JPE for Bitter Cold - YouLookFab Forum

Yes folks, we finally got some snow in the Mid Atlantic About 3 inches of the nasty white stuff, plus icy roads, plus temps in the 20s during the day- boo, hiss!

Normally, I would wear skinny ponte pants tucked into my snowboots, and throw my bulky puffer over a bulky sweater, but I had a big networking lunch event to go to. So this was my JPE (just professional enough) solution for the day. The big puffer and flat boots were a weather compromise, but at least I had the blazer and satchel to offset it. In nicer weather, I would have worn the L'Artiste booties, my silk blouse, and camel coat to the event instead- or better yet, a wrap dress and tall heeled boots. Oh well :/

What are your solutions when you have to dress up but the weather is awful?

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10 months ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

My in-laws passed in different frigid Decembers in the Midwest. I live in Wisconsin, so my closet choices are ready for cold weather. I relied on a wool skirt, sweater/ wool cardigan, warm tights and knee-high boots with a proper tailored wool overcoat. I felt good about what I wore and was warm for the outdoor services.

Joy

My solution is to wear a wooly sweater dress with a full slip and tall boots with wooly socks. I have discovered alpaca socks that are warm and washable. Smart wool also works well. Sometimes I wear a long cardigan or jacket or duster over the dress for more warmth.

Zaeobi

(website)

Long Johns underneath everything - merino wool undertops and leggings are best when it's too cold for silk! No cotton if it's going to be damp though (since it retains moisture). And a hooded dicky layered over my professional wear if need be.

Agree with @Joy that wool socks/ hosiery also make a difference - I've not tried alpaca since most wool is too itchy for me, but merino works. You can try toe socks layered under 'normal' ones (same with fingered gloves underneath mittens) if your extremities get cold.

bella

Oh, I just noticed the hair extensions. very intrigued! How do you wear them?

rachylou

I have a heavy faux-fur lined coat and a short shiny puffer for fancy dress. And I’ll double up on stockings. However, has to be noted, I haven’t bothered to get that fancy in at least a year. I’ve been all about throwing my ankle-length puffer over suits.

… and you know, I can’t remember why and when I’ve been wearing suits, although I know I have been. I must have been overdressing for things, cuz why not, lol

Anonymous

I wish I could wear wool, or any animal fibers, but haven't found any that don't make me itch like crazy. Wool coats are ok, cause they don't touch my skin directly, but this puffer is a lot warmer.

My main trouble is when a couple of one-off's converge like this. Usually I can just be business casual, it's really only one or two times a month that I have networking things or presentations to dress up more for. And we rarely get snow or bitter cold days, generally it's 30s-40s in winter. So, I only have the one really warm coat + snowboots for the one off bitter cold or snow, and only a couple things for dressier work events.

Re: hair extensions- the ones I'm using are just claw clips. I have 5 different ones I put my bio hair into a skimpy little bun and clip the ponytail right on. I was using full wigs for a while, but these are much more comfortable and less fussy.

Hmm I know some places (like Intimissimi and Calzedonia) do a 'modal silk' blend in some of their intimates - could that work for you?

Otherwise I've heard synthetics like Primaloft and Thinsulate are effective, but admit I have yet to try them myself.

Helena

Fab solution suntiger!!

My cold weather solution is to stay home as much as possible lol

Suz

That outfit is more than JPE in my opinion. Fab contemporary juxtapositions and practical as well!

We have been having bitter cold (Thursday to Monday) and now, snow. Winter is upon us!

When I have to dress up but the weather is miserable, first I wring my hands about it and sulk, and then I get to work. Pieces I've bought over the years that make a huge difference:

Tall boots from La Canadienne (in case I want to wear a skirt/ dress). Shorter booties with some grip and shine. Waterproof best of all!

A long dressy coat that could cover a dress or skirt or dressier pants. Knee length coat in a luxe fabric with dramatic collar style that makes me feel like a movie star. Funny, fancy, fake MaxMara beaded "snow queen" coat (not actually very warm, but extremely decorative.)

Heattech layers for underneath.

Cashmere sweaters -- feel luxe and keep me warm. Full length trousers. Layers!

Zappos

La Canadienne Poppie

$450.00

Bernardo Tailored Longline Coat

by Suz

Ecco Sculpted LX 35 Patent Bootie (Women)

Blondo Elvina Waterproof Bootie

cat2

I found I can wear a cashmere sweater without itching if I layer it over silk long underwear and tuck a dressy silk scarf inside the neck. LL Bean and REI usually have some silk pieces, and I have some random silk scarves that were gifts.

Team Stay Home and Sulk FTW It's snowing Again, and supposed to all day. Maybe my boss will let me WFH today.

Normally I don't layer under my clothes, cause it's too warm once inside, but it's a thought. I had thought about buying some thermals a couple years ago, but then we had mild winters. My worry is if I buy them, it'll warm up (not a problem!! ), then won't need them for years and they won't fit (or I'll be retired and not need to go outside in winter).

Summer dressing is soooo much easier!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You did great despite the arctic weather! JPE for sure

I'm thrilled you're having fun with your hair pieces, Suntiger!

Jen

Active Member

Smiling a bit because here in the Midwest, it’s finally in the 20s after a week of mostly single digits and teens. Feels downright balmy! I prefer skirts and dresses in this weather, worn with a pair of lightweight tights under a fleece-lined pair, and socks over that under boots! Usually a knit skirt, and a nice slim-lined turtleneck under a warmer jacket layer (a knit bomber from Loft is a favorite) that I can take off indoors. Stay warm!

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