Long, harsh winter: what do you wear? - YouLookFab Forum

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Long, harsh winter: what do you wear?

K.M.

Veteran

I'm in a winter style rut and could use some inspiration! What do you wear to keep both warm and stylish when you live/are in very cold and snowy places (such as Minnesota)? For the last many weeks I've been living in a now-boring combo of skinny cords + sensible winter boots + warm sweaters + modern puffy coat. I'm so tired of the look and it feels a bit frumpy and a little too sporty for everyday. My job doesn't require me to dress up and I can get away with this look, but it's making me feel a little down...
So... what do you wear? Do you put up with the cold to look nicer? Do you have commuter shoes/clothes and change when you get to your daily destination?

Dressing

39 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, the perennial question! A lot of us feel like this once winter sets in.

People do find different ways to deal with it. Right now I have taken up Alaskagirl's challenge to wear 5 silhouettes per week, and it is helping me maintain interest in my wardrobe and clothes. Once we get deep snow I will find this more difficult, because I'll be more limited in terms of what I can wear outdoors (without getting soggy hems or risking a fall.)

A couple of ideas:

Own more than one coat. I now have 3 wool coats of various lengths/ styles and one puffer; I have another puffer on order. Since we wear our coats so much, it only makes sense to have some variety in style, colour, etc.

Take full advantage of mini breaks in the weather! If it's a clear day without snow on the ground where you will be walking, pull on those bootcuts! If it's not too cold, wear a skirt or dress for a change!

Play with layers -- both visible and invisible. An invisible layer under a shirt or silk blouse might let you get away without the ubiquitous pullover. Put on a topper (jacket) instead of a pullover for a different look. (And yup, I layer jackets under coats all the time.) Layer shirts under pullovers. Try a vest or gilet. Add a few cardigans to the closet. (Lots of new styles this year.)Layer hose (so you can wear dresses more). Invest in some warm tights.

Plan for a mid-season knitwear refresh after the holidays. Buy a few new sweaters.

Include a few patterned sweaters in your rotation.

Include patterned jeans or novelty jeans of some kind (e.g. metallic).

crutcher

Veteran

I can so relate to your sartorial boredom...I am already sick of winter and we haven't begun...
My best advise is to be a layer queen...I wear cuddl duds as the first layer and these are my inspiration for each outfit...I can't stress enough how important it is to have your core warm...You don't want to look like the Michlien man but you do want to stay warm...
Then for those top layers, look through Pinterest and check out the looks...a denim shirt, striped sweater, vest that is not so thick as to look heavy but one that does the job..(I have a Barbour one that I ordered from Nordstrom last spring and it is wonderful to layer not too heavy and yet heavy enough)..
.You know your colors...pick something that will make your heart sing as you wear it...
A scarf that compliments your sweater and shirt...Blanket scarves are big this fall/winter and can add such interest to your outfit...
For trudging outside, a great coat...I have a vintage leather jacket that is lined and I adore to wear it...Not only is this coat warm but it is also just stylish enough to be fun and interesting..
I ordered a cashmere beanie from the Men's department at Nordstrom this fall...It is a Rail and for me it has become the HG...When my hair is not optimum..smile..I pop on this little sweetie and
I look FAB and ready to go..
Make a game out of looking great...Planning has become a boredom chaser for me and something I look forward to doing...
Just remember...this. too shall pass away...
Hope this helps...

Style Fan

Veteran

I feel your pain. I have been living in my skinny cords, cashmere hoodie, long sleeved t shirt and wool socks for weeks. I have gear that I use as well. I found a tunic that is polar fleece a few years ago. It is really cute. I wear it with fleece leggings. Lole makes them.

I will check back to see what others suggest. Cold weather dressing is very difficult.

Dimity

I lived in Canada for over a decade, and I second Suz's suggestions. I also agree with alaskagirl that changing silhouettes is important. I sometimes wore a knee length wool skirt with wool tights and knee length boots just to add variety to the usual pants routine. But if you don't want to do that, wider leg pants with a cropped sweater over an untucked shirt could work to change proportions while being just as warm and cosy.

