Winter dressing: share your tricks and tips! - YouLookFab Forum

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Winter dressing: share your tricks and tips!

catgirl

Veteran

Winter has set in here, and as usual I'm having to remember how to change up little details in how I get dressed. Some are obvious (layering, Cuddleduds), but others have been learned over time. Here are some of mine:

1) cashmere beanies. I love the ones from Garnet Hill because they are light, warm, and don't cause hat head. I love beanies that go with my outfit because I can wear them inside too.

2) OTK socks. When I'm walking outside in wind and snow, OTK socks under skinnies give an extra barrier to my legs where my coat doesn't cover them.

3) carrying leave-in conditioner and lotion everywhere. It's so staticky and dry, I can't do enough to compensate. Also, when I get out of the shower, I towel dry my hair, put a Morrocan oil type of product in it, then wrap it back up in a towel while I get ready. The oil absorbing into my hair really helps it stay soft and less flyaway.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but over to you - any secrets or tricks to share?

Dressing

72 replies

Latest reply was from Meredith

ironkurtin

Veteran

What's winter?

catgirl

Veteran

IK, this thread only applies to the future/fantasy you, so listen up.

Alassë

Veteran

Not winter already! (We're just reliably getting into fall, aka 3/4 sleeves.) I second knee-length socks under trousers, hats/scarves/mittens outside, and camisoles/thermal tops. I'll add thick socks/slippers indoors, slips under skirts for warmth, fleece tights with skirts (or under trousers if it's really cold outside), and thick toppers over all ensembles.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lip balm, lip balm, lip balm!

That, and layers, but you have that covered.

I really like the OTK sock idea -- hadn't occurred to me. Do they stay up for you?

catgirl

Veteran

Suz, yes, especially under skinnies. I put them on first, then pull my skinnies on over them so they don't roll down (like they would if I put them on after pants, and rolled the pant leg down over them). OMG YES lip balm!

viva

Veteran

OMG, I love you, Una. I was just about to pose a question: where can I get a good beanie? You are awesome. Love the OTK sock idea too. I've always been a knee sock wearer but clearly I have not gone far enough.

Q: Do Garnet Hill beanies have slouch? I want a beanie with some slouch as I have a small head and if a knit had is too fitted, well, it's not pretty.

This is obvious perhaps, but I am always warmer (outside OR inside) when my neck is covered. I always keep a scarf handy for that reason.

catgirl

Veteran

Oh, here's another one - socks under tights. Keeps my feet warm, but also keeps a layer between my dry feet and delicate expensive tights which prevents holes.

crutcher

Veteran

You have covered the basics very well...scarf always at neck, hat always beanie or whatever but cover your head, waterproof boots...a must for dry feet, heavy socks over the knee and warm socks...I find if I cover my head, neck and feet, layer the chest area...cuddle-duds of course...that I am pretty well covered...
Last winter during an ice storm when we lost power for 8 days...That is correct..no heat for 8 long days...I rediscovered the wonders of the hot water bottle...I have gas to cook with and was able to heat water...That little baby kept me toasty when I was sitting on the couch or taking a nap or just being...I can't praise the hot water bottle enough...I have mine ready for the temp drop and believe me I am grateful...

viva

Veteran

Una, I added a question about the beanies but you may not go back to see it. Do they have slouch? I want slouch.

catgirl

Veteran

Crutcher, oh yes! I used to have this scarf thing filled with some kind of corn that could be heated in the microwave - I would put it around my neck every morning before getting in my car. It was so great, especially because it wasn't scented. It finally ripped but I would love to find another!

catgirl

Veteran

Viva, yes, they are slouchy, although not exaggerated slouch. There are tons of reviews on Garnet Hill's site. That and being so light is what keeps them from messing up hair. I do wash mine as they stretch, and toss them in the dryer for a few minutes then air dry.

Nebraskim

Veteran

Heated car seats. I loved having a poncho/cape at work to chase off drafts. I also am a super fan of those weird little handwarmer/footwarmer things you get at stores like REI (or Walgreens) that are some chemical in plastic. You can stick them into boots or gloves. Even those "icy hot patches" work.

Astrid

Veteran

My merino wool leggings from Icebreaker:
http://us.icebreaker.com/en/wo.....&cts=

I managed to buy them on sale for under 40€ and they are the best thing ever. Thin enough to go under skinnies, comfortable and not itchy. Warm enough to keep you from freezing and still not overheating you when you're indoors.

