When dressing to wander about in a classically cold Wisconsin winter, warmth is always a priority. Unfortunately, your fuzziest fleece sweatshirt and thick woolen socks don't always translate to a night out on the town or a business meeting with your boss.

Fashion is hard enough to keep up with when the weather is cooperating, and a trendy top is typically the last thing you're concerning yourself with when there's more than a foot of snow covering the space between you and your car in the morning.

But does that mean we're forced to sacrifice all sense of style from December through March? We think not.

We asked some of the area's boutique owners, store buyers and regular fashionistas for some winter survival tips and they've each dished out unique perspectives on how to dress for snow -- and success.

"I actually think it is easier (to dress for winter) since there are so many more layers and options for those layers than during the warmer months," admits Liz LeBlanc, part of the mother-daughter duo who owns SHOP women's apparel boutique, 1918 E. Capitol Dr.

Hip tips from those who know:

Your best bet for looking hot while retaining body heat this season is layering.

"It's the simplest way to stay warm and fashionable," says Sarah Skinner, co-owner of Ess Elle Style Studio, a boutique catering to the young professional woman at 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl. "Use thin knits as your base and add to it with a chunky cropped cardigan and colorful scarf. Your final layer should be a fashionable coat."

SHOP's LeBlanc agrees and suggests layering long tanks under long sleeved T-shirts for a casual look, and to class it up a bit, a collared button up under anything from a crew or scoop neck sweater to a blazer.

Brandi Kupsky is the co-owner of Niche Style / Sound, a boutique located at 1922 E. Park Pl. that features hip vintage clothes and independent designs, as well as DJ vinyl. To her, a unique, personal sense of style is key, and she stresses the importance of finding the right items to fit your personality.

"The main focus can be whatever you make it, but most of the time it's the coat that defines the look," she says. "For a more classic appearance, find a form fitting solid colored coat and accent it with a matching set of gloves, hat and scarf in a contrasting color to add some depth. Otherwise you can do the opposite by finding a form fitting coat in a crazy pattern and putting it with a solid set. If you're more into the funky look, get whatever your heart desires, but this is where the knowledge of your comfort level comes in the most handy. And don't be afraid to wear boots!"  Page 1 of 2 (view all on one page)

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