I survived winters by having several different coats in colours. They would always perk me up just as I had to face the onslaught outside. Or I would try different moods, perhaps like Museumgirl's Edwardian gentleman theme, or you could think 'NYC polar vortex style' for a few days, then swap for a French theme with red and blue.

I do understand how difficult it is to live through long winters. The key is to do whatever it takes to break the monotony. Good luck, and think of us here with our steamy heat!

K.M.

Veteran

Thank you for all the suggestions! You might be able to tell it's my first Minnesota winter. When I lived in warmer places, winter used to be my favorite season for dressing.

I'll try to incorporate all your suggestions! When I start to feel frumpy, it brings me down in other ways...

Dimity

Ooh! First Minnesota winter! I remember my first Ontario winter, when I couldn't help but wonder why anybody in their right mind would live in a place like that. Then spring came, and it was beautiful, and summer was just gorgeous, and autumn was so pretty with the bright leaves...it does have it's compensations.
You're right, though, that feeling frumpy or getting down can be a negative spiral so it really is important to pay attention and not let that happen. It's much better to play positive mind games with clothes now to keep yourself happy than to launch into a seasonal slump.

Kim

Veteran

I remember my first Ontario winter, when I couldn't help but wonder why
anybody in their right mind would live in a place like that.

LOL Dimity! We who live in Ontario wonder the same thing by February (if it takes that long) EVERY year!

Here's a blogger that loves to wear dresses and high heels all winter, but commutes by bus (in Chicago, maybe, I can't remember.) This is a great post on how to dress for that commute and still look stylish at work, wearing what you like. If I worked outside the home I'd be doing this.

http://www.messycloset.com/fas.....mmute/797/

Thistle

Veteran

*waves at neighbor*. I am in Wisconsin, so yes, I know your pain. And we get A LOT of snow being so close to the lake.

I have stuffed boot cut trousers into the tops of boots more than I will admit on YLF! I also like straight leg trousers. I wear winter boots to get from the car to the building at work, and I carry my work shoes with me.

Sweaters to me are invaluable, and I am realizing I need more statement ones. I own plain bottoms and plain sweaters, which require a scarf or something to really make sing.

Layers work as well, such as a turtleneck with a jacket or such. but I find I just prefer a good sweater with a tee or turtleneck under it. It is freezing cold, after all!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

IF it takes that long, Kim. (Fellow Ontarian, reporting for tea and sympathy!)

Your first Minnesota winter -- argh. Take a look at Already Pretty, too, for some ideas. Sally wears skirts and dresses all winter. She says her legs don't get cold, though, so perhaps she is "hardened." Ha!

Inge featured a fun Alaskan who'd recently moved from Texas. Although I can't get on board with stiletto heels in the snow (BRRRR -- not to mention the danger!!) she does have some fun casual outfit ideas!

K.M.

Veteran

Aww, thanks for all the suggestions, references, and empathy!

Thistle, I didn't think of stuffing my bootcuts and widelegs into the winter boots. Maybe I'll do that and keep nicer shoes in the office, because they're my favorite pant silhouette. I don't have to walk a whole lot from the parking lot to my building (three long blocks), and I regularly see people enduring this short trek with flimsy clothes and shoes, but my body is just not made this way (I come from a tropical South American country...)

Every time I put my classic suede Uggs on, I can hear a little Angie whispering in my ear: these look like house slippers! (She posted on this a while ago.) But then the lambswool keeps my frosty feet so warm...

frannieb

Veteran

Feeling everyones pain - Born and Bred MN.
How I deal - uniquer perspective - I am outside everyday for approx 40 minutes do before and after school duty. My list may be different if I didn't have that amount of time outside everyday no matter what the temp.
1. I'm not really into multiple coats - but I love hats and scarfs - I have a bin full of them and am always buying new ones - they make me happy. I have the base number of coats for MN - fall, early winter, winter, deep freeze winter, spring/winter, dress winter and dress deep freeze. (okay and two ski jackets for playing in the snow and skiing). When you actually count it out I have a heck of a lot of jackets - I just see them as all very functional not a style statement.

