QuiteLight asked this question eons ago:
… clothes that we can wear in COLD weather! I’m in Ontario, Canada (one of the warmer parts of the country), and so much winter fashion advice is useless because I would FREEZE to death in all those kicky fashion boots & “coats.”
I know it’s not exactly the dead of winter right now, but believe me, this is the best time to consider the clothes you’ll be wearing when it’s ferociously cold out. You don’t want to get caught in January with nothing but mid-weight fall layers to see you through the snowy weather. Let’s approach this question in two parts: What to have on-hand, and how to deploy it.
Now, I realize that you don’t all live here in Minnesota with me, so you may not feel the need to stock up on the same items that I do. But if you live anywhere that’s prone to cold, snowy, loooooong winters, many of these pieces should serve you well!
Tall Leather Boots
Cashmere Sweaters
Bright Silk Scarves
Blazers
Layering Tees
Quality tights: I will freely admit to getting most of my tights from Target, but I have a few quality pairs from Spanx
Lined, heavy skirts - Mine are generally wool, but even lined twill will do. It’s that lining that’s key – a thin, slippery layer that fits perfectly with the skirt, eliminating the need for a slip while simultaneously warming your nether regions. This season’s offerings are all minis, but many of my best lined, heavy skirts are from Boden in seasons past.
Lined, Heavy Pants - Same as above. Real winter pants are always lined.
Silk slips, pettipants, longjohns, camis and other layering pieces - Remember that thing about silk being magical? Well, that means it’s an ideal base layer, especially if you’re prone to shivering or work in a drafty office. Invest in real silk. It’s pretty, durable, washable, warm, and most of the items from Wintersilks are incredibly affordable.
Belts
It’s not all about the tools, my friends. You’ve gotta know how to use them. Here are some techniques I utilize to keep from looking like Randy from A Christmas Story.
Learn to layer: Layering scared me for years. I figured that with all of my natural lumps and bumps, piling on multiple garments would just add bulk. But there is an art to layering, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be AMAZED at the variety of warm, flattering, fun looks you can create.
Invest in a weather-appropriate coat: I grew up in Chicago and went to college in upstate New York, so when I moved to Minnesota I thought I knew what I was in for. I was positive that my lined wool peacoat would serve me just fine. And although I made it through two winters with that blasted thing before investing in a fitted, well-made down parka
Carry your shoes: Seems like a no-brainer, yes? But I think many of us overestimate the durability of our shoes and boots during cold weather. Moisture, temperature, salt, dirt, ice … don’t expose your fancy footwear to these elements. Invest in a pair of insulated winter boots, and carry your fancies in a tote.
For loads of other tips and tricks – including wearing dresses as skirts, the nude cami trick, layering tights, and how to make those tall boots earn their keep – click right here.
Other related posts:
- Reader Request: Flattering Winter Coats
- Layering Without Lumps
- Staying Stylish All Winter Long (also linked above)
- The Slushy, Sloppy, Dingy Tail-End of Winter ROCKS!
- Breaking Out of a Winter Style Rut
- How to do Formal When it’s FREEZING
Do you live in a cold climate? If so, what are your must-have items for a stylish winter season? Where do you buy them? How do you deploy them?
Top images courtesy J.Crew.
**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Sal, you mentioned WinterSilks a season or two ago and I have loved mine – I just noticed that they're having a BIG clearance sale on long johns (and other items)- time to shop!
I even layer my tights! I'll wear a thin pair under sweater tights on especially cold days, or two thin pairs on moderately cold days. It might sound uncomfortable, but it's not.
Thanks for the great tips!
This post is timely. I live in Scotland, and I've started to wear ski socks around the house and layer multiple sweaters. Keeping warm is my priority at this time of year, but it's nice to know I can put together warm outfits that look nice as well.
One of my cold-weather essentials is simply a good pair of gloves. Basic, yes, but they make a real difference to my comfort and I don't leave the house without them between October and March. They're also an easy, inexpensive way to accent an outfit. Sometimes I layer a thicker, larger pair of gloves or mittens over a thinner one, if one layer has failed to keep my hands from freezing.
