How to Stay Warm in Winter Without Sacrificing Style
“But wait!”, you say, “It’s not Winter yet!” And, you are correct that it is not officially Winter yet. We won’t be officially in the Winter season for another 33 days to be exact.
Here though, it is Winter all right, and has been for 18 days now. It started snowing on October 31 (just in time for the little kids to go trick-or-treating out in the snowdrifts) and it hasn’t stopped yet. Well, it hasn’t gone away yet, and every morning when I look out the window, I see more snow to shovel off of my walkway. So, it’s safe to say that Winter is here, for now at least. Despite the fact that Winter comes every year, and that historically we get snow in October, every year I am caught off guard, and there are a few days there where I think to myself, “Wait- what? Snow? How do I dress for this?” And so I just end up throwing a winter coat, and boots and scarf over the top of everything without any real thought as to creating an outfit.
Now, the real question we must ask ourselves, when the temperatures have dropped below zero, is: how do you dress for the cold, when the aforementioned “hobo style” isn’t quite the look that you are going for? I present to you this outfit, which is a testament to the vintage lover’s desire to be dressed in some semblance of fashion, while also desiring to keep at least slightly warm. This is the first “real” outfit I put together since the climes dropped, and everything I wore here was chosen mainly because of it’s insulating properties. So, here are my cold weather tips for those who don’t want to sacrifice style for warmth. Yes, most of these are obvious, but I thought, why not share them anyways?
- Turbans are a good cold weather choice, because they can be tied over your ears, and are much prettier than your average toque. I actually wore two scarves here, one tied over my ears and the other over the top for decoration. You can tie a turban with a warmer fabric than a thin silk scarf, and you can also get pre-formed turbans which are knitted, or made of velvet, mohair, wool etc. and those would be very toasty warm! (I don’t have one myself . . . yet!) Other options for keeping your head warm are berets, worn pulled down over your ears like this, or thicker scarves worn over your head and tied under your chin. Sometimes, I wear my scarf and pull it up over my head like a hood, if it isn’t too cold out, but there is a bit of a breeze.
- Wool coats are the best. Really they are. If you are at all thinking of going outside in the cold this season, get yourself a 100% wool coat, and you will not regret it. Lots of modern/reproduction winter coats are made of synthetic blends, and they do not even offer a fraction of warmth compared to pure wool. If you can, get yourself a vintage coat, especially a long one, and you won’t be cold. This one, from the 80’s, is made of cashmere and wool, and it is one of the best thrift store purchases I have ever made. On mild winter days, this coat is even almost too warm to wear.
- A fur collar. Does a fur collar keep you warm? No, not really, unless it’s a beaver hood or something known for it’s super insulating properties. But, it looks pretty! And it gives the illusion of warmth! And, if you aren’t going to wear fur in the Winter, just when are you going to wear it? I am not wearing it in these pictures, but I actually wore a scarf underneath the collar to keep warm, and threw the fur over top to add the “glamour”.
- Nice winter boots. I love my pumps and thin leather shoes, but come winter, unless you want your feet to turn into blocks of ice, winter boots really are a must, and insulated ones are optimum. These boots I bought a few years ago, are lined with a layer of “Thinsulate” (which is essentially useless if you are actually out in a blizzard) but if you are just walking around town, they are great! They keep your feet warmer than shoes, and, they look a lot nicer than those clunky, rubber winter boots (that you will wish you were wearing if you get caught in an actual blizzard).
- Layers are good. Here I am wearing several layers: tights, a long wool skirt, (with a slip under that) and a long coat over top. There’s only about 2 inches of exposed leg (covered with tights, but not the skirt and coat, I mean). And on the top; a blouse, then a cardigan, and then the coat. Rather than getting a buffalo robe and swaddling yourself in that (which some days admittedly does seem like a good idea) build up warmth with layers so you don’t end up looking like a stuffed penguin.
- Pockets are another wonderful thing. If your hands get cold, even while wearing gloves or mittens, you can just stick them in your pockets to warm them up. I once had a winter coat that didn’t have pockets- it was the worst coat because my hands were always freezing when I wore it! I also once had a coat that only had pockets over the chest. That was an awkward place to have pockets. I know they were supposed to be decorative, but what is the point of having only decorative pockets on a winter coat?!?!
Well, there are my tips for dressing for Winter, brought to you today from one cold Canadian! So, how did this outfit hold up during my walk to church that morning? Well, for the two blocks going south, it was great! The six blocks straight into the wind wasn’t so lovely, however 🙁 But, even though my face got a bit frosty from the wind, I was actually surprisingly warm and it was a relief to take my coat off!
So, what do you do to stay stylish in Winter but also warm? Is it “Winter” yet, where you live, or are you still enjoying Fall?
November 19, 2017 @ 6:54 am
Thank you for your guide, Nicole! It is very helpful for me, since I’ve really only visited places with winter snow and now I live in one of those places. We haven’t had snow come down off the mountains into the valley yet, but the temperatures have been low enough to freeze puddles at night and during the day they hover at the lowest temperatures I ever faced in California winters, so I am already wearing my winter coats. I’m finding that fleece-lined tights are nice and warm! And lined leather gloves are warm, too. And that wearing petticoats keeps my legs warmer too, because of the extra insulation, I suppose. . . I hope I can manage in the snow. I need to sew some more wool and flannel quickly!