2. Layering is your friend - I prefer icebreaker and smartwool - expensive but worth it.

3. If my feet are warm I'm happy so I have about 9 zillion pair of boots and smartwool socks - could care less if my socks match my outfit - I wear them happily

4. I still love and adore wearing my skirts and dresses in winter - So yes I do wear snow pants to work. Just added this long snowskirt to the mix - http://www.rei.com/product/821.....ated-skirt
long puffer coats don't work on my pretty pear body - thus snow pants and snow skirts

5. Sweaters are your friend - get them in every weight - light weight for layering, heavier for when you just want to be snuggle warm and a couple statement longer cardigans.

6. Honestly in the winter I am not a fan of jeans - I find them way to cold. I find ponte pants with a under layer to be warmest.

7. Mittens are your friend - I often double layer - thin cheap gloves and mittens over. And remember for mittens to be warm you need to have space in them.

frannieb

Veteran

oh yes I forgot to add - I'm just like a little kid - I change into my shoes at work and bring them in everyday. Once snow falls none of my shoes touch snow or salt. The reason for 9 zillion pairs of boots.

K.M.

Veteran

frannieb, wow, I didn't know about the range of coats for a MN winter! I always thought it was: a Fall coat, a Winter heavier coat. I did realize that on some days, my big puffer feels too hot and my Fall jackets too light, so I'm missing something in between that would probably help me feel more stylish. Right now I don't have a good, tailored wool coat--I had one from 15 years ago but the fit was outdated and I gave it away. My budget won't allow me to invest in a good one right now (I pine for one of those with Thinsulate), but maybe I'll plan and save for that.
I also find jeans unpleasant to wear here even with a layer underneath. Haven't tried ponte pants--will look into them!

ma342

Lived in MN for 4 years. I wore boot cut pants all the time. Unless it's actually snowing or you have to walk through unplowed areas, I don't think this will be a problem in January and February. It's too cold for the snow to melt into slush or puddles. I know there are some who wear skirts in MN winters, but they are stronger people than I.

Sweaters are a nesessity from October-May, so get lots of colors/styles for variety. Multiple scarves are also good.

If you haven't already, buy long underwear. Not stylish, but you'll need it.

And not to scare you, but there will be weeks when it's so cold that you won't even care what you're wearing as long as it keeps you warm.

K.M.

Veteran

ma342, for my unaccustomed body, those days have happened already!!!! (we did have an unseasonably cold few weeks in November). I think that's what launched me in my rut--once it got a little warmer I was still stuck in the comfy/practical clothes. I'm sure one could tell I'm not from here when everyone was back to wearing light jackets and light footwear and I was still clad in my puffer and winter boots!
I just ordered my first pair of long underwear and am waiting for it to arrive. I'd been using cotton leggings for this, but being cotton they didn't help that much. I ordered some supposedly special warm tights too, I'll see if they work. Usually I love tights and skirts and dresses... I'll try to find ways to wear them.

frannieb

Veteran

So you must get to some thrift stores - I have found some beautiful coats at the thrift stores - As in absolutely gorgeous and barely worn. Dress winter coats that have hardly been worn are easy to come by in MN. This coming from someone who has no luck thrifting at all - but for coats it is so easy.

DH every year picks up some crazy awesome new leather coat thrifting.

catgirl

Veteran

What Suz said. And although I rely mostly on black footwear, I am feeling a little weighed down by black this year, so I'm looking for work-appropriate non-black (but not brown) tall boots. I have grey, but wish a color would somehow work.

Oh, and I never "put up with cold" for fashion. If it's not warm enough to get me through the day (or event), I'm not wearing it. Though I do own a couple of down skirts that go over my clothing (like a coat for my legs) and can cover me up on snowy city walks....

E

Veteran

I happily wear skirts and dresses all winter, and I'm now in a cold climate again (upstate NY in a lake effect snow area). Granted it hasn't gotten colder than 17 here yet but then I haven't had to combine all of my winter items together to stay warm either. I get around via walking and buses and also spend a couple hours outside each day walking my dog.