Smartwool or cashmere socks. Can't survive without them. They are itch-free and comfy. Sahalie has some really cute knee-high cashmere socks that layer perfectly over tights and leggings.
Lands End has really affordable down parkas and jackets. I also prefer their silk long underwear to Winter Silks. My LE silks I've worn for years. The ones from WS have all snagged and run.
Merrell has some cute leather boots (the Tetra line) that are warm, waterproof, and fashionable.
I'm back in the Midwest from NY myself. NY is so not cold compared to the sometimes -20 temps we can get in the midwest. I barely have a winter wardrobe as I never used sweaters in NY. It never went below 30 degrees there! 30 is so not cold. This is very helpful for me as I need to learn to use what I have instead of buying new things.
Oregon doesn't get too ridiculously cold, but I agree with Frankincensy that a good pair of gloves makes a lot of difference. I have a nice pair of leather gloves that I just wear for driving to work in the mornings so I don't have to touch the cold steering wheel!
Hats are a good things to have too, since you lose so much heat out the top of your head. Plus it's pretty easy to find one that fits your style!
I live in Los Angeles, but I generally run cold. When I have to be outside on a cold day, I'll use black wash denim leggings under a dress instead of tights — or in addition to tights.
I live in the Canadian Prairies, so we know inclement weather (we're even bracing for our third blizzard of the season today)! I think toques, scarves and mitts are not something to cheap out on. And, of course, toques inevitably mean finding some way to make sure you don't ruin your hair in attempt to save your ears!
The one thing that I think should be added is the importance of skinny jeans at this time of year! There is nothing I hate more than not being able to tuck my pants into my boots comfortable, and either getting hot spots (if I prevail to tuck poorly) or wet bottoms of pants.
Your list is pretty thorough, but I also like having cute hats and gloves for winter. In MN, I think that a pair of practical, waterproof winter boots is a must have. It may not be the most stylish choice, but I like having warm feet.
I was waiting to see what winter would look like on this blog, because I can't wear skirts after about December 1 (15 this year, as fall has been absurdly warm). So I was hoping to see what other people do when they're stuck in the doldrums of Nothing But (wool, lined) Pants.
Clearly that's never going to happen! I think I'm just a colder-than-average person, and out of luck. By midwinter I am wearing long johns under lined wool trousers, and bitter even then. (And then hot when I get inside, but I can take the long johns off.)
One of my primary problems in winter is boredom: Nothing But Pants, Sweaters Alla Time, etc. I've been able to vary the shapes of my sweaters (I have two wraparounds that work; as well as a cropped cardigan) in addition to using jackets, and that's helped a lot.
Very wise picks Sal! I'm a big fan of earmuffs to keep my ears warm but without the hat head! I also stash gloves all over since I tend to lose them so I pick up pairs cheap at thrift stores and keep an extra pair in my office, car, and purse! Just in case!
I'm amazed by how many women I see wandering around downtown in the snow in heels… I've seen enough people fall (and being a bus rider – have seen several people in impractical shoes slip and slide UNDER the BUS while getting on the bus to wear my boots every day. I don't care how it looks!)
One word: Thinsulate!
It's a thin, lightweight insulation that makes whatever it's in warm enough for sub zero temps. I have 2 wool coats lined with Thinsulate from J. Crew and they are as warm as my puffy down coat but no bulkier than a standard wool coat.
I'm a Minnesotan, born and raised, and I have to admit that I don't have much of a selection of cold weather gear. No wool socks, long underwear or anything like that. I'll wear dress boots and tights when it's below zero. Winter boots are reserved for shoveling the driveway. I guess a lifetime here makes you crazy!
I admit I laughed when you said "It's not the dead of winter right now" because where I live in Canada (just east of the Canadian Rockies) we got three feet of snow in the last two days, and it's minus 20C aka 4F below. January will sometimes get down to -30C, but for all intensive purposes, winter is here in full force.
To be honest, I find that my stylish priority shifts in winter. I like to look nice, but it's ESSENTIAL to be warm.
So I don't wear skirts much, because even several layers of tights and a lined skirt don't cut it when you're walking the dog and there's a biting wind outside (which was the case yesterday).
