By 
It's true that getting dressed in winter can be challenging. Freezing mornings have us reaching for blanket coats, thermal leggings and ginormous scarves.
In such times of sartorial uncertainty (aka: all of December), can you stay warm and look stylish?
The answer is YES. The high-street is awash with cosy but stylish pieces to help us stay enthusiastic about getting dressed in the mornings. We asked fashion blogger Blanca Miró Scrimieri to showcase some winter-friendly outfits by way of inspiration.
"When the weather turns cooler, I don't believe in overhauling your whole wardrobe," says Blanca, whose style we'd really like a slice of. "For me, it's all about mixing and matching what you already have with a few key buys."
Hear, hear. From bright pink knits to badass boots, these pieces will see you through the chilly depths of December and way into the New Year. Let us show you how...
1. It's all in the mix
Print-on-print action is a great way to inject life into your winter wardrobe; the key is to stick to a tight colour palette. Take the dark tones in Mango's ace floral jacket that match the stripes of the black and white midi skirt. We added a subtle colour pop (and extra warmth) with a glimpse of orange underneath the quilted jacket, which makes a great option when it's too cold for a cardigan but too warm for a full-on coat.
Shop the look: Cable-knit oversized sweater, £39.99; Striped pencil skirt, £39.99; Crystal slingback shoes, £49.99 — all Mango
Blanca's tip: "A pair of great shoes can solve any outfit dilemma. I love wearing a casual, comfortable outfit and adding a pair of elegant shoes to dress it up. These flats add sparkle and individuality, but are still laid-back."
2. Wrap it up
All hail the chunky knit. As the chill sets in, a snug sweater is the ultimate winter saviour. But forget throwing it on in the usual manner: 'tis the season to drape it around your neck. Treating your knit like a scarf is one louche styling trick guaranteed to reset the needle on your winter look. Tuck in your hair for added attitude.
Shop the look: Structured wool coat, £119.99; Contrast seam dress, £59.99; Heel sock boots, £49.99 — all Mango
Blanca's tip: "I'm currently loving bright colours like red, orange and green to keep my spirits up during the cold snap. This pumpkin-coloured coat is perfect for tapping into the citrus trend, but the deeper tone makes it winter-appropriate."
3. Get layered
Ah yes, a skirt over trousers: the trend that street style stars love but is eternally tricky to master. The good news for all? It's actually a lot easier than you might think. Make like Blanca and keep your skirt to mini proportions so people can appreciate your smart choice of pairing. These cropped trousers work well with a shorter length skirt and make a great alternative to tights. Goosebumps, be gone.
Shop the look: Contrast seam bow blouse, £49.99; Contrast seam skirt, £49.99; Trousers, £35.99; Textured heeled shoes, £49.99; Asymmetric earrings, £12.99 — all Mango
Blanca's tip: "I'm obsessed with Mango's amazing selection of accessories. There's nothing better than a pair of statement earrings to bring some glamour to your winter wardrobe, and this gold pair are my new favourites."
4. Pyjama party
Yes, it is socially acceptable to wear pyjamas in the daytime. Chic, even! When you want nothing more than to stay in your PJs all day, loungewear is a win-win. Wear as a complete outfit or mix and match by teaming a slouchy, mannish shirt with wide-leg trousers. Follow Blanca's lead and tuck your shirt into a high-waist for a leg-lengthening look. Whichever route you go, it all comes down to a polished finish. The ladylike bag and gold earrings are the final touches to an outfit that's worth getting out of bed for.
Shop the look: Cable-knit sweater, £59.99; Striped blouse, £49.99; Striped trousers, £49.99; Decorative seam bag, £35.99; Asymmetric earrings, £12.99 — all Mango
Blanca's tip: "My style is very relaxed and I prefer to look undone instead of too put-together. You'd more likely find me in a loose-fitting suit than a slinky dress for an evening out and I often turn to pyjama dressing as it appeals to my love for the Seventies."
5. Super sleeves
Statement sleeves are well and truly having their moment in the limelight, and, thankfully, colder climes don't mean you have to tuck them away. In fact, allowing them to billow from beneath your layers is a great way to add an on-trend flare. The bell-shape cuffs on Mango's striped shirt will peek out of your jumper and make for an eye-catching impact without being cutesy.
Shop the look: Contrast seam trousers, £49.99; Tassel earrings, £12.99 — all Mango
6. Puffed up
In case you haven't noticed, puffer jackets are firmly on the fashion agenda. If you're worried about looking like the Michelin Man, Mango has you covered. Rather than a duvet-like creation, this version is easy on the puff-factor, so you'll stay toasty without sweltering. And we love the on-trend red. Take a cue from Blanca and mix yours with a feminine dress and statement boots to counteract the casual vibe. Et voila: bye bye winter blues.
Shop the look: Quilted leather jacket, £169.99; Striped midi dress, £29.99; Snake-effect boots, £69.99; Embroidered handle bag, £49.99 — all Mango
Get through the chilly snap in style with Mango's new collection, available now
Modelled by Blanca Miró Scrimieri. Styled by Harriet Stewart. With thanks to The Zetter Townhouse.
