Unlikely Style Inspiration: Dress like Your Winter Lip Balm

HOW TO WEAR A BALACLAVA

UNLIKELY STYLE INSPIRATION:

DRESS LIKE YOUR WINTER LIP BALM

BY VERONICA VICCORA

2.17.22

I'm sure we all noticed the curious trend taking over the Winter outerwear scene. A tight, hood-like hat that makes one look like a sexy human lip balm about to rob a bank: The Balaclava. I, for one, instantly fell in love. And after an Instagram poll, it seemed like plenty of other people had too. While some called it out for being a "micro-trend," I couldn't help but feel that the functionality of it made it an instant classic.

It's a glorious day when fashion and function actually meet in the middle. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for sartorial experimentation. Some of my favorite outfits don't make an ounce of sense but in the dead of winter, sometimes you just lose the will to wear that sheer micro-cardigan over your fur bra. You just want to wear whatever's going to keep you warm and cozy.

So when we start seeing a parade of style icons getting creative with something actually practical, that's when my heart really sings. I never saw the day coming when ski masks became chic, but by golly we've done it folks, and my frostbitten face is truly grateful.

My personal favorite way to style the balaclava you ask? Currently it's with this huge puffer coat. The bright red color is not only the same shade as the Carmex I'm slathering all over my dry crusted Winter lips, but it also breaks up the rest of the black outfit.

I guess the real beauty behind the balaclava is that it gets one's creative juices flowing. If something so objectively unfashionable can suddenly become fashionable with the right styling techniques, what else can we do with that power? Perhaps there's more room for functionality and comfortability in the fashion landscape than we previously thought. Perhaps, this can servea wonderful reminder that nothing is off limits when done artfully and that a little creativity goes a long way.

Or perhaps, in the words of my fiancee, "it's just a hat."

BALACLAVAS FOR YOUR MUSING PLEASURE