Leather boots simply don't have the traction I need since I'm a bit of a klutz on ice, so it's my trusty Sorels for me. I have yet to see a toque that's actually stylish.
Instead, I have fun with color and a bit of kitsch. My Sorels aren't pretty, but they're PURPLE and I love them. My toque is over-the-top: it's red and white with a Canadian flag and a pom-pom and goofy Pippi Longstocking braids at the sides, and it makes me smile every time I bring it out. Bright-colored thick knit socks also make me grin.
It's funny, but my winter self and my summer self dress in two very different ways. My winter self likes colorful tunic length loose turtleneck or cowl-neck sweaters, goofy striped toe-socks and my Mickey Mouse watch. Then in the spring I start channeling Katherine Hepburn again.
Dionne: DANG. I do not envy you, lady. That is a lot of snow for mid-November!
As another Prairie Canadian who is chiming in I would highly recommend wool tights or wool leggings under skirts. Most of my winter skirts are wool (all vintage thrifted so really high quality wool), anything else is just plain old cold. I also recommend a decent winter coat and by that I don't mean a cute wool coat with no lining, last year I bought a really stylish down parka and I am rarely cold in that. I have two pairs of winter boots from Timberland and although they aren't as warm as Sorels they are pretty good as long as it is not below -30 celcius (not sure of the farenheit conversion, but below o).
You don't have to resort to pants only in the winter, but you do need to be willing to hunt up the clothes that will look good and keep you warm.
Patricia
I can't say enough about wool hats to keep warm. I have a couple beauts I bought from a Canadian milliner that I always get compliments on.
My second favorite pieces are wool, silk, or cashmere scarves. It makes more sense to me to not stock up on a lot of turtlenecks, but to "scarf" it!
This past winter, my heavy silk longies from Wintersilks didn't keep me warm enough, so I am pining for Smartwool and a few pairs of wool tights.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned here about keeping warm is something that I learned from my snow-camping husband–hydration. If you are chilled, but sufficiently dressed for the weather, it may be because you are dehydrated. If you stay hydrated by drinking lots, especially warm liquids, you won't get chilled easily.
I also layer my hose and wear opaques under my jeans. It's very effective.
I’ve found that the right coat (heavy wool or puffer) is the number one item I need when it's bitter outside – to layer OVER it all. Plus hat, wool scarf and fleece lined gloves.
I also swap out my shoes if I have to. Wear ice and snow boots for the commute – swap out to booties indoors.
Coming up on my 7th Chicago winter, I definitely appreciate your tips! To that I'd add long underwear (such as Winter Silks, which I see mentioned here in the comments). This is especially important if you have pants that aren't lined, such as jeans. I've even been known to wear tights and long underwear underneath my pants.
Totally agree on the importance of a good quality coat. My heavy winter one is down and goes to my knees. I see way too many girls walking around town in pea coats that barely hit their hip in January and February, and they must be freezing. Make sure the coat has warmth AND length.
Hmm, well after six years in Boston after moving from the Bay Area in CA, I have found that wearing tights/ silk long underwear under my jeans is key – it really diminishes the affect of the biting wind. Also, I really stock up on cute wool/ cashmere sweaters, especially the cashmere, it feels so wonderfully decadent and soft!
Also, last year I found a long down puffer jacket by Calvin Klein which is completely fantastic. There is enough tailoring so that I don't feel like a whale but I started using it two winters ago and I've never looked back!
I'm from the metropolitan DC Maryland/Virginia area and although my New England friends laugh at our winters, I am exceptionally thin-blooded and FREEZE each winter.
I have been on a mission the past couple of years to learn to dress warmly. I'm more of a pants girl than anything so my plan is to buy a bunch of warm tights and wear them under pants. I use camis a lot but thank you for the idea of layering tight fitting tees underneath as well. Great tips as always!
Tall leather boots? Er, no. I'm also in Canada, and in winter, I carry my tall leather boots into the office, and put them on inside, after taking off my warm, Thinsulated, Guaranteed Water Resistant Cougar winter boots.