November 21, 2017 @ 9:45 pm
I didn’t think that any of my tips were that good (hence the title of my post) but I am so glad to hear that they are helpful to you! For sure it is a big change going from the heat of California into snow. You’re absolutely right- I have a pair of fleece tights, and a petticoat really does add insulation as well. I find that my layers of tights, slips and skirts in the winter are warmer than the jeans that everyone else is wearing 🙂
I hope that you can keep warm stylishly this winter!
November 19, 2017 @ 2:18 pm
Great advice! I go through the same process when the weather starts to turn cold, learning how to dress myself again, and I agree with everything you said here. Cashmere sweaters and wool coats are definitely where it’s at!
November 21, 2017 @ 9:47 pm
Yes to wool sweaters, especially when they are cosy cashmere! Glad to hear that I’m not the only one who panics wardrobe-wise when the weather turns cold 😉
November 19, 2017 @ 2:53 pm
Winter truly has arrived with you! That seens early compared to the UK. We rarely get snow before Christmas. We’ve had a few frosty mornings so far. Last weekend on the coast was the worst – biting wind, it felt below zero. I always dress for the cold by adding layers underneath – slips, like you suggest, or thermal tops. Then you can wear relatively usual stuff on top. Hats are essential – I’m a beret girl! You look so stylish in your turban x
November 21, 2017 @ 9:50 pm
Thanks Porcelina! This is the first year I am really experimenting with wearing turbans for warmth, not just lazy hair days 😉
And, it must be so cold for you on the coast- places with humidity can seem a lot colder even when the temperatures are warmer- so even though you don’t have snow, I’m sure it’s feeling like winter!
November 21, 2017 @ 6:34 am
It’s all about fleece-lined tights for me… I have so many pairs now and they are the only way I’ll wear skirts and dresses in the depths of winter! That and fitted boots that can’t get cold air trapped down the backs of them… I never really put two and two together about wool coats – I’m not sure I own even one. Stupid modern cheap-ass coats!!
November 21, 2017 @ 9:55 pm
Yes to the fleece tights! I have a pair of black ones, and they are so warm. I never thought about fitted boots being warmer, but yes that makes sense- slouchy boots just wouldn’t be very warm, would they?
And, that’s the reason I don’t own a modern winter coat anymore (I have had them in the past), I have learned through the years that they just aren’t as warm. (That and they often pill like crazy!) I would definitely recommend looking for a modern wool coat, or a vintage one if you can find it! It is well worth it!
November 25, 2017 @ 4:55 pm
I always try to keep warm when I go out. I must have my ears covered or I get terrible pains in my ears. I mostly wear jackets.
Marilyn
November 26, 2017 @ 8:48 am
I have to have my ears covered too- otherwise the wind causes ear aches. I hope you can keep warm stylishly this winter, Marilyn! 🙂
November 27, 2017 @ 9:52 am
Great advice! I built up a huge collection of vintage coats, mostly made up of wool, leather, and fur to stay warm in Portland. I sold many before moving to California, but still have a ton that don’t get too much wear.
xoxo
-Janey
December 1, 2017 @ 10:16 am
That’s too bad you don’t get to wear them often- but on the other hand it’s probably nice to have warm enough weather that you don’t have to 😉
November 28, 2017 @ 12:41 am
I swear by my vintage wool coat. You are 100% right. Synthetic, modern coats just can’t compare on warmth, or style in my opinion. I struggle to look put together in winter, warmth is so important, but I try, especially on sunny, dry days. You look very put together, I can only imagine how cold it is where you are, with all the snow.
December 1, 2017 @ 10:18 am
Thanks Christina! It was pretty chilly the day of these photos, but today actually we’ve had a change in the weather and it’s actually quite warm and light coat weather!
Your red winter coat, which you made last year, is the epitome of vintage cold weather style- as long as you wear it, you will definitely look “put together”! 🙂
November 28, 2017 @ 2:44 am
I’m one of those people who is always unprepared for the seasonal changes and forgets how to dress. And winter in style is always tricky – although you probably wouldn’t find our winter temperatures too cold at all! These are great tips – I like the idea of the two-scarf turban for extra warmth. And really, why are there any coats anywhere in the world without pockets???
December 1, 2017 @ 10:20 am
I agree- why would a coat not have pockets! It’s ridiculous really. I’m glad the tips were a bit of help to you- so hopefully you can stay stylish this winter- which is not for many months for you, I realize- you’ll be super prepared come winter! 😉
October 27, 2018 @ 3:52 pm
While I always try to prepare myself for the cold season, I always have problems with my winter styling. I was just looking for a few hack to help me get through it this season and I gonna try some of your styles, especially the Turbans. I haven’t been a fan of them but I want to try something new this season
October 30, 2018 @ 9:51 pm
I’m glad you were able to pick up a few tips for cold weather dressing and I hope that the turbans work out for you. It’s always fun to try new styles!
December 5, 2018 @ 5:09 pm
When you mentioned that one can wear a turban in order to cover one’s ears and head from the cold while topping off one’s winter outfit, it reminded me of my sister. It is her first time experiencing winter, and she wants to get her hair dyed blue. Any tips on how to take care of her colored hair?
December 16, 2018 @ 6:16 pm
I don’t have much experience with coloured hair- I hope you can find some info!