We suspect a lot of our readers are feeling the same way we are after this past weekend’s weather and subsequent black outs – a little frustrated and a little cold. More than anything else, it makes all of us worry a bit more about what this winter has in store! We hope we can help you get through the upcoming season with some accessory tips, which of course include scarves, gloves and hats. 

While both of us were trying to get dressed for the day in our cold, dark houses Tuesday morning, the goal was straightforward: Get dressed quickly. No one wants to stand around trying on clothes when your main focus is keeping warm.  So keep it simple by going with layered solids, and then accessorize with a bright scarf or wrap. Katherine has a good friend who always wears bright colors on grim days because she swears it brightens her mood.

It doesn’t sound like much, but sometimes a pop of color can be just enough to make your outfit. Scarves and wraps are everywhere these days – from Nordstrom to boutiques to the new Urban Outfitters at Natick Mall. If you want a unique piece, you may want to check out etsy.com for items that aren’t mass-produced. Given that one-size-fits-all, these are great gift items as well.

Hats are particularly trendy these days. We New Englanders tend to wear fitted, knit hats for warmth, but there are some great fedoras out there if you have the confidence and gusto to pull them off. Maria Bello’s character in Prime Suspect is forcing a comeback ... If you’re in Boston and want to check out a great store for hats, try Salmagundi at 765 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. The store has more than 7,000 hats, and husband-and-wife owners Andria and Jessen are great at making sure you find the perfect style and fit.

Gloves also come in all styles these days – from fingerless fleece to cashmere, leather, short and long. Wearing all black with some bright-colored gloves is both functional and fun.

For those of you looking for more bling while getting dressed, take the extra step of adding jewelry. A favorite look of ours is many bracelets up the arm. We were recently in the company of a woman who had bracelets covering three-quarters of her forearm. Not only did it look amazing, but there was a story and memory behind each one. Some were string friendship bracelets given to her by a friend; some were from her travels overseas through different cultures. All together, it was a great look and completed her outfit.

This doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – in your journeys, start collecting. String, silver, gold, rope – the blend of these works well. If this look feels too casual, put one or two cuff bracelets next to an over-sized watch – a perfect combination for office or a dressier night out.

Also consider layering with necklaces. A 16-inch necklace looks great in the nape of your neck, and put on another longer necklace with a different charm to make a statement that’s more interesting. Folklorica at 61 Union Street in Newton is a great jewelry shop for unique items. 

Just as we suggest layering when it comes to clothes, “layering” accessories looks good and is fun to do without breaking the budget.