They brighten our spirits, make us laugh, protect us — and have been braving the Boston chill along with their humans. I’m talking (of course) about our dogs, and the need for a wardrobe update to make sure their outdoor ensembles are up to the winter weather — with style.
Canine fashion reached new heights this year, with designs far beyond the old blanket-with-armholes aesthetic. These days it means all kinds of creative and fun things to throw on the hounds, from designer duds and puffer jackets (yes, really) to hats (yes, also really) and Ugg-inspired booties (no joke).
And as you and your fur bestie settle in to watch the Puppy Bowl on Sunday, there’s bound to be some inspiration to indulge. Here are some ideas:
A Nordic pup’s hat to end all all hats: Our dogs will probably never *really* love wearing hats. Unless it’s a hat that feels comfortable for them and ties on, and doesn’t get in their way of seeing or walking, running, pooping … you get the point. So go for the unobtrusive Polar Pom Pom Hat ($20 on canadapooch.com). It ties underneath their chin, so it isn’t always falling off and annoying them. And the marled cable-knit with braided rope and tassel — not to mention functional ear slits — makes them look cuter than any ruggedly handsome guy in an L.L. Bean catalog.
A stunning classic tartan: Speaking of L.L. Bean cuteness, you won’t want to miss the Flannel Sherpa Dog Vest ($29.95 on llbean.com). In Natural/Royal Stewart, its bright red hues stand out against the white wintery snow, and make every Fido out there feel not only warm and hugged (the interior is a cozy fleece, kept on with an easy-to-take-on-and-off velcro belt), but also stylish.
A bright, sunny sweater: When your dog’s clearly feeling as bored with winter as you are and you could both use a boost of bright spring-y colors, put something on her that’s fabulously and unapologetically preppy, yet still has all the warmth of a winter sweater. Et voila: The Frisco Geometric Dog Sweater ($13.59 on chewy.com).
These boots are made for (dog) walkin’: No, you’re dog doesn’t need to have Ugg-inspired booties for all four feet. But life’s short — why not? The PawRoll Fashion WaterProof Boots ($33 for a set of 4 on pawroll.com) is the answer. They protect pups’ feet from the salt on snowy roads, and honestly, is anyone about to say they don’t look good?
An iconic yellow slicker: You have one; I have one. Why shouldn’t our best friend(s) have one? When the February snow turns to March and April rain, our canine companions are going to need a slicker, and ideally it will have the kind of bold, bright lemon color we’ve all loved wearing to cheer us up on a rainy day. You’ll find that in the Talon Raincoat ($75 on maisonette.com).
A slick puffer to be reckoned with: When those March rains (see above) turn back into late-March snow — and we all know it’s going to happen — you’ll need something both rain- and cold-proof for your little guy. I can’t stop thinking about how perfect the All-Weather Quilted Dog Puffer Jacket ($38.99 on blueberrypet.com) is for that occasion — and will also do nicely next fall, when you need to put it on again.