Anonymous

Do I even want to know what a "cuddle dud " is? It sounds scary and evokes images of a Walmart fleecy thing in a floral / camo print. Snark aside, Aritizia and CM have good slouchy cashmere beanies, viva. Also Alexander Wang has a good one but it was out of stock last winter - a blogger thing I think , and it flew off of the internet. I ordered one from Parkhurst last year based on some reviews and like it. I'm kind of obsessed with slouchy beanies because I look like, well, you don't want to know, in a fitted hat. Or toque , as we Canadians like to call them Don't forget the beer, eh?

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ironkurtin

Veteran

When I lived in NYC, I had several fallbacks:
- Patagonia black Thinsulate gloves (thin enough to wad into pockets, very warm, and gave fingers mobility)
- Patagonia thin ski socks (always warm, and wick!)
- Boots soled with grippy rubber by the shoe guy
- Hat with a brim to keep snow or rain off my glasses
- Bag with a strap big enough to go over my coat that could carry a book for the subway
- Leather jackets (warm even in wind)
- vintage cashmere coats in bright colors

I have needed exactly none of the above in Austin. Alas.

Peri

Veteran

It's still near 80 here. I'm pining over my Fall clothes not yet worn. I don't remember winter.

Astrid

Veteran

Lisa, it's a brand: http://www.cuddlduds.com/

Jenny H

Wool tights. They are my biggest winter winner by far. I wear wool tights with skirts almost every work day in winter. And I wear them under my pants if I'm going to go outside to play in the snow. With tall boots and a longish coat I stayed warm even during the horrible polar vortex last winter.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

My first thought was something I wanted to share after last winter, but never got around to do it. My winter dressing "wisdom", apart from wool, silk and feathers, boils down to:
colour and shine.

A little sparkle on the face when my whole appearance is dry, weather beaten, covered, wrapped up literally makes my day. Go Clinique Chubby lipstick.

And colour. Winter clothing tends to be more colour-deprived, so I especially love strong colours that brighten the outfit.

Wrist warmers.
Layering hose.

jackiec

Veteran

1) bring an umbrella

2) find the closest drive-thru Starbucks.

Lisap - first of all - I will check out CM or Aritzia for a cashmere beanie. I need to try on in person. Hats are tough for me bc of my HUGE head. Toques can be cruel to people like me...and Ha! Almost time to break out Bob & Doug's version of "the 12 days of Christmas....." I laugh every time it's so cheesy

viva

Veteran

Jackie, if we ever get together -- you with your HUGE head (cannot believe that) and me with my small one, we're going to really be a sight.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ditto to layers. These days I'm starting to run warmer, so wearing outfits that can be peeled off layer by layer is starting to appeal to me. Ultra-warm thick sweaters are starting to scare me. Good thing I don't have many!

I love my slouchy berets for winter wear -- kind of like your beanies, Una, but they work better on my weird little head. Vivian, if you're interested in trying that style of hat, I found soft slouchy cashmere berets last year in Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, and even Banana Republic.

If I'm going to be outside for long, I wear thin sock liners under my socks for an extra layer of warmth. My feet and my hands will be the first thing to get cold (Reynaud's).

Speaking of that. One other essential:

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shedev

Veteran

Got a cashmere beanie last year, and I'm a total convert. Warm boots are a must for me.

Anonymous

Boots
Long underwear
Warm socks and gloves
Lots of layering pieces
Warm coat or jacket
Heated mattress pad

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thin layers of leather & cashmere, that's about as cold as it gets here

Style Fan

Veteran

This is a great post. Layers are a necessity for me. I walk a lot outside with my dog so I need warm boots. I have Sorels and Merrells. Neither are glamourous. Smart Wool socks are lovely. Cuddle Duds are great.

I have a collection of hats. I love hats. I also love scarves. I put on my blobby puffer and then accessorize with a hat and scarf. It helps.

We spend 3 weeks in Montreal in November to December. It is inspiring to see everyone outside no matter what the weather is with scarves wrapped around their necks looking amazing.

unfrumped

Veteran

I always get caught by the first cold snap and underdress. I forget that I like to be really warm in the car (while it warms up) so I keep gloves and a fleece throw handy. And same-same, I sometimes don't wear a warm enough coat, so I shiver from parking lot to building. I need to remember to dress toasty.

catgirl

Veteran

Unfrumped, me too! Which reminds me that I could not survive the coldest winter days without my down skirts! Which I now own in three length, mini, midi and maxi.

Elly

Veteran

My biggest gripe is being constantly cold inside! My office and home and the SOs home are all in the low 60s inside, but there are only so many layers I can wear while still doing my job -- today I had on a heattgear top, a blouse, a sweater and a jacket, jeans, wool socks and booties and was cold in the morning. I crank the heat in my car because of that.

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