Wearing a pair of tall leather boots outside, in Ontario anyway, is a good way to say a sad farewell to a few hundred dollars in a couple of months — the salt will DE. STROY. leather, no matter how much protectant you put on them or how careful you are about cleaning them at the end of the day. I know. I've been there.
Other essentials: a real coat that covers the butt, a hat (I've gotten over my high school reluctance to ruin my hair, after figuring out how much difference hats make to warmth), a pair of warm but not too nice gloves (what is it? I can keep a pair of cheap gloves for YEARS. Someone gives me a beautiful pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves, and I lose one in a parking lot somewhere on their third trip out!), skirts over pants, and large scarves that can be used as shawls.
My winter style, at least when dressed for the outdoors, is sort of "urban nomad".
CompassRose: I think tall leather boots are a winter essential for their warmth and protective properties, but agree that most pairs shouldn't be worn for heavy snow/slush slogging. I carry mine to work as well, as I indicated in the last round of tips!
Well, being a native Finn, I take pride in my ability to dress warm when the weather gets cold.
It really is all about layering, proper shoes (it is shocking how you can wear a ton of warm clothing but feel cold if you don't have proper shoes on) and the right coat. Hats and gloves are essential.
I am not a fan of fur by any means, but I do have a vintage fur hat that my mother brought back from the Soviet Union ages ago. It is the warmest piece of clothing I have ever worn, and despite my issues with fur, I occasionally wear it if the weather gets freaky cold.
Yet another Canadian chiming in (northern BC)! We're already well into winter, as it's -14C outside right now (6F). My major tip is wool. Everywhere. In everything. I don't know how vegans survive up here, because I don't find synthetics to be nearly as warm as natural fibres. For example, acrylic is useless. Yesterday I wore a skirt and walked to work, which is 25 minutes each way, and the only part of me that was cold was my face. Every other part of me was covered in at least 2 layers of wool, from coat to socks. In particular, I'd recommend wool tights instead of regular ones. Yesterday I wore a pair made by Hue that are 20% wool, and for $30 that isn't bad. My sister in Montreal has a pair of 80% merino longjohns from Mountain Equipment Co-op that look just like leggings and are super warm.
Like others have said: hats are your friend. I don't really like the look of hats on me, so I cover my head in a scarf when I'm outside. A colourful long scarf over the head and wrapped around the neck can be quite cute and it doesn't give you hat-hair.
Unlike some of the other Canadians here, I do wear my leather boots in the snow. The key is warm wool socks under it and treating your boots very very well. Once a week I clean the salt off with a vinegar solution and polish and reseal them. This is their second winter and they're starting to look a tiny bit scuffed on the toes, but it's not too bad.
Great suggestions! What do you suggest as durable, insulated boots for commuting through the elements???
I have long legs that don't fit well in tights as the crotch always ends up at my knees. I have found layering footless tights or leggings with thigh-high sock solves my problem. The leggings keep the thigh-highs up and my legs stay very warm.
What a great post, Sal! I'm spoiled living here in Georgia where it's pretty mild, though when the weather does get super-bad I'm usually so unprepared in my un-insulated peacoat.
I'm curious: Do you have any tips on how to weather-proof leather boots?
- JoAnn
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thank you so much for the link to WinterSilks! I *must* have some black slik petti-pants and now I know where to go for them.
I'm also a big fan of Target's knee high socks. lots of fun colors, great under slacks and easy to wear to stay warm.
Another far northerner here (US/Canada border) and a fan of winter despite the cold
I follow a lot of the tips mentioned here (silk longies, wool everything, lots of layers, Sorels) and just decide to be warm over being fashionable. I DO wear brightly colored hats and scarves to pep thing up a bit, and I do the "quick change" from outside clothes to inside clothes (take off layers/boots/hat, put on cute shoes/boots, etc).
My mother bought me this winter coat as a holiday gift and it is truly the warmest AND nicest looking parka I have ever owned:http://www.landsend.com/pp/ChevronDownCoat~212608_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::SPB&CM_MERCH=search-_-chevron&origin=search
It's got some shaping, so you don't feel like a big puffy orb, the sleeves have hidden fleece cuffs to keep up out the drafts, and the hood is HUGE and warm. The length really keeps most of me warm and out of the wind too.
