here is a sneak peek at some of my favourite items to keep this winter cozy . . .

1. Probably my favourite purchase of the season (and, tying up a loose end from my longing in 2010 to get my hands on beautiful piece of faux), this faux fur scarf is hands down the warmest piece to wrap around your neck. Fur is lining the necks of all sorts of coats this season, but what I love about this piece is its versatility. Not only can I throw it over a coat, but it can also be worn as an accessory to an indoor outfit: $99 at Club Monaco

2. Although this piece will be hidden underneath your coat and doesn’t exactly lend to the accessorizing aforementioned, its tunic-like length is definitely ala mode and a cable knit sweater is bound to keep you warm under a lighter winter coat : $39.95 at H&M.

3. The combat boot. What can I say? You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. Personally,  this combative footwear trend caught my attention right away and seems to be a great boot to sport before we are knee-deep in snow. Realistically, we will all be trudging around in our Sorrels in no time but, until then, these boots are a trendy way to keep the tootsies (relatively) warm: $110 at ALDO.

4. I LOVE this headband. The best thing about a headband in the winter is its ability to dodge hat hair. Praise the lord. The Canadian in me loves my toques, but I can definitely do without the “do” that comes with them. This braided headband adds a touch of hair flair to any dull winter look and keeps your ears safe from frost bite: $24 at Urban Outfitters.

5. Typically I’m not a huge fan of red coats but, taking advice from Kaylee and other fashion gurus, it seems like bright is right for the winter. Rustic red coats along with neon shades, adds a punch of colour to make you pop against a winter white background and a grey sky: $199 at Zara

So before we are truly in the thick of winter, embrace the light flurries and keep these versatile pieces in mind. Pair them together or separately and cozy up to whatever winter brings to your wardrobe, in a nutshell.