White Christmas - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

White Christmas

rose

Ata mārie- good morning- from New Zealand. I seldom post but read this wonderful page every day.
I’m looking for some advice for an area totally out of my dressing/ comfort zone! We ( 3 adult daughters and my husband) have decided to try to visit New York City and then into Quebec/ Toronto for Christmas. My husband has long term health problems and this is a Wishlist for him, just hoping he’s well enough to go.
I’m good for merino underlayers, puffer coat, etc but I am wondering what on earth to wear as trousers which look tidy for mostly city tripping but can cope with snow or extreme cold? I’m a jeans person and do have a couple of pairs of dress trousers but our Auckland winter is pretty mild. Any suggestions for types of trousers which might fit the bill?
Thank you.

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from rose

Helena

Veteran

Hi there, I live in the Toronto area and have been to Quebec in winter ... I would say a base layer under your jeans will do you fine ... Uniqlo has great meeting pieces to stay warm under your regular clothing. Warm socks and boots that keep your feet dry will be the most essential I'd say. Enjoy your trip!

rose

Thank you Helena.

Runcarla

Veteran

My home is just east of Toronto, and I’m familiar with the weather in Quebec (and Montreal and Ottawa). Jeans will be fine, with a base layer if temps are particularly frigid.

This might be an outlier - but I got a pair of faux leather pants that are great in winter! They block the wind, and shed the wet! If you run hot, they probably won’t be the best, but if you run cold, they might tick the box! My first pair worked out so well, I’ve bought a second pair that I plan to wear on a Christmas market themed river cruise (on the Rhine) end of November/early December!

Don’t forget wool socks!

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Lisa

Veteran

Thermal layers under jeans and trousers will work well in NYC. You will want a hat, scarves, and gloves to help combat the wind. They make flannel and fleece lined jeans if you want more warmth. If you’ll be going in and outdoors a lot you’ll need to layer because it’s often hot in the stores. Boots or sneakers are ideal for lots of walking. I’d stay away from heels. Have a wonderful trip!

Jules

Veteran

Slimmer pants are better than wide because snow & slush can get messy!

rose

Thank you all for your advice! I feel more relaxed now that I don’t have to look for anything new. I have thermal leggings etc to wear under jeans, wooly socks, fleecy tights and done snow boots as well as ‘normal’ boots so I feel now I’ll be ok!
Leather pants sound an eminently sensible idea- but I’m laughing just seeing myself in them in my imagination!!!
Thank you all once again! Really looking forward to a ‘white Christmas’ - will be do different from our summer’s celebration.

Helena

Veteran

Sounds like you'll be in great shape! Also if it's really frigid, folks get fairly relaxed about style; warmth comes first for sure. At Christmas there might be a wallop of snow or there might be none - your thermals will give you versatility for whatever the weather. Enjoy trip planning

rose

Thank you Helena.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like you are in excellent shape and have had some excellent advice. I wish you a wonderful trip!

Cee

Veteran

Long johns and make sure they come with a dunny hatch !

Irina

Veteran

Seems like you are sorted with pants/under layers. I think in Toronto/New York/Quebec it is very important what kind of outwear one wears. Make sure that your puffers are warm, best to have a hood as it can be windy. In Toronto, where I live, my winter uniform often is a pair of tights, warm knee high socks, thin merino long sleeve t-shirt , mid weight cashmere sweater, cropped jeans, thick puffer, a hat, gloves and boots (sneakers if there is no snow). Hope it helps!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like you are sorted! We were in Quebec City for Christmas a couple of years ago and it got COLD and snowy with wind. It only really bothered us when we took a guided walking history tour that lasted longer than promised, LOL. But I find that warm weatherproof boots (mine are Sorel) go a long way to help in this weather. A good long but lightweight puffer jacket (can layer underneath) is also good to have. Hat, gloves, scarf — all help maintain warmth but are easily removed indoors when it warms up.

NYC is not usually bitter cold at Christmas time, and in fact can sometimes be really pleasant, but I’d be prepared for a variety of temps!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Rose!

The coldest I've ever experienced was -10C in Park City.

In NYC at Christmas, it was around -3C. Which wasn't as cold but felt much colder because you walk everywhere, and are outside a lot the time. That makes the difference because NYC is an on foot - subway - taxi - uber lifestyle. Like Janet said though - Christmas in NYC can be above freezing too! Hopefully

I second Irina on the hood for the puffer. I'd also throw in weatherproof shoes - if you can. Spray shoes with waterproof spray. Thermals are important for up top, as are scarf, hat and gloves.

Have a safe and fabulous time!

rose

How wonderful to wake up this morning to all these kind and helpful comments! I appreciate all your advice. Good tip to pre waterproof boots and shoes. Have the hood on the long puffer sorted. Irina, your ‘uniform’ was very helpful. It’s going to be very different but we are very excited for sure!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

How exciting!

We make a NYC/Toronto-area December trip every few years, usually for about a week. We do a lot of walking on these trips. There has always been snow and/or slush. NYC in particular, gets icy wind tunnel effects at times. I live in the southeast United States, and I run a bit colder than my friends who live up north.

The things I do/pack:

I try to limit things to a carry-on, because when we’re in Toronto, we are usually able to do laundry. Sometimes we check a bag, which gives us more options for packing and shopping, and that’s nice as well!

I wear boots on the flight, and pack a second pair of boots in my bag. Before I travel, I always examine my shoes carefully, brush them off, wipe them down with leather wipes, and then I spray waterproofing on them. Having a couple of pairs means you always have a dry pair at the ready, and some variety for happier feet.

I pick my tried-and true favorites, pack a capsule where everything matches, and do a try-on before we leave.

I carry a coat on my flight, and pack a second, smaller warm jacket in my bag. Like the boots, I will brush off my outerwear, clean if necessary, and use a waterproof product. I cannot emphasize how important the waterproofing part is, because there are always slushy moments.

My go-to outfit:

A close fitting cotton, silk, or heattech top, worn under a close-fitting wool/silk/cashmere sweater. (Uniqlo makes heattech longsleeve tops, that layer well, but still look nice on their own).

Slim jeans or pants, tucked into tall boots. I layer tights or winter silk-type thermals and socks underneath.

I bring a couple pairs of lined leather gloves (which don’t work with touchscreen devices, but are warm), non-itchy warm scarves in pretty colors, and tocque or beanie-style hats that won’t blow away.

I also bring yoga and loungewear pieces that can double as PJs.

For dressier occasions, I usually rely on my accessories: pretty scarf, a little jewelry, maybe a brooch on my coat lapel, for a very cheerful sweater. True confession: I always pack a skirt, just in case, and I’ve only ever worn a skirt once, when we attended a memorial service.

I use a small-to-medium leather crossbody bag, regardless of trends.

I hope you have a marvelous trip! There are so many fun things you can do in NYC, but the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, is at the top of my list!

BlueJay

Veteran

Another Torontonian chiming in. Lots of good advice here. I would bring lip protector like Chapstick or