Yes! I live in Saskatchewan, Canada (which feels like the coldest. It's only -15C but we just had a blizzard all day!) and we need these tips to survive… and look cute!
I walk about a km to work and I'm having a really hard time finding warm winter boots that have enough of a grip on them that do not look like something my stylish yet 85 year old grandfather would wear…
hurrah for layering and bundling up so only your eyes can be seen (except of course when your eyelashes freeze shut… this is a real and regular thing)
What a timely post!! We just our first good snowfall in Edmonton this week and while of course instinct says Dress Warm, my inner beautiful says Dress pretty
Thank you!!
Fiona
A New Me
Ha! I love a good post that brings out all of us Canadians. I am a born and raised Manitoban and it gets pretty freaking cold here as well in the middle of winter. So far we've been lucky enough with our November as tonight is our real first snowfall. Can get down to about -45C with wind-chill when its really bad so I am glad to hear more suggestion.
I have always wondered about the fashionable jackets and the nice leather boots and how exactly to wear those when you are climbing over snow drifts to get to your car. It is nice to know that its okay to bring them with you instead of wearing them to work/school because I always felt a little silly.
I have yet to have disposable income to be able to buy all of these essentials but when I do, I have this page bookmarked for referencing
Canadians unite!
Sal, one of the reasons I really enjoy your blog is that I like to see how someone else dresses in a cold climate! Staying warm probably occupies 90% of my mental capacity at any time during the winter.
I grew up with mild Cincinnati winters but then moved to cold, snowy Michigan. I also have very low blood pressure and poor circulation. I can go all day without my hands ever being warm.
My tips:
1. Silk sock liners. I wear skirts all winter with tights/leggings and tall boots. So sock liners + thin wool socks + tights + boots + thick wool skirt = warmer than pants.
2. Stay active. I have a Lhasa apso who LOVES the snow, so I bundle up like a deranged snowperson and we go run around outside for half an hour or more. So doing that when I get home from work, or going to spinning class, and I'm actually warm all evening.
3. Stabilicers. My husband broke his leg last winter when he slipped on the ice. Trust me, $20 Stabilicers are a LOT cheaper than ankle surgery. Plus, they're embarassment-free because you'll never fall!
Adriane: Oh gosh, I've been wearing a pair of North Face boots for years but I HATE them and recently started using my Sperry Topsider wellies, which are actually quite warm … but we'll see how they fare when temps dip below zero. (http://apcontestsgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/11/sperry-topsider-review-and-giveaway.html)
However! Got TONS of recommendations from readers over on the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/alreadypretty#!/alreadypretty/posts/149030871809468
You all have some great ideas. For staying warm in the coldest of cold, it really doesn't get any better than a down jacket. It feels like I'm waking around in my sleeping bag! Just remember a shell for any wet or slushy conditions (wet down= no bueno).
I live in West Virginia, so it doesn't get too painfully cold (not below zero F, typically), but I still have to make the 30 min. walk to University every day.
These microfiber tights are soft and durable, and come in tons of fabulous colors. They take care of my needs well into December.
http://www.welovecolors.com/Shop/LycraSolidColorMicroFiberTights.htm
Wool is amazing. Cashmere is nice for special occasion clothing, but I swear by merino for every day. It's machine washable!
Hansel from Basel has some slightly pricey, but adorable wool blend tights. I managed to snag some on sale at anthro last spring. The only downside is that they run small, so plus sized girls are out of luck.
http://hanselfrombasel.com/
http://www.rei.com/product/802091?preferredSku=8020910033&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-8020910033&mr:trackingCode=AFD4EA94-AB99-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
Smartwool tights are on sale at REI! I <3 smartwool. I've had my heavy weight hiking socks for 3 years and worn them hard through many a backpacking trip and university commute, and they're showing no signs of giving up.
http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html
Icebreaker has lots of cute merino options too — from long johns, to camis, to dresses.
More outdoorsy stores are likely to have wool dresses, which I loooove in winter. Check out stores like Sahalie, Backcountry.com, Athleta, Patagonia, etc.
