Dressing for the colder weather means you need to start thinking of Oversized Sweaters, layers, warm boots, and comfy coats to help you wrap up against the elements.
Every state experiences each season differently, and the layers you need to keep warm in colder months in Florida are widely different than what you owls need in Alaska, for example, but regardless of how cold it gets where you live, being able to dress for the colder weather at home or when traveling can serve you well and keep that dreaded winter chill at bay.
Your cold-weather style can be just as much fun as your summer or fall style; you need to get creative with what you wear and how you wear it to ensure you look good, feel good, and are still lovely and warm.
When it comes to dressing for the cold weather, you need to bear the following tips in mind.
Three Layers
Think in threes when it comes to dressing for the cold weather. You need to be toasty and warm when the mercury drops and layering is your best line of defense against the cold.
Your base layer should always be something that will keep you warm but won’t make you sweat. Think leggings or a Merino wool top, for example. The middle layer should consist of an insulated fleece jacket or similar that keeps you warm, while your outer layer should be offering you protection from the elements, which would be your waterproof coat or jacket. This allows you to remove each layer when you enter buildings with the heating on or you become warmer.
Tight Fitting Over Looser Clothing
The looser your clothing, the more of the wind chill you will experience and the colder you will be. While there is nothing wrong with wearing a dress or a skirt in colder weather, you want to pair it with thick pantyhose or leggings for added leg protection and warmth.
The same goes for jeans, skinny jeans will keep you warmer than wide-leg or even straight-leg jeans and will balance out your oversized tops and jumpers, for example.
Swap Cotton for Wool
Cotton has amazing moisture-wicking and cooling properties, but this does not serve you well in the winter. Invest in woolen items and avoid cotton until the temperatures rise again. Look for clothing that has more insulation properties, which can keep you warm.
Think cashmere or merino wool for a more luxurious touch, and go handmade and choose a sweater that is made from chunky yarn you can wear over a thin base layer to help you trap the heat in the fibers so you can look good and feel warm.
Accessories with Hats, Scarves and Gloves
Much like you would use your sunglasses in the summer or your statement jewelry, belts, or caps to accessorize your outfits, do the same in winter. Don’t just make them utensils to keep you warm; turn them into accessories and make a statement. These elements can really help you to dress up your outfit even if no one can see what you’re you’re wearing underneath.
Weatherproof your Clothing
The last thing you want is to be caught in a downpour or be out in the snow, and your clothing or footwear isn’t up to the task. Always take your shoes or boots to be reheeled and weatherized to avoid getting soggy feet from holes or worn leather. If they’re they’re past repairing, then you need to look at investing in a new pair of footwear to see you through this season.
Test your coats out to make sure they are also going to be able to protect you from wet weather and keep you warm. You can use waterproof spray on your coats, and you should always check for holes and damage to ensure it’s in good condition and won’t let you down this winter.
Use Textures
Even though we’ve talked to base layers in this post and layering up, it don’t all have to be the same type of material. You can experiment with different materials if you wish while still following the tight clothing and three-layer rule. You can use leather faux fur, shearling, velvet, lycra, and more to help you build your perfect winter wardrobe and remain fashionable at the same time.
Socks and Tights
Socks are a vital part of keeping you warm, and you need to pay attention to the type of socks you wear when out in the cold for long periods. Long socks can help you to keep your legs warm under jeans or looser trousers, while thermal socks, wool socks, or, again, Merino can help to give you added warmth and heat during the winter. You can also layer up your socks like you would your clothing to provide an added layer of protection.
Tights can also be an extra line of defense against the cold oto. They’re not just for wearing under skirts; you can wear tights under jeans, trousers, and even leggings for an additional layer on your legs. The thicker the tights, the more warmth you can get from them. You can even buy footless tights or tights of 100 denier or more, which means they are thicker and more likely to keep you warmer (the higher the denier, the thicker the tights).
There is a lot to think about when dressing for the colder weather. The number of letters and the type of material will all depend on how cold your local area gets and the kind of weather you can expect come winter.
It’s always a good idea to go through your wardrobe before a cold snap hits to ensure you have appropriate items that will serve you well, and it can be a good idea to put away your summer clothing to make way for thicker, warmer pieces for the winter.
Don’t forget: layer up, avoid cotton, choose tighter fits, and ensure you’re wearing three layers to help you combat the cold and keep cozy this winter.