Help me with a deep winter capsule! - YouLookFab Forum

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Help me with a deep winter capsule!

Helena

Veteran

Hi friends, sorry I've been scarce - and now I'm popping in for advice! With the first few cold and snowy days upon us (thankfully it's not going to last!), my thoughts are turning to my need for a deep winter uniform and supporting capsule that will allow me to maintain a modicum of polish when the really awful weather sets in. Currently, for fall, early winter, and early spring, I am good with my jeans + fine-knit sweater + ankle boots uniform, but when I'm cold to my bones, I end up turning to sweatpants, Roots hoodies, leggings and thick socks to stay warm. I think I need to lean into this and create a small and intentional capsule with these types of pieces.

Here's what I'm thinking:

thick leggings - fleece lined? Any favourites?
sweatshirts that are not athletic or hoodies per se - oversized enough to wear a long-sleeve t-shirt under comfortably for extra warmth; long enough to cover my butt without draping down below my winter coat; nice enough that I look like I bothered - any suggestions where I might look for sweatshirts that don't feel slobby (bonus points if they don't cost a billion dollars; I'm looking at you Lulu although maybe that's my best option)
thick socks - I love Roots socks so might just get a bunch
proper winter ankle boots - maybe Timberlands, which are pretty popular among the mom-set in my town, but warm and practical too - any other recos?

Yes, I know this is pretty blah as it goes! But this winter will be miserable enough; I can't face being cold and slobby on top of it! If you have ideas or suggestions per above, it would be greatly appreciated!! xoxox

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Dressing

44 replies

Latest reply was from Glory

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Sweaty Betty makes really good fleece lined leggings and their hoodies are cut better than the usual.

Nili Lotan has mad expensive sweats that are very nice indeed - I own a few purchased on deep sale.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks UmmLila; I've never checked out the brand before, although I've heard it mentioned on the forum. They have great stuff! Much is a little out of my price range, but a great source of inspiration (and maybe an Xmas treat??!) Thanks!

Hadilly

I am planning on getting a pair of fleece lined blundstones for wet and cold weather. No advice on fleece lined leggings. I bought a bunch of wool knee socks from Patagonia last year and have been very happy with them. Lastly, I have bought a few things from Kotn (Canadian, ethical, sustainable) and have been very happy with the quality. They have some very nice looking sweatshirts in luscious colors. The puff sleeve ones are beautiful too.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Following because I’m interested in new outdoor walking boots for this winter.

As to the other portions, I don’t think I’d be warm enough in DEEP winter, in leggings and sweatshirts, and would go with jeans, corduroys or canvas pants inside, perhaps covering with wind-pants for outside activities, and layers on top, a shirt or long sleeved tshirt, preferably wool sweater, and perhaps a vest over all that.

merwoman

Veteran

Hardly blah! I’d suggest checking out Aritzia, I received a lovely mustard coloured sweatshirt last year that is oh so cozy but not slobby. Lots of fun colours!

rachylou

Veteran

I would search on ‘sweatshirt dress’... it turns up prettier sweatshirts...

Irina

Veteran

I don’t wear fleece sweatshirts, so no recommendations, sorry. I believe that for our Canadian winter one needs a really good, warm puffer. I run cold always. So I got one for Jan-Feb months. They might be expensive but worth the money.

I usually wear a cashmere sweater or a cashmere hoodie with a merino or cotton t-shirt underneath and wool pants, tights and merino knee high socks. Cashmere from Gap is good, check their turtlenecks. A merino sweater plus cashmere slouchy cardigan might be a good choice.

I plan to buy more undergarments from Uniqlo. Boots I need and want to try the Bay.

nemosmom

Veteran

Uniqlo! If you don't mind shopping the mens, their sweatshirts are longer than the women's. Some are terry/cotton but still REALLY warm. If you want uber-warm, search their "pile lined" pieces. They have pile lined leggings (women) and pile lined hoodies and pullover sweatshirts and pile lined joggers (my personal fave) that are incredibly warm and wear like iron. I bought my pile lined joggers last November, and they have 140 wears for the year. Not a bit of fading - and they are black!