For wearing skirts, dresses, and regular skinnies, I love my wool lined knee high boots (Sybille by Reiker) for an extra layer of insulation. If I didn't have them I'd buy some wool knee highs (which is often what I wear w my other noninsulated boots). Also, I love to wear silk long johns under thicker cotton or nylon tights or regular skinnies. Then I wear regular length wool socks. Several of my winter skirts are vintage full wool ones that hit just below my knee and are essentially like wearing a blanket: very warm and insulating. They reach just about to the top of my knee high boots, which is nice. If I wear a non-wool skirt or regular skinnies I add a knee length or midcalf wool coat over top. I got 2 vintage ones off ebay that are like furnaces: I wore one on said 17 degree day and was perfectly cosy inside it.

For a variation on jumpers/pullovers, I like to wear cute blouses w wool cardigans over top. A lot of the blouses are sleeveless or on the thinner side but the wool cardis make them work for winter. I'm on a tight clothing budget but have had great luck finding good, modern wool cardis at thrift stores.

For outerwear a wool hat makes a big difference in keeping me warm and a little collection of them lets me have more variety. Scarves are another key, both for warmth and variety; a lot of mine are those cheap 'pashminas' made out of rayon, but even so having a good amount of fabric wound around my neck keeps me warmer. I have 1 wool one which is even more effective but not as budget friendly. I just recently got my first pair of mittens and they were a revelation! My hands were so much warmer than in gloves. They're not as practical for dog walking tho so now I want a pair of convertibles.

I've rambled on a lot, but I hope some of this was helpful! There are lots of ways to stay warm, even on a budget; many of them involve thrifted wool. If you're wool sensitive try merino, as it is finer and thus less likely to itch you. Good luck!

Dimity

Yes to thrifted wool clothing! Just hold it up to the light before you buy so you can see if there are any moth holes.

Lisa

Veteran

I rotate between skinny jeans and tall boots with skinny jeans and booties or bootcut jeans and booties (if the ground is still dry). To keep toppers interesting I layer blazers with knitwear and scarves, or jumpers/sweaters with button down shirts. And I recently added bomber jacket style sweater jackets as a new layering option for my blazers.
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=142403002

Anonymous

My winter wardrobe is all about softness. I want to be enveloped in soft, cozy, luxurious fibers.

shiny

Veteran

I'm exploiting the puffer coat trend right now. Because I cannot find a wool coat that I like well enough. So I'm just rolling with this sporty casual trend instead.

Having multiple winter coats to choose from is an absolute requirement for cold climes. Not just for warmth but for interest.

Otherwise in past seasons I embraced sweater dresses + tall boots & warm tights as a way to change things up. However, right now my dresses are being ignored, because I'm not yet bored enough with separates.

And scarves. A collection of scarves is a must.

K.M.

Veteran

Thanks for all the suggestions! You already inspired me and got me out of my rut. Yesterday I took advantage of the slightly warmer weather and wore a skirt and turtleneck; today I put on my wide-leg wool trousers. I even felt perked up enough to wear lipstick (not usual for me). When I get a chance I'll take some photos and share! Thank you!

Gigi

Veteran

My absolute favorite thing to wear in a Minnesota winter is maxi skirts with lots of underlayers. I can wear really thick leggings under the maxi skirts, much thicker than I could under a pair of pants. On days when the weather is a little warmer, I will wear pants with silk long johns or tights under them.

This winter, I'm going to try layering tights and leggings (tights on top). I wonder if that will help me be able to wear skirts on colder days.

Caro

This winter I am addicted to sweater dresses, and I think they are also good for the warmth aspect. Pair with some insulated leggings or fleece leggings and we're good to go! One thing that you could change maybe is your boots? I know you need warm practical boots, but have you seen some of the latest boots that are out now? A couple of examples are below... Some super cute and even dare I say sexy snow boots can be had!

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Missey

Veteran

K.M. as a life long Minnesotan I will tell you that you cannot have only one winter coat! I personally think 3-4 are needed. I personally need a short down coat for outdoor activities; a longer down coat, preferably mid-thigh to knee length for dressier warmth on really cold days; a structured knee length wool coat; a shorter wool coat. These are the bare minimum basics.

For the sportier side, I layer like mad, I have down vests, fleece, primaloft jackets, and other various gear fabric in tops and bottoms to choose from. Now, I've lived in a cold climate FOREVER, so these items have amassed over time and they all see wear. For me they are wardrobe fundamentals.

