Dressing for cold and wet with style?

mmmeg

I'm moving from steamy Florida to cool Seattle. I've followed the blog for years with envy and thought of Angie when I first found out I might move here. Now I'm so excited to be able to wear my cool weather stuff since most of the year a lot of great fashion items were just too warm. But I've never had to really style for cold weather. What tips do y'all have for staying comfortable but fashionable in the Pacific Northwest climate?

11 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I grew up in the midwest US and moved to the San Francisco area, and really struggled at first with the cold wet winters. It's a different cold than snowy places - very damp and clinging. First off, get a good raincoat (or two) - preferably one that's lined for warmth, maybe convertible so you can wear it with the lining on and off. Then think about thin layers. It's not super-cold but you want to be able to adapt to when it gets windy. I know Angie wears camisoles under her shirts almost all the time; others like thin silk underwear in the winter. Thin sweaters/cardigans are useful almost all the year. Also, footwear - boots and closed shoes. Scarves, too.

There are as you know tons of PNWers on the forums so hopefully they will chime in on some Seattle-specific recommendations as well.

11 years ago

Erikajl

Active Member

I moved from Florida to New England many years ago. It took me a bit to get used to it. The cold can be penetrating, so make sure you dress in layers. If you like leggings, then get some really thick ones and they will keep you warm. I found that I had to make sure I wore gloves all the time. They can act as an accessory too if you like to do colors. The other thing that helped me acclimate, was a good pair of cute, but well insulated booties/boots. Honestly, the first winter I was there, I wore silk long underwear under everything.

It's a big style change, so have tons of fun with it!!

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Good coats. A sharp looking rain-resistant trench coat is really useful. Also at least some on trend booties that are good in rain, either with rubber soles or treated leather or synthetic are super useful too for days when your feet are just gonna get wet.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I live in the Upper Midwest, and our winters aren't as rainy as those of Seattle, but they are cold! I have found the best option for warmth to be silk underwear. You can get it in various weights for various amounts of warmth. I like it because it lets your skin breathe and isn't bulky.

Another thing I really like is Cuddl Duds. They aren't as breathable as silk, but on the coldest days, they are what I wear, and they keep me warm.

When you look for long underwear to wear under tops, be sure to keep in mind the neckline. One year I made the mistake of buying a long underwear top with a crew neck, and I could wear it under hardly anything because the crew neck kept peeking out under my shirt neck. I look for a very deep v-neck in long underwear tops to avoid problems like this.

You can also get very fashionable with hats. I have a cashmere beanie and two woolen berets that are incredibly warm. The red beret in particular gets a lot of compliments!

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I've fallen hard for Uniqlo's heat tech thermals and fleece lined stockings (not Uniqlo). I say don't bother with rain shoes; the water just pours right into them. Boots are the only way to go.

11 years ago

greycat6

Veteran

Another transplant to the PNW from the upper Midwest, here. I suggest an insulated rain coat and waterproof boots as your first purchases. If you have a casual lifestyle, North Face makes great coats if you don't mind a somewhat gearish look. For boots, there have been a plethora of fashionable waterproof boots lately including some from Aquatalia, UGG, and Hunter.

Welcome to Seattle!

11 years ago

rizamei

Active Member

I've lived in New England and the upper Midwest, and now live in the south Puget Sound area. Western Washington winters seem very mild to me, and they definitely don't require New England style winter clothing! Instead of a big down puffer or a heavy wool/cashmere blend, you're going to want an insulated trench, probably with a hood. (It's true that tourists tend to be the ones with umbrellas; most locals just put their hoods up!)

I also like all my handbags to zip or have a flap, so rain doesn't drip in them when I'm walking about or to/from my car. I wear a lot of thin layers (lighter cardigans, blazers), and most of my wardrobe works year round. Some things get rotated in and out seasonally, but the only things that really don't work all-year are my few sweaters that are chunky knits or warm cashmere. And yes, invest in waterproof and/or water resistant shoes. Every time I see cute suede booties, I am struck by how impractical they would be here, at least for my lifestyle.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to Seattle.

You'll need a good assortment of toppers in all thicknesses. We had an insanely hot Summer this year which is most unusual. What is more usual is wearing a blazer in August with jeans and closed shoes.

I don't have a raincoat, am out in the elements more than most, and carry an umbrella. You'll need good footwear that goes the distance. Weatherproof spray is brilliant. Booties are the way to go for at least 8 months of the year.

Bootcuts and flared legs are hard to wear around here. Soggy hems are no fun. Do not make flared legs your main bottoms silhouette. Tapered legs are a lot more practical.

I have a huge assortment of knitwear - across all fabrications and gauges - because I run very cold. You might find that you need the same. Hope these tips give you a good starting point.

11 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

Love, love, love Cuddl Duds...I have a stack of them and wear them all the time...In the Upper Midwest where out temps are mostly cold or damp cold...I need the layered warmth...I just found some waffle like Cuddl Duds at Target that are TDF as pj tops...I mean they are warm...
Keep your feet dry...waterproof boots and wear socks that are warm...
Cover your head...a must and one I had to learn the hard way...
I, too, run cold and these are great ways to get the heat to stay with you...
Best...

11 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

Some really great points in the forum responses. I love Laura's point that the cold seems to cling. I think it is the moisture in the air. Humidity intensifies the effect, either direction,hot or cold. You'll be able to wear fairly warm clothes (sweaters and coats) even though objectively the outside temperature seems fairly moderate. I moved to Portland after living in two cities with very cold winters. Portland is often surprisingly chilly even though I look at the thermometer and it doesn't seem like it should be.

Angie's advice to invest in sweaters and toppers is spot on in my experience. I had a hard time understanding why I seemed to have so many of each until that advice sunk in. We have a lot of opportunity to wear each, so it makes sense to have a lot of each.

My hair is prone to frizz in wet weather, so a hat serves me very well instead of (or in addition to) an umbrella.

Be sure that when you buy your waterproof boots they are large enough to let you wear a nice pair of wool or cashmere socks too. Cashmere is lovely and soft and squishes down more than wool does while still insulating, but it is expensive and wears more quickly.

11 years ago

mmmeg

Active Member

Thanks everyone for the tips! This is so exciting! I can't wait to be back in Seattle. I've been thrifting for stuff already, like a vintage London Fog trench coat I found recently here and Florida. And I found a beautiful faux fur hooded coat in Seattle at a thrift store on my last visit that I left there with my partner because I'll have absolutely no need for it until I get back. I can't wait to get more boots, too. I've always loved winter clothing too much for a Florida gal!

11 years ago

Laura

Active Member

As a marine biologist, I often have to venture into cold, wet environments. Seattle in the fall winter with ample rainfall I guess is a cold wet environment.

You can consider investing in:
- jackets that are waterproof
- double breasted jackets to keep the wind out
- leather boots that are waterproof
- a comfy collection of sweaters
- high denier tights, if you wear skirts a lot

Have fun shopping!

11 years ago

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