I have been assured that summer will come to Lausanne and it will be glorious.  But when pressed as to “when??”, most of my fellow expats look to the side and mumble “soon” in a rather unconvincing manner.  In actuality, the weather isn’t too bad – and I enjoy spotting the many styles of Swiss winter fashion.

Although they’ve got the stereotype of being a practical people, I can’t always see this in their winter fashion. Boots are very popular for women, but not your typical water-proof mega boots that also have hidden jet-packs and space for a jack-knife.  Even in the coldest and sometimes wettest parts of winter, I’ve seen women in trendy stiletto boots or slouchy suede knee-highs.  It’s also difficult to find flat soled boots which is especially puzzling in a city with uphill cobble-stoned streets.

The important thing is to actually have boots – there have been times on the metro when I cannot spot a single person without a pair.   Though leather is common, I haven’t seen very many riding boots in the shop. Instead, it looks like a more chic cow-girl boot is the latest trend though styles with buckels or studs are also popular.

Swiss winter fashion

Jackets are another way to separate the tourists from the natives.  Of course the Swiss have winter parkas, but they don’t wear them unless they’ve also got their skis in hand.  Instead, the overcoat is popular, in a variety of styles though typically the cut is longer, probably as a shield against the ferocious wind.  The idea is to be as stream-lined as possible, chic and elegant.

As for color – the Swiss will wear any color as long as it’s black (or maybe grey).  I have seen quite a few fur coats as well but I rather think those are mostly worn by Internationals and not the natives.  Fur-trimmed accessories are, however, everywhere.

And yes – they do wear berets!

My apologies for not delving further into men’s fashion.  But I definitely owe you a male-related post in the future…

-B.C.Bodnar