Help for cold classroom - YouLookFab Forum

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Help for cold classroom

Ginger

Veteran

I'm on business travel, for week-long training, and the cold room is driving me crazy. I'm reasonably dressed, but I hadn't planned on wearing my blush (fake) leather jacket all week. And that doesn't help my legs at all. In winter I would be okay in boots and tights, but just hose and shoes don't cut it in corporate A/C.

I'm in a good place to go shopping (DC area) but it's exactly the wrong season for cozy stuff. I wish I had gotten that Halogen cashmere wrap last year! Nordstrom does have a silk/cashmere option right now, but it doesn't seem as nice as the Halogen, and about the same price.

Ideas?

Urgent

21 replies

Latest reply was from anchie

JAileen

Veteran

That always happens to me. Avoid cold drinks. Have hot tea. At all breaks, get up and walk around a lot. Otherwise, wear the jacket everyday, but just over your shoulders. Ask the people running it if they can adjust the temperature. You shouldn't have to wear winter clothes in DC in May!

Anonymous

What about a long lightweight cashmere cardigan? Although I second JAileen, if you are cold others probably are too, kindly ask for the AC to be adjusted.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Can you find a pretty large silk or nice poly square scarf? When I was stuck in a similar situation (conference in Florida, who knew how killer the AC would be?) I wore my planned neck-scarves draped over my legs when seated and it made the world of difference.

unfrumped

Veteran

No good solution. I try to plan ahead but still am at risk of wanting to do an emergency shop. Which is different from planned travel shopping.

I'm planning a trip for an education week in June and feel exactly the same- it's likely to be freezing in the comfrrrnce rooms, then mid 8O's outside when I want to take a break or do sightseeing.
That's one reason I'm playing around with travel bags as in my Kipling post- will likely have layers/ wraps I need to stash .

Diana

Veteran

Even a more summery (like silk or cotton) scarf will still provide a surprising amount of warmth if it's a large wrap shape. Something like this:
https://www.loft.com/shimmer-s.....colorExplo

Re: adjusting temperatures. It's my experience that office/conference temps are set to a temperature that is supposedly comfortable for men wearing suits (e.g. a blazer over a shirt with long trousers), which is one reason why it's so cold. You can complain but then there's going to be someone else complaining that it's too warm.

The Cat

Veteran

My sympathy! I have had my share of cold offices and conference rooms ...

A few tips for dressing warmly but looking springy:
- A camisole / T-shirt / thin pullover, worn UNDER your other layers. Choose wool for extra warmth
- 2 pairs of nylon hose. If you let the inner pair be in a colour close to your skin tone, the look will be light and transparent instead of heavy and opaque
- A cardigan or pashmina style shawl in a light neutral can be combined with many other items
- A silk scarf worn close to your neck. Real silk has the wonderful abilities of helping you to stay warm in the cold and cool in the heat

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Get another topper, nude hose, and camisoles.

Scarlet

Veteran

I would buy a nice cardigan to wear under the jacket if necessary, any kind of large wrap, and consider doubling up on the hose. I have been there. You must keep yourself warm or you will get sick. Especially keeping the feet warm is key in my opinion. If necessary do booties and invisible socks if it's possible with your profession. Also like Angie said, camisoles can help too.

minimalist

Veteran

Nth-ing large wrap suggestion for your legs, if you're taking the training and able to sit. If you're the one leading the training and have to be standing and walking around, then what The Cat and Angie said.

There are also those chemical warming packets, which I've used inside dress shoes.

K.M.

Veteran

I get cold very easily, and if my feet or ankles are cold, I feel cold all day. In a cold room like this I would wear pants, socks, and closed shoes. Not sure if this would work for what you packed. There are H&Ms in DC easily accessible by public transit where you could buy a few basics (they have suiting separates, long-sleeve tees, cardigans, socks, and shoes) without breaking the bank even if you don't wear them later. They also have lots of long scarves right now; although they are gauzy, they are warm (I have one from last year, same as what they're selling now but in a different color, and it's long enough to wrap around in several ways). Not sure if that's your kind of store, but in a pinch... (I'm an H&M fan).

JAileen

Veteran

One other thing: it's possible you're sitting where a vent blows. Maybe try a different seat?

unfrumped

Veteran

We're piling up on you!
I couldnt wear a skirt for sitting conferences except in winter with fleece tights. But double pantyhose do help. If some kind of black ankle pants worked with your outfits, you might find some, as they're in most stores. If you wear simple knit pullovers, Banana Republic had merino and cashmere out, even in May.

Ginger

Veteran

Thank you all so much for the ideas! I had a narrow window of opportunity, but I made it to the closest mall shortly before closing tonight. I lucked into a two-tone ruana that is (almost) the right pink to go with my blush neutrals. It's going to be very comfortable and versatile. I also got some more hose; I haven't tried doubling before, and the ones I brought are close to a life-ending run.

Pictures show my outfit, with the jacket, and with the ruana.

Stephanie

I would wear socks and flats.

Sara L.

Veteran

I hope you'll be warmer now. I've had this problem too and it's just the worst. I find drinking something hot, like tea or coffee, also helps.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Ginger I can't see any pics? I don't know what a ruana is, either? I love your style and am sad I can't see what you mean! Pink/blush is one of my faves these days x

Sisi

Veteran

Ask the building management to reduce the air conditioning! What is this mania with AC in the United States? I too often read posts of Fabbers that lament arctic AC. You Americans should address some National Consumers Association and ask for a law that regulated the air conditioning in a reasonable way.

anchie

Veteran

I commiserate with you completely. I suffer like this every day in my office, regardless of the season. I would love to be able to wear outfit without the topper sometimes but this is impossible.

Ginger

Veteran

Weird, I had photos all cropped and everything. I hope this time works.
ETA: Nope. Looks like the app is on the fritz. Sorry!

unfrumped

Veteran

A ruana sounds perfect.

anchie

Veteran

I don't see any pictures still
And had to goggle ruana, now I know.