When it's this cold, you start noticing the details a lot more. Everyone is wearing some combination of pants and warm jacket; most of the jackets are brown, olive drab, or black. With those parameters set, the things that distinguish one person's "look" from another are color, pattern, and texture.

It's the rare person willing to devote the closet space to a brightly colored winter jacket, which can only be worn with a few things, so the quick glimpses you catch of the under-layers have to do all the talking. A pair of black pants, black jacket, and a black sweatshirt walk by you, and the red scarf and bit of shirt poking up through the collar have to convey all the information that the entire outfit usually would. The same goes for a checkered or striped sweater under a jacket -- black and white patterns go with everything, but they add a quick flash of style to what would otherwise be a flat wash of fabric.

I've never noticed the texture of people's clothing as much, either. Is your jacket leather? Fabric? Shiny, scuffed, or army surplus canvas? How about your scarf? Micro fleece, or a nubby knit? Hat -- patterned, solid, with or without tassles? These things have to stand out when people are covered to the knees in quilted overcoats.

I finally got to go shopping today. Picked up a vest, a scarf and two hats that don't fit. All the hats I've owned before were big and stretchy - it didn't even occur to me that I needed to try them on first. Also got a pair of jeans. I haven't worn jeans in two months. I feel like a total fashion queen right now.