I am a firm believer in wool of varying weights for tops, it's the most versatile and warmest. Fleece and cozy flannel are right up there too.

To stay warm while dressing up, I love a good thin thermal base layer like Cuddle duds, Smartwool, and wool or fleece tights. I wear pretty much whatever I want during the winter, but I am well covered when I go outside. If I want to wear a skirt, I will wear insulated pants, jeans or cords underneath while outside if really cold and take them off when I get to where I'm going (this does not work for elegant affairs, in which case you will have to grin and bear it somewhat...park close!)

I carry my shoes with me if they are not slush and snow appropriate. I do own a few pairs of boots that standup well to winter conditions. Timberland makes great leather boots that are also waterproof for every day wear. They hold up well too. Sorel makes a variety of great warms boots and some can be worn all day. Lots of good cold weather brands out there!

Good luck and stay warm!

Laurinda

Veteran

Great advice! FrannieB I love your categorization of fall/winter/spring outerwear. Most of the time when I meet people between October and April I am wearing outerwear and I need the cheer of having more than one color of coat/jacket. Probably I am an outlier as I was surprised to notice that a coat rack at the gym this week held only 2 non-black jackets out of 50 or so. (The two were camouflage and orange, this being Wisconsin.) I also have a selection of scarves, from standard wool knitted mufflers to large triangular silk-like shawls.

One caution, I find the window for wool coats to be pretty narrow. For me they only work for 30F - 50F (0-10C) and that is, what, maybe a week or two in the Fall and a day or two in the Spring? LOL, of course every year is different.

Investing in a pair of warm, slush-proof, traction-soled boots is a must for below 20F (-7C), you might have to adjust your fashion sense on these. I love my Merrells; Sorel is another popular brand. For warmer weather, 20F-40F (-7C-5C) I have a couple different colors of water-proof duck boots which work well with wool socks.

Mittens trump gloves for warmth. Wool over synthetic fibers, and look for a windproof shell of nylon or leather. Synthetic, the new wicking fibers work best for me for long underwear though, and a thin bottom (add a top if you run cold) can add a snuggly warmth.

Women's Bean Boots by L.L.Bean, Rubber Moc

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Women's Bean Boots by L.L.Bean, Rubber Moc

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K.M.

Veteran

Caro (and everyone else), how would you style the snow boots similar to your examples? My one recent wintry purchase (before I wrote this post) was a pair of Columbia Minx Omni Heat boots in gray. This was mostly because they were rated very warm (and the store had a good sale). I was hoping the fur trim would have made them a tad dressier, but because of the outer fabric they look very sporty. They are much slimmer on the feet and calves than this picture suggests (slimmer than Sorels, which I tried on too). I've only worn them with tucked-in skinny cords so far.

And it seems the consensus is: more than one coat, for weather range and for variety! I will plan to slowly build a coat collection...

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

K.M. -- those are really cute snow boots. They are similar to mine, in fact. (Mine are by Kamik and I think are the New York style, or maybe Brooklyn -- I forget).

Sad truth, there IS no real "styling" with this type of boot. You tuck your pants or tights into it and venture forth, hoping for the best. But if you are going to work or to someone's home, you will not be wearing it indoors. So you'll need a great tote that is big enough for a change of footwear.

I definitely think a range of coats is important. I find my wool coats work well for me at temps below what Laurinda mentions IF a couple of conditions are met:

I cannot be planning to be outdoors standing still for hours on end.
I must be able to layer under them (i.e. a warm pullover, or a leather or wool blazer underneath -- along with a shirt or blouse, cami, etc.)
Windchill must not be too extreme.

Also, wool coats are not created equal. Some are just that -- wool or wool/ poly blend, with a thin poly lining. Others have a thinsulate lining or even just a lining with poly and some kind of fleece or soft insulator -- this adds considerably to their warmth. (I own both types, so I know).

Anyway...I wear my wool coats between about 50F and 20F or so. At that point it gets too cold and I need a puffer. I'm still in the process of building my coat collection, but I think it is absolutely crucial to have more than one.

Gigi -- don't maxi skirts get dirtied in the snow? I think mine would...but I do a lot of walking.

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