Apparently, I’m not the only blogger longing for sunshine, warmth, and flowers already. Since the MN winter may linger as long as April, I fear that I may be longing for a looooooong time. So, to distract me from my longings, let’s talk about the stylistic tools that make cold weather more bearable.
What is the one winter piece that you cannot live without?
For me? Tall boots. (I know that’s more of a category than a piece, but hopefully the judges won’t disqualify me.) Paired with tights, they make miniskirt wearage possible on subzero days. Underneath pants, they protect shins from biting wind. I can slog through slush without worry and still look stylish. Absolutely couldn’t do winter without ‘dem tall boots.
And yourself? What’s your single winter essential? You southern hemi readers, cuddle up to your air conditioners for a frigid jolt and see if you can remember what made LAST winter bearable.
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{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Like you, I also have a “category” – scarves. I own a vast collection of knit, cashmere, pashmina, cotton jersey, velvet, silk – all prints and styles. Once fall hits, I wear a scarf nearly every day. Not a fan of a cold neck yet, not a fan of turtlenecks. Scarfs fit the bill!
I was going to say scarves too!
Boots and Coats for sure. Love!
a kiss friend!!
Since I live almost at the base of the Alps I would say that boots are VERY high on my list but I would have to say that number one would be a GREAT winter coat. The kind that looks fabulous with everything, fits perfectly and most of all keeps you good and warm. I found one this year that fits toshe requirements perfectly and I receive complements on it almost every time I wear it. Which, in Bavarian winters is daily.
Well, it doesn’t get very cold in Florida, but for those “cold” days when the temps drop below 50, I love my red coat from Target. It makes me feel so good to wear a bright color while everyone around me seems clad head to toe in black.
For days when I know I’ll be out of doors for extended periods, I can’t live without by silk long underwear from Winter Silks. The pieces are thin enough to layer under anything and keep me warm so I can enjoy outdoor time with the dogs. My super secret tip? Try the silk sock liners! You will never have cold feet again – I guarantee it!
I’m so surprised no one has said sweaters yet! I have to have sweaters. They’re warm and cosy, can feel soft and demure but also funky and bold. Form-fitting or plush, I actually look forward to sweaters all year!
scarves! boots! tights!
…pretty much everything :]
Oh it is absolutely scarves for me too. My office building is set up so that the vents blow right on the back of my neck when I sit at my desk. And it isn’t hot air by the time it gets to me. I wear scarves around the office almost every single day. Brrrrrrr….
I have to go with a coat. Preferably dark-grey so I can mix scarves of various colours (tirquize, pink and suck) with it.
Neckwarmers. (Or are they called cowls?) Like a scarf-tube, or a hat with a hole in the top so you can pull it down over your head and around your neck.
Man. I’m not explaining this well.
I currently have four or five, in black, dove grey, white and an amazing red/navy knit.
They never unwrap like a scarf and they’re small enough to fit easily in a purse.
Also, where on earth are hats on this? Winter is only just getting started here and already I fear freezing winds in my ears.
I looked for the perfect tall winter boots this fall because my shorter boots weren’t keeping my shins warm enough, and in Minnesota, those boots get worn just about every day for months. I looked high and low and finally found the perfect pair at Nordstrom Rack. I got to wear them for about 3 days before my 14 year old daughter claimed them. Now she wears them every day, and they sure look great! So I made myself a pair of leg warmers from an old sweater and I’m very pleased with them.
Well, I’m in Florida right now, and it’s a balmy 80 degrees out (don’t hit me! lol!). But considering I grew up in an area that got cold during the winter, I had several favorite winter items! But my ultimate, hands down, was a good, heavy coat. The kind that goes down to my knees or slightly below. I had a couple knockout vintage ones that were perfect for bundling up in with a snazzy scarf and hat!
I have to go with hats and my Uggs which are shearling lined all the way to my toes-its hard to go without them!
Hmm, unfortunately my pick isn’t very stylish. But, now that I purchased my Mountain Hardware 600 fill down puffer jacket, I don’t think I could get through a winter again with out it. I covers my bum and has a hood I can take off. I absolutely love it.
I have collected quite a few scarves this year – pashminas, wool, cotton, etc… I wear them when I’m inside, too.
As a can’t-live-without item category, I would also say scarves, but my one and only most precious winter item is my black trench coat. It was really cheap from Zara, 100% nylon and not lined. BUT I’ve worn it almost every other day for the last 4 winters due to its amazing layering potential. I can wear it in a really warm day over a t-shirt, a chilly day with a knit cardigan, and even during a snowstorm with my fake-fur lined hoodie.
I hope it lasts forever!
Black DKNY tights. They’re warm, stylish and they don’t bag around your ankles. I have them in a few colors as well, but I wear the black ones almost daily,
The cardigan is key. Since my office can be freezing or scorching, I need it’s flexibility. I usually wear short sleeve shirts under them because my office is always too warm for long sleeves AND a sweater.
Then, of course, my Spyder Down Parka (See previous Man Fashion Interludes on this blog).
Cashmere lined leather gloves. I hate having cold fingers waiting for the bus.
I live in Southern California, so even though I do buy boots (originally from east coast – I need them when I visit “coldland”) I hardly ever wear them. It just seems like overkill, ya know? All we get is rain really – though it has been dipping into the 40s at night. Not really that cold.
For me it’s this cool long rainjacket with turnkey closures. It has a modish Cashin vibe but is more fitted. Makes me look skinnier than I am, and more pulled together than I ever will be. And less wet never hurts.
@ adventuresatmidlife – When I lived in NY I alway wore black DKNY tights too! They never ran and you could wear them for ages. That and big old combat style boots were standards.
