CARIBBEAN-COOL: WINTER STYLE EDITION
Baby it’s cold outside! Photo Credit: Emeka Willis/Facebook.
Virgin Islanders, and people from across the Caribbean, have a natural flare for style. You’ll find this whether they live in the warmth of the sun back home or if they’ve relocated to other parts of the world where colder temps, especially this time of year, are the norm.
Confession: I love winter fashion, but I just don’t like winter weather. Some of you understand this. The cozy sweaters, the boots, the coats, the scarves—it’s all so chic and fun and fabulous! Cold-weather fashion offers a unique and exciting opportunity to showcase the creativity, individuality, and not to mention, practicality of one’s personal style.
You’ve heard the saying, “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” For the purposes of this article, we’re highlighting the winter style of six people with Caribbean roots, but who currently live in the proverbial “Rome” and have adapted their style for the climate. Some photos were submitted, others were curated from social media feeds, but they all tell the unique style stories of these islanders when temperatures start to drop.
Whose winter style inspires you the most?
Otto James | Miami, FL | Island Connection: St. Croix, USVI
While Miami doesn’t get as cold as other cities during the winter months, it can get chilly at times and Otto knows exactly how to bring the heat with his unmatched skill for mixing color, prints and texture effortlessly! Check out his latest spread featuring a rust-colored faux fur jacket over a solid black base and paired with animal print accessories [insert fire emoji!]. A single standout neckpiece, and designer shades and scarf complete the cozy look. No one does it like Otto!
Theron Thomas (rcity Instagram feed) | Global | Island Connection: St. Thomas, USVI (+ all USVI & BVI)
I’ve been enjoying the Facebook and Instagram feeds of the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer lately! I came across Theron’s seriously dapper look on the rcity Instagram page that is shared by him and his rapper/songwriter/producer brother, Timo. The two were being interviewed about their music and the conversation (hilariously) turned to the brothers surviving a zombie apocalypse. Wild and funny stuff! In between my laughter, I couldn’t help but zero in on Theron’s coat. So refined! Its warm, brown tones and semi-structured fit can take the busy musician from day to night in style as he expands his music empire.
Jaida Julien | Brooklyn, NY | Island Connection: Grenada
This Brooklyn babe is all about that sporty jump suit life paired with Nikes, the perfect look for any cool Caribbean girl living in the big city. Jaida, nor you, can’t go wrong with this ‘fit that also serves as a great transitional piece for when the cold weather starts to break.
Emeka Willis (Facebook feed) | Atlanta, GA | Island Connection: St. Thomas, USVI
Yes, girl! The head/neck scarf, the sweater, the gloves, the sunnies—Emeka isn’t playing with the cold nor with her style. Hers is a fabulous look that just screams comfy-cozy cute!
Kenesha Moorehead | Hampton, VA | Island Connection: St. Croix, USVI
Kenesha’s winter style is pretty and versatile. She’s mastered the art of mixing things up, while keeping it classy from head to toe. From a sleek, all-black turtleneck ensemble with knitted hat to a sporty look donning her team colors to a fun night out with sissy wearing a puffy white coat, leggings and shearling-lined boots, this Crucian Queen has checked all the boxes when it comes to A+ winter style.
Irma Graham | Phoenixville, PA | Island Connection: St. Croix, USVI
We love this unexpected combo of faux fur and African print! Who knew it could be done? Well, Irma did, and she executed flawlessly! This unlikely fabric/texture/pattern mix works because the items all incorporate brown/bonze/yellow tones and undertones, bringing cohesion to this cozy traditional look. Irma tops off her ensemble with a down-filled, bronze-colored coat—an item she’ll need to stave off the cold lurking just outside those windows.
