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Well, I got my snow alright, nearly a foot! Which is nuts for Virginia Beach! It's really beautiful, but I'm saying that from inside the house with a warm mug of tea. Thank you to the essential personal like hospital & power company workers that are braving this! As I'm inside today, I figured it was a perfect time to update the blog and bring you the latest post on dressing for cold, but still looking put together. If it sounds like this is for you, grab a snack & please read on. :)
Layers, layers, layers!- Layers are key in the cold, or if you're someone like me that gets overheated indoors and/ has to go in and out for work. Several thin & more fitted layers will keep you warmer than bulky looser ones. I find that less bulky layers also help my skin breath.
Base Layer-I usually like to use a fitted tank or tee for this that has some stretch/synthetic material incorporated to keep you warm. It also helps function like Spanx. A fitted long sleeve tee is an option, but I feel constricted sometimes with that as a base layer. Cotton on its own will not keep you warm so look for blends with synthetics like spandex & polyester. I also tend to tuck this in to my pants if its really cold. My top options-here, here, & here (so cheap on sale!).
Layers 2 & 3- This is usually when I'll add a lightweight turtleneck or tee if needed. It also depends how thick my sweater will be over top, or if the sweater will have a high neck. I love a nice thick sweater and one that isn't open in the front. Wool blends & acrylic are some of my favorites like here (available in stores) & here. Cashmere is lovely & luxurious, but I only own one because they tend to be pricier and will get destroyed at my job. Here's the updated version of the one I own.
Pants/Bottoms- I don't know about you, but jeans do NOT keep me warm! A skinny or fitted jean (without the distressing) is better than a flare or looser style, but if I am wearing jeans, I'll put a pair of tights underneath. If I can, I usually opt for a legging or even better, one that's fleece lined-great quality here! I'll typically put my socks on first so the leggings keep them from falling down.
Coats-Depending on where you live, this will vary. Wind resistant and water resistant outerwear is nice to have, but in Virginia Beach it's not usually a must for me. I tend to invest in a nice wool coat or a North Face jacket, because they really do work (check TJMaxx, as I often see North Face there cheaper, but not a ton of options)! I also love the quality & classic style options of J Crew (I save money by checking the outlet) and that you some styles come with "Thinsulate" lining- it keeps you warm, but still lets your skin breath. The fur trim on my hood is really more for fashion than necessity, but the hood itself is key since I don't always have earmuffs or a hat on me and they so easily get lost/forgotten! This is one of few garments where I look for pockets so I have a place for my hands and glove storage. I love that this J crew coat has the side angled pockets for your hands, but the snap top pockets so my gloves don't go rogue. Consider sizing up one in your coat to leave room for layers.
Accessories-Gloves, Hats, Earmuffs, are all key! Your body will protect the core because that's where your vital organs are. Your extremities need to be covered, because frostbite sets in within minutes. Have fun here and pick out accessories that express your style and make you WANT to wear them. I love hats & earmuffs with fun details like this & this-too cute! Mittens may be warmer, but if you need your hands, then gloves are a must. I like athletic gloves and ones that are tech friendly, so that you don't have to remove them when capturing those photos of your pets playing in the snow. :)
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| Meet Roxie & Violet-my fur siblings (we dried them off shortly after pics) |
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| Bo-he's loving it! |
Scarves- This is the time to break out the big cozy blanket scarves that everyone raves about. They can be wrapped around your head and neck and even loosely over your mouth and nose when the winds are bad & if you don't have a shield for your face. Have fun with these, because there are SO many options out there. My favorite as far as quality AND style are from J Crew and I usually buy mine from the Factory & Mercantile stores. These are the outlet stores for J Crew, and Factory is also online. You know I love a good deal!
Footwear- The thicker the better with my socks for the colder months. Those soft, cozy ones that mom gets you every Christmas, now's the time to bust them out. Consider getting your winter weather boots a 1/2 size larger to accommodate. As for the shoes, a duck boot is nice in rain, but I usually need my tall Hunter boots for snow and an abundance of rain, because you want to make certain your feet don't get wet-lessons learned the hard way... A snow boots will keep feet warm and the rubber soles will help grip and get through snow. Target actually has some really nice, affordable options! These are my top two for practicality & style-here & here.
Now I know this isn't all-inclusive, but these are just my personal tips and picks. Hope you found it helpful! If you'd like a more informative article that goes in to great detail about fabrics, I recommend this one-here.
Happy Styling & Stay Warm,
Ashley :)
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