If you’re in the Northern hemisphere, the days are shorter and the temperature a whole lot colder. It’s staying that way until Spring creeps through, so best we wrap up and make the most of it. Here are some tried-and-tested items that will keep you insulated and go the distance. Many are repeat styles that have been winners on my clients and friends over the years, and I own a few of the items too. Browse the colour and size options, and read the reviews. Some of the items are on sale.
1. Uniqlo Heattech Items
Uniqlo has been making Heattech items for years, and they are extremely effective. The brand keeps on expanding the assortment because it’s very popular and wears like iron. The items are made of fibres that are bio-warming, insulating, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and moisture-retaining. Items come in varying levels of warmth.
Uniqlo Heattech is available as underwear, layering pieces, or as regular tops and bottoms, so be careful when you purchase and style the items into outfits. Don’t purchase Heattech underwear expecting it to be worn as pants and a regular tee because you’ll be disappointed. Conversely, don’t purchase Heattech T-shirts to wear under blouses, shirts and knitwear and expect them to have a smooth and lightweight appearance and feeling. Buy the right item for the right purpose.
Heattech undies and casual pieces can be worn whenever you feel cold or expect to feel cold. They work well on cold Winter walks in the woods, snow, mountains, or at the beach. They are fab for working from home when you get cold at your desk, in cold office and retail settings, camping, or relaxing at home.
I have long Heattech underwear that I layer under my clothes when I’m feeling cold. The same leggings, long sleeve T-shirts and camisoles have been in rotation for ten years. They are extremely thin, smooth, warm, comfortable and unobtrusive. They fit like a glove and feel like a second skin. The tees are fabulous to put under shirts, blouses and dresses when I don’t feel like wearing knitwear. The leggings are great under long skirts and roomier pants and jeans. Sometimes I pop Heattech under my loungewear when I’m feeling cold at home. Many possibilities!
2. J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
These work equally well as big scarves as they do as wraps draped around your shoulders. They are wonderful to have at your desk for when you feel the chill, and are an ideal travel blanket. They work over sleeveless tops when things cool down at night on warmer days, and are fab to layer over tops with exuberant sleeves that don’t fit into jackets and coats. They make for a great Zoom meeting accessory too.
3. Quilted Puffer Jackets and Coats
Puffer jackets and coats have a signature quilted design with sections that are “puffy” between the stitching. The insulation comes in an assortment of weights and thickness so that you can choose a version to suit your climate. They are filled with feathered insulation or synthetic fibres, both of which can provide a high level of warmth depending on how well they are made and the quality of the synthetic fibres. Fabric fillings vary from goose down and polyester, to recycled polyester.
Puffers are extremely practical, and look fun and fab to my eye. Some are lightweight and packable, while others need their own suitcase. Some versions are more athletic and sporty than others. These days they’ve become a trendy fashion statement, and can be worn with anything.
Puffers can be tailored and come in many lengths. Versions with diagonal and chevron stitching visually narrow the waist and streamline the silhouette. Boxier puffer jackets and coats can make an avant-garde statement. I’ve seen most of these in person, and my clients rock many of the styles. Some of them run big, and others true to size. Make sure you’re wearing the right layers underneath the jacket or coat when determining the correct size. Make sure you can move, walk and drive comfortably too.
4. LINEA PAOLO Velore Colorblock Bootie
I committed to these in white because they are extremely comfortable for feet like mine, which are low volume, bony, quite narrow, with long toes and narrow ankles. They fit so well that I didn’t need to modify them with cushioning insoles. The leather around the ankle is super soft, and the snip toe is on-trend. The low block heel is architectural and NOT black on the white pair, which is hard to find. Click both styles to see the unique colour-blocked effect at the back. Awfully refined, and dressy in a relaxed way.