I also adore my Bean Boots.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43281?feat=609-GN1
They're made in the USA, and I think they're kinda cute in a dorky way
If wool makes you itch, try layering silks underneath.
PaisleyApron also made a great point about hydration. A lot of the time we don't feel as thirsty when it's cold, so drink up! Dehydration out in the elements is a great way to get hypothermia.
I also love going XC skiing with my St. Bernard. That's not really a cold tip, but seeing how happy the snow makes him puts me in a good mood (hooray for banishing winter blues).
Sigh… if only I could make a university-wide public service announcement that a Northface fleece, barely opaque leggings, and Uggs are not sufficient attire for blizzardy weather.
thank you for this post! (and all the comments!!) I just moved to Minneapolis and have been trying to figure out what the heck to do to prep for the winter. This is very helpful!
I am THRILLED! New ideas! I can't believe I didn't know about silk as a thermal layer!! And layering my many, many tees, and lined garments, and….
I live in my belted, slightly cropped North Face parka & Sorel boots, the same brands as my crazy sub-zero dogsledding gear. I was so thrilled they made warm, non-ugly stuff!
I've got enough new ideas to go on for years! Now, to come up with the loot to do all this shopping…
Great post!
My top three winter online stores that fit right in line with this post are:
Lands End for fleece-lined, shaped down coats.
Zappos for La Canadienne boots. I have yet to own a pair, but I am convinced they will solve all my winter boot problems.
WinterSilks for underthings. You and Cynthia from Be Fabulous Daily are both so right!
Again – excellent post!
Long time reader, first time commenter.. had to chip in when I read tips from other Manitobans (or in my case… former,.. I now live in balmy Toronto!).
I still have no idea how I lived though so many Winnipeg winters as a teenager refusing to wear boots (just my black Docs), a hat, or a "proper" hat. My leather motorcycle jacket was really warm though! The short skirts worn with black tights? Not so much. I would only wear black earmuffs, until that fateful day the plastic cracked due to the cold as I got off the number 10 bus…my ears were white by the time I got home.
Too much frostbite from those years mean that I now have an extensive collection of warm tuques, mittens, and scarves. I also have "winter boots" which are different from "nice boots". You wear your winter boots to walk/take the bus to work, and then you take them off at work/home/your friends' houses, and put on your shoes.
I can also recommend lined wool skirts and pants, layers of wool (silk tank top under fine wool turtlenecks under heavier wool cardigans under your winter coat…) and legwarmers for shorter skirts.
Some of my thinner-blooded friends have also recommended layering tights, wearing long johns over tights to work and then taking them off… and of course, putting on a layer of fat for the winter.
I find that having warm ears, toes, and fingers makes the difference to me!
Rebecca in TO
PS My mother swears by her "yak traks" which she slips over her boots… she can walk confidently and without fear of falling in icy Ottawa..
When it’s really cold, I layer panties, wool tights, thick knee-high socks and hotpants/cycling shorts/woolen shorts under my pants.
A tip for the upper body that hasn’t been mentioned, I think: I use strapless tube-tops for bulkfree layering. You can wear them over your bust like you would in summer, but also under the bust, which is even slighty figure-forming, fold them and use them just as kidney-warmers, tuck them into your skirt or pants, or pull them down over your pants/leggins and create the illusion of a skirt or dress. I like them because I love sweaters with a low neckline as they flatter my face, but I don’t like everybody to see how many layers I wear underneath, so I use the tube top as an extra layer under the bust.
Ups, I just realized that “panties” means “underpants” in English. Although I obviously wear them, that was not what I wanted to say. I meant that I wear one layer of very thin, slightly transparent tights (are those called pantyhoses?) and above another layer of those thick woollen tights. Just for clarification.
Ah, jargon! Yep, sheer tights are often called pantyhose.
Oh god, been there! I also live in Ontario and I agree that most “winter” advice is completely useless and couldn’t possibly hold up living here. I’d add that I wear a black Ralph Lauren turtleneck under almost everything all winter, and I layer knee socks over tights which has proven a life saver.