LIFESTYLE

Local stylist picks most popular fashion items for the holidays

Staff Writer

Columbus Monthly

Imagine yourself as a style-conscious 20- or 30-something (if you aren’t one already, of course) who prides yourself on being well-dressed. Then imagine that, under the tree on Christmas this week, you find a slew of the most popular fashions, just for you.

Were you to put them on all at once (just for fun — not that we would actually recommend it), you’d resemble our married models, Carrie and Ryan Sosnowski of German Village. For a rundown of the items — picked for The Dispatch by Joe Wittneben, personal-stylist manager for Nordstrom at Easton Town Center.

As fashion trends go, a big one for winter relies on “the idea of cozy chic” — a concept that extends beyond clothing, according to Wittneben. Tech accessories, for example, might be viewed “ like a handbag or a pair of shoes,” he said. Here is a closer look at items he identified as the most popular of the season:

Buffalo-plaid ‘jacket’

P.J. Salvage ($68)

An oversize fleece cardigan with toggle closures and a hood showcases the popular pattern — not just for lumberjacks anymore.

Fingerless gloves

Phase 3 ($19)

The fingerless gloves keep hands warm and thumbs free. They’re enough to make a texter rejoice (and maybe send an emoji expressing gratitude).

Slouchy, colorful sweater

Hinge ($78)

With or without a white Christmas this year, a colorful sweater makes for a nice — and bright — surprise.

Headband-style headphones

Frends ($200)

Jewelry isn’t the only way to add glitz to an outfit. A shiny pair of headphones turns up the volume — and style.

Cross-body bag

Rebecca Minkoff ($150)

The slender purse frees the hands for wintry activities, such as sipping hot cocoa or (more likely) shoveling snow.

Cellphone case

Kate Spade ($35)

Who says tech accessories make dull gifts? Playful-looking cellphone cases protect the prized gadgets and look chic.

Leggings

Zella ($58)

As versatile as “pants” get, leggings pull triple duty — at the gym, at the office and out on the town.

Lined boots

UGG Australia ($205)

If this winter proves as formidable as last year’s, the lining will surely come in handy. Ah, toasty feet.

Knit beanie

The North Face ($20)

Is anything more classic (and practical) than a knit hat that covers the ears? Micro-fleece lines the itch-free beanie.

Fringe scarf

Polo Ralph Lauren ($60)

A touch of fringe adds texture to a wardrobe; a scarf overall helps protect him from the elements.

Mirrored sunglasses

Ray-Ban ($170)

Tinted lenses pump up the funk on the popular Clubmaster-style shades. (Reflections aren’t included.)

Jersey hoodie

Lacoste ($85)

The hoodie endures. A jersey-cotton version is lightweight enough for spring and suitable for layering during winter.

Quilted down jacket

Patagonia ($229)

Faster than you can say polar vortex, a down jacket reliably fends off Mother Nature when big-time cold hits.

Joggers

Zanerobe ($99)

“Joggers” — tapered pants with a dropped crotch — are making big waves (likely to grow only larger in 2015).

Eye-catching socks

Happy Socks ($12)

Shoes don’t get to have all the fun. Bright, patterned socks add pizazz — and make male ankles interesting.

Dress sneakers

Converse ($60)

Gym shoes, more stylish and versatile than before, work well with everything from jeans and joggers to — yes — suits.

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