My monk coat. Brown wool, comes to mid calf, sleeves are loose enough that whatever I wear underneath fits, and a big floppy face covering hood. I bought the coat in ’96 because I was graduating from college and needed an adult coat. I LOVE that coat.
I would have to say my Sorrels. I’m not too concerned with fashion when it’s -25 outside. I just want to be warm. I have a pair of great Sorrels that I wear with my cords or jeans and as long as my feet and hands are warm, I’m happy.
A wool coat. I have 4 I alternate between and I have to restrain myself from buying more.
So interesting that you have posted this Sal! I have a post coming out tomorrow that completely addresses winter syndrome and the clothing one cannot live without. Great minds think alike (and without frostbite)
Scarves or chunky knits, I can’t survive winter without buying one or two of each!! And with regards to the female spending, throughout the twenties and all the way until the fifties, in the average middle class home, it was actually the lady of the house who was in charge of finances and spending. She would keep the housebook and balance all the finances. In most cases it was the men who were earning, so Esquire believed it was emasculating that women were in control, although that being said, most men were prefectly happy with their wives being in charge of the numbers!!
Amen to the knee high boots, preferably brown leather with 2-3″ heels. I did without for a season b/c my calves got too chunky for, and I finally had to break down and buy a new pair that fit because nothing in my wardrobe worked without them!
I'm in Adelaide, Australia, I wish it was winter though. We're in the midst of a heatwave at the moment – >40C, I think that equates to something like >105F? I'm not really sure. But to answer your question, scarves, definitely. I cannot wait til winter.
Last winter it was my Soia & Kyo black trench. This winter I've been a lot less faithful.
My J Crew flannel lined khakis. I hate to tell you what year they’re from…or what decade. But oh so warm and comfy.
Since categories are acceptable, I am going to have to go with handknits. The colors and variety of my handknits make me happy and keep me warm, which means a lot in the bitter cold, grey Minnesota winter. Not to mention they also warm my lap while I knit them and they help justify my tendency towards winter hibernation by providing a sense of productivity while lounging about the house.
my puffy vests, stuffed with down. i wear them with everything to keep my core warm, hehe
Scarves! In fact I really miss them at the moment, it’s too hot for even my nice loose cotton ones.
Melbourne (Australia not Florida) is in the middle of a 40+ degree heatwave and it’s hard to even think about warm clothes.
But for winter:
My wonderful warm woollen cardigan.
knee high boots in many colours and heel heights
scarves
Doesn’t often get cold enough here for hats, but when I was living in the UK – hats were also a must.
I do also love my uggs – but they are SLIPPERS not shoes (we made them here for that purpose, and for no other).
It does get chilly in (usually) sunny Los Angeles, and when it does (like this AM – it was low 40s which, for here is cold because many apartments don’t have heaters) I appreciate my cashmere sweaters – they’re warm, comfy, look good with anything and are spiffy enough for going to work.
Ooooh I would have to say my scarf for sure. My lime pashmina scarf that my sister bought for my birthday years ago is now a staple. Failing that, nice toasty socks is a must!!
I’ve left you a blog award, check out my blog for the deets, but don’t worry about having to pass it on if you haven’t the time…I thought I would let you know! x
Um, a coat!
But apart from that obvious one, I would say scarves. In winter, by neck feels oddly naked without one and you can probably cope with just some thick jumpers if you have a lovely scarf to keep the wind off your lips and neck.
CARDIGANS. Zippered, buttondown, anything. Just as long as it covers my upper arms.
I don’t have tall boots (regrettably) but I do have an excellent pair of vintage like-new boots that come up to just below my calf. They’ve got the perfect chunky heel for keeping my pants above the ground–and the slush!
Leggings and slim-cut hoodies.
Trenchcoats. They’re warm, suitably imposing, and often damn near knee-length. I have them in black, tan, light blue/gray, and navy; all London Fog or BR, all bought at thrift stores for under $30 apiece.
well, I also don my shin-high black boots. I bought them for a song about 5 years ago when everyone told me that my motorcycle boots were the ugliest things ever. ha!
But..really? Probably a good solid winter coat is more necessary. Outerwear is one thing I splurge on; I always have ONE good winter coat. Wool, lined, heavy, and must be stylish as I wear it day in and day out.
My last one lasted me about 3 years of constant wear, and I found its replacement on sale, so this seems a perfectly suitable splurge to me.
I couldn’t be without all my pairs of black tights. I love wearing black skirts with black tights in the winter. I look a couple inches taller and don’t have to worry about finding a top the matches
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Puffy Vests! They leave your arms free and keep the core warm. On dressier days, definitely tights. I buy ‘em nice and big so they don’t bug me while I sit at my desk all day long…
Hi there-I have to say a scarf too!!
HOly Mother of God Sal! Comment number 43!! here.
Boots. And I am still obsessing about the patent leather Jimmy Choos knee boots in Harvey Nicks for half price. But such an extravagance!
xx
(and yet in summer I have a no covered toes policy that lasts until the end of September?? )
I’m gonna blog about this later today! Great idea!
Difficult…. turtlenecks and cardigans
xoxo
Had to comment on Imogen Lamport’s very correct statement – Uggs are not outdoor shoes really. They became trendy in the US because actresses started wearing them as slippers between scenes on locations. And then the tend started.
They are comfy – but too ugly to be shoes in my eyes.
I am completely disqualified from this discussion, so I’ll just listen to what others have to say.
Blazer oversize.
North Face 1/4 zip fleece tops (TKA) in every color
Black opaque tights. Can’t live without them, and it doesn’t even get that cold here in San Francisco. Just cold enough to make bare legs not quite the thing.
I am steadfastly loyal to DKNY opaque tights. I have worn them every cool season for mumble mumble years, even when they were declared to be out of style.