An Ode to Winter Fashion

Clothing: Shoes, Coclico, Natali, $461, Jade / Jeans, DL1961, Florence, Riker, $178, Cameron Marks / Top, Maison Scotch, Boudoir Tank, $136, Cameron Marks / Wood Kimono and Scarf, Just Female, Blue/Plaid, $270, Cameron Marks / Maybelle Tote, $294, Corral Made, Corralmadeusa.com and Stripe / Deva Necklace, $175, Blank Verse Jewelry / Brass Rings, $28 each; Silver Rings $40 each; Rose Gold Filled Rings, $55 each; all Blank Verse Jewelry / Penelope Cuff, $37, Blank Verse Jewelry X The Penny Rose.

As temperatures dip, layers start to pile on. But Santa Cruz weather is moody, even in the winter, and that's why our model, Stephanie, is dressed for the season in Surf City. Here’s how to get her look.

Start from the shoes up. Wear a new kind of rain boot. This sleek and sophisticated, black leather heeled pair from Coclico is found at Jade. These daring boots elongate legs, are remarkably comfortable, and can be worn with all kinds of outfits, especially black skinny jeans to create a long silhouette.

These DL1961 jeans from Cameron Marks have a perfect, stretchy fit. Tuck them into boots, or for a fashionable twist, roll a tiny hem above the boots.

Now, add some color. While it’s the holiday season, this doesn't mean you have to fully embrace red and green. Do so in unconventional ways with this dark green, embossed-looking tank by Maison Scotch from Cameron Marks and this red-fiber/metal Deva Necklace from Blank Verse Jewelry. If the weather heats up (as it’s been known to do on random winter days in Santa Cruz), just toss off that big jacket and your look is still in place.

The statement piece: a bold jacket by Just Female. Plaid is big this season. But take it up another notch—go monochromatic and pile it on. This jacket comes with a bold, matching scarf that can be twisted in myriad ways to create a sculptural, fashion forward look.

Finally, your accessories: to complement this one-of-a-kind necklace from Blank Verse Jewelry, keep the rest of your baubles minimal but still eye-catching. The Penelope Cuff is a structural, minimalistic brass piece that grounds the look and a stack of brass, silver and rose gold-filled rings make everything playful. To round out the look, add a striking, sturdy, hand-made leather bag from Santa Cruz line Corral Made, which can store your iPad, holiday shopping finds and even a bottle of wine for the New Year.

About the shoot: Santa Cruz Waves magazine teamed up with The Penny Rose (a Santa Cruz fashion blog) to create this winter editorial fashion spread. Photographer Nick Chao captured these images during a photo shoot on West Cliff near Natural Bridges State Park, while Christa Martin styled and produced the project.

Crew: Photographer, Nick Chao / Stylist, Creative Director, Christa Martin / Model, Stephanie Armstrong / Makeup, Jillian Wilkey for Salon on the Square / Hair, Sheryle Pettet for Salon on the Square.