Great Northern Dressing
By Noihsaf Bazaar founder Kate Lindello
Before my frontal lobe fully formed and my style confidence solidified, I would bemoan the thought of winter dressing. I believed those sun-kissed Californians really had it made. To be able to roll out of bed and throw on an Indian cotton dress or better yet – just a swimsuit and leave the front door seemed like such a dream. Growing up with Duluth winters, on the other hand, had me tallying my wool sock supply each morning or (God forbid) having to sit down on my bed and wrestle black tights on if I dared to wear a dress in mid February.
It wasn’t until my mid 20’s that I started to realize what living in a state with distinct seasons meant – a major fashion opportunity. Most people only get New Years to reinvent themselves, but a Minnesotan gets Spring, Summer, Fall and a long ass Winter to dabble and rotate a closet of different moods. We get to test and try the 9 wools of the world and can tell you which are good for wet snow, sub-zero temps, and a rare balmy 30 degree day in mid January. We get to explore the art of layers, footwear, and the many ways to wrap a scarf.
“Just because you live in a place that might require a snow shovel to leave your house does not mean you need to sacrifice style.”
Just because you live in a place that might require a snow shovel to leave your house does not mean you need to sacrifice style. When I use the word “style” I do not mean fashion. Style comes from within and shows the world a glimpse of who *you* are. “Style is something that is complimented in the checkout line” as Tibi designer Amy Smilovic writes.
After 39 winters in Minnesota with over 10 of them being in the “fashion world,” I’m here to share with you a few of my go-to winter essentials and looks. Many of these items were purchased secondhand off Noihsaf Bazaar or from local designers and shops!
My Winter Wardrobe Essentials:
Wool Sweaters: Wool knits often replace my need for a bulky coat which is essential when doing indoor activities. My go-to knits are often found from vintage shops or the once a year Babaà splurge.
Neck warming devices: Also known as scarfs and dickies. I love the wool cloud from Minneapolis based Scarf Shop, and my new “dik-dik” from Matek is very chic and futuristic looking over a long sleeve tee.
Hats: Hats are a fun way to add a pop of color to a gray Minnesota day. I pick out the yarn I want and recruit a friend (thanks Emily!) to knit me a hat each year. I now have a collection of colorful hats to choose from depending on what I am wearing. Hats with fun patterns can add some quirk to your wardrobe and these often-sold-out fleece ones from Duluth brand Synch-Tech double as a hat AND dickie!
Sunglasses: Nothing elevates a look like a nice pair of sunglasses. I love the colors Carla Colour offers and St. Paul shop Idun stocks them!
For more style inspiration and tips head to the Noihsaf blog which is full of interviews and essays from our very stylish community.
Kate Lindello is the founder of Noihsaf Bazaar. An online resale marketplace focused on Independent Designers. Noihsaf (fashion backwards) Bazaar has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and Business of Fashion. Kate lives and plays in Duluth, Minnesota.