If you are up for a $20 splurge, grab a "Fluffy yarn" jacket. It's like wearing a muppet. So cozy! Inner pockets and outer pockets, and easy/relaxed enough for lounging at home.

Sheryl

Yes to sweatshirt dresses and hoodie dresses, if you can find them. American Giant has really nice hoodie sweatshirt dresses. They are expensive, but really well made. They also have really warm hoodies in a nice assortment of colors - really thick cotton. I found and bought hoodie sweater dresses last year, after searching for several years. Maybe consider Aran-type knit sweater dresses, too. Naadam has a beautiful, long, ribbed cashmere cardigan dress. Expensive at the moment, but Black Friday/Cyber Monday is coming. Sorry I can't be more specific - the dresses I bought weren't made this year.

bj1111

Veteran

Second uniqlo. Well cut basics that last. Althleta have warm joggers and nicer sweatshirts.

Zara is also excellent. And their stomping shoes collection is outstanding this season if you need something for your tootsies.

If you really want to splurge, Lauren manoogian is tdf. So cushy and stylish and supports South American weavers.

JAileen

Veteran

I have several pairs of Timberlands. They aren’t very warm, but they are waterproof. I have a pair of insulated hiking boots that I got for birding in snow, as Sorels are too hard to walk in. Anyway, I think they are made in Canada. They are by Santana.

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Roxanna

Veteran

I’m so glad you asked this question! I was about to ask something similar. I have not bought from Uniqlo but I’m eyeing some of their items for deep winter. I’ve heard good things about their fleece lined skinny jeans.

I have these boots in black and they are workhorses for me in winter. They look put together but are very warm:
https://www.brownsshoes.com/en.....D0QAvD_BwE

Star

Veteran

My winter uniform is a Tissue Turtle Neck under a thick wooly Turtleneck and cords. Jeans are just too cold and I feel like I have not dressed for the day in leggings. Gosh fleece-lined skinny jeans as mentioned by Roxanna sound divine

Roxanna

Veteran

@Helena, @Star - here is a review of them: https://themomedit.com/denim-w.....umpkin-pat

Helena

Veteran

Ok! You all have sold me on Uniqlo. Thank you so much for ALL the suggestions! I am going to see this as my "fashion" (ha!) project for this fall/winter - so I will add things slowly, but here's the rough plan:

The Uniform
Leggings + slim t-shirt + sweatershirt/cardi/hoodie + warm socks + ankle boots *** do hair and makeup to avoid being a shlump!! ***

Note: I like leggings because I can layer snowpants over them easily if I am going to spend time outside, but truth be told, the key purpose of this capsule is to make it easy to curl up on the couch under a blankie for three months

Essentials (I'll pick these up asap and work them in with what I've currently got)

Ugg ankle boots or similar (high priority) - black
Pile-lined leggings or slim joggers (high priority) - black
A warm zip-up of some sort that I can just throw on at home over anything - maybe one of the piled lined ones too (high priority) - neutral - maybe white? I'll see what's there
Warm socks (refresh)

To round out the capsule (longer term)

A couple of long-sleeved slim-fit tees to wear as essentially undershirts - I have a couple but could do with a refresh
A couple of "accent" sweatshirt-y type things - these might go on the Xmas list - maybe one patterned and one in a colour - I'll keep an eye on Fabletics although I've found their selection rather disappointing tbh ... but they do use fun colours and prints so we'll leave this as a wild-card slot
Check out the lined jeans because that is just beyond genius!!

Nemosmom - my kids both have the fuzzy muppet jackets - luckily I can just about wear their clothes, so I may have to pilfer!!

Thanks all so much! xoxo

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I couldn’t get myself to wash my new Uniqlo airism leggings because I wanted to put them on every day after I got them. So cozy, comfy, and warm! I bet they’d also work as long johns under the pants cjh mentions. I also like my Heat tech tights from there (in the medium warmth level), but they aren’t as warm. They don’t make sparkly ones ultra warm.

