Wintertime in the Valley is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. There is a reason why the snowbirds flock to Scottsdale, and it may have something to do with the warm temps. Unfortunately, dressing the part seems to be a challenge for many, but thanks to Scottsdale Quarter’s Marketing Director Alison Goodman, we have great tips for looking your best during the winter months. Alison’s sense of style is on point and for the next three weeks she will take us to three different store’s located at my favorite mall to give us examples of outfits that you can use as inspiration to spruce up your wardrobe.

Last week, we featured Free People. This week, it’s the GAP!

I think my love for fashion first started with GAP advertisements. I dreamed of being a GAP kid but now that I’m older, my vision has evolved into being a walking GAP advertisement. Its clothes are fresh, clean, crisp and sophisticated. This season, I am definitely taking a page out of the GAP catalog and applying it to my winter wardrobe. Luckily, I don’t have to do too much research on the best ways to dress this winter, because Alison Goodman is giving us some excellent tips to fashion your GAP clothing to look your best this season.

look one

To say “gray is the new black” this season is an understatement. We’re seeing the color on everything from velvet skinnies like you see here to the classic quilted Chanel handbag (drool!!). Not only is this GAP outfit on trend – velvet is having a major moment this winter season as well – it’s comfortable and cozy. One of the best features of this ensemble is the striped waffle sweater – the knit and fabric makes it the perfect sweater for Arizona winters as it’s breathable and will keep you both warm in the shade and cool in the sun.

look two

Afraid to wear white after Labor Day? So passe! Winter white is one of the chicest ways to change up your wardrobe when the weather cools down – not only will you stand out in a sea of navy blues, blacks and chocolate browns, you’ll also have the perfect pieces to transition from winter to spring. Here, an off-white chunky knit sweater adds depth to the GAP outfit – another fabric that is huge this season. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a peach-hued scarf. Another perfect transitional piece.

look three

We’re back to basics in the trendiest of ways with this layered look from GAP, where peach skinnies add a girlie element to a masculine outfit. The major players here? A ’90s-inspired plaid button-up under a crew neck sweater and a nylon, quilted jacket – quilted fabrics are one of the biggest designs we’re seeing this holiday season. Another important key to this ensemble is the layering – a necessity during Arizona winters.