Published on 12, Jan 2023

Stylist and Photographer Leojeany Offers Styling Tips for Winter

Not many 18-year-old college students find themselves traveling the world to attend the fashion industry’s most exclusive events - but that’s exactly where Leo Li, originally from XinJiang, China, is headed. In February 2023, he’ll attend Milan Fashion Week, one of the world’s Big Four fashion weeks, and one of the most important yearly events in the industry.

When he isn’t globe-trotting, Leo Li attends college in Manhattan, where he is also building his fashion brand Leojeany. He serves as a stylist and photographer, and his work has graced New York City runways and has been seen at the city’s hottest clubs and cafes. Now he’s agreed to share his top winter fashion tips as the city of New York dons hats and coats and prepares for cold weather.

“Winter is the perfect time to experiment with layering,” Leo says. “It’s fun and chic to blend different colors and different patterns, especially if you’re willing to take risks. I always advise my clients to start off any outfit with a plain white tank, like the ones seen at Prada. It goes with everything and is a perfect base layer.” He adds that his other favorite base layer is the classic white button-up, seen with updated accents by designers like Tory Burch and Prabal Gurung.

He says that a huge trend this winter is the bomber jacket, especially vintage style and oversized versions, as seen at Isabel Marant, Raf Simons and Sacai. “We saw some really fun luxe versions of the flight jacket for fall,” Leo says, “by designers like Prada, Elie Saab, and LaQuan Smith. Embellishments, different fabrics - this is a fun silhouette that works for anyone.”

Erdem, Thom Browne, and Giambattista Valli all promoted skirt suits for a fun, flirty, and feminine alternative to trousers for winter 2022-2023. Leo advises pairing these suits with warm tights and the aforementioned luxe bomber jacket for a surprising twist on a classic.

“Something I think is really fun that’s trending this winter is the Zany Granny aesthetic,” says Leo. “Personally, I’m obsessed with bright colors - and this trend centers around brightly colored crochet. We’re seeing crazy knit pieces from Moschino, Etro, and Rosetta Getty, and I’m loving it. For most of my clients, I say don’t go head to toe - piece one quirky crochet piece to mix into your wardrobe.”

He adds that knits in general are, yet again, an important trend that is currently exhibited in the form of bulky Aran knit layers by Yohji Yamamoto, 90's-inspired twin sets by Chanel, chunky Fair Isle sweaters by Louis Vuitton, and thick sweaters paired with evening gowns by Molly Goddard. He says this trend lets you stay warm and cozy while looking chic.

“We’re also seeing a lot of eyelet detail, brightly colored stripes, and vests in varying lengths this season,” says Leo. “Chloé did a shearling and leather vest paired with white poplin dresses, and Christian Dior and Alessandra Rich both did really chic tailored waistcoats. They’re unisex and can add flare to any outfit - while adding another layer for warmth.”

Leo wraps up his winter fashion tips with a fun trend for holiday parties: sparkle, shimmer, and shine. “A fun sheen is no longer reserved for nighttime,” he says, “but it makes great party gear. Look at Chanel’s metallic bombers, Jil Sander’s shiny thigh-high boots, and Valentino’s gold sequin sweaters. And don’t forget your denim - not just jeans, but denim dusters and top coats as unconventional tailoring toppers.”

Website: https://leojeany.net/

Instagram: @leoliofficial