ETA, browsing Nic & Zoe just for kicks, I came across this, which looks awfully cozy for layering over your (Heat Tech) base layer. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/ni.....k%20indigo

nemosmom

Veteran

FWIW, the pile lined joggers are a slim fit and slide right under my snow pants! (no pressure intended at all!). And the muppet jackets are sublime.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Sweatshirts with a twist are big this year as loungewear is having a moment what with us all staying at home a lot more so you have picked a good year to buy one.
Boden have a big selection of sweat shirts and other lounge wear,might be worth a look.l know that they are not the cheapest but Christmas is coming!!

unfrumped

Veteran

I am trying out the Altitude pants from Athleta. They may be stylistically confused because have a kind of mini- bootcut. So not sure they tuck into boots— I wear them over ankle boots or Gortex sneakers, since don’t need super snow boots but once a year maybe. I mostly plan to wear them at home or on semi- cold outings. do wear some fleece lined leggings occasionally but only for lounging at home. I also have fleece- lined jeans from EB. These are very warm and the denim outer layer is some wind protection.
But if it’s really cold I hang onto my old fleece lined ankle zip wind pants ( they may be a kind of snow pant) and I might layer underneath also.
For toppers I need short and knee length puffers, nano or regular.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ok, I am in no position to advice about winter clothing, but from what I understand starting with Uniqlo underpinnings is a great start. And some warm hats!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I have a thin faux fur vest that is great as lounge wear- covers the neck, keeps the body warm but the hands free, and it looks “intentional.” I think you’re right about leaning into it— just acknowledge how you like to dress in winter, and get cuter versions! Definitely buy lots of warm socks. I have zillions of smartwool socks so I don’t have to ration them anymore.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm late to the conversation, but consider also (if you can wear wool) something like Icebreaker. Yes, it's gear but the merino layers are warm, practical, in a variety of weights -- I really like them. So much so that I have started stocking up on items at sales (because, yeah, price). They are very hard-wearing. Here are some of the winter pieces i have -- base layers and in-between layers. I bought them for hiking and skating and such, but I actually wear them quite a lot for loungewear, as it turns out.

I also want to mention Boden -- like Cardiff Girl, I noticed they have a big selection. So does BR, but I can't vouch for quality there -- could be great, could be awful! And you might also try Marks and Spencer.

I like my Sorel sneaker booties although I had to put a Superfeet insole to take up the extra width. Still, they are so warm and lightweight!

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Icebreaker Merino Women's Vertex Leggings

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Icebreaker Merino Women's Oasis Long Sleeve V

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Sal

Veteran

No advice re brands but a smart idea. This look will suit you well!!

Bijou

Veteran

Ugg boots are the best for keeping your feet warm whilst inside. I had a chuckle at the idea of you ever being slobby - JUST NOT POSSIBLE! We can't have you being cold though, so I hope your new uniform keeps you warm and cosy throughout winter.

Minaminu

Veteran

Echo Uniqlo! I am always cold, so from November to March
I wear a pair of longjohn/ leggings under my trousers. M&S does good thermal underwear as well. Wolford does super warm tights.

I'd also suggest sheepskin insoles and Brora cashmere socks, these are great to keep the feet warm.

RobinF

Veteran

Great idea to make up a capsule for deep winter. I always feel better if my outfits look nice, even if it is just for me and hubs hanging in front of the fire. I agree Uggs are super warm but mine were slippery out in the snow, so be careful of that. What about some cozy cardigans that you can layer? Maybe something like this? Now I want to do some Uniqlo shopping!

MEROKEETY Women's Long Sleeve Open Front Hoodie Knit Sweater Cardigan with Pockets

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Roxanna

Veteran

Ok I'm going to steal this winter capsule idea from you. I need one too and the leggings/joggers seem like just the thing. Let me know how you make out!

Helena

Veteran

Yay, Roxanna, you too!

I was looking for a cozy cardi for around the house; love this find Robin, thanks!

Bijou, you are so kind; thank you

Thanks EVERYONE so much for all the helpful suggestions and advice; really and truly appreciated!! xoxox

Style Fan

Veteran

Lots of good suggestions here. I am just putting together a similar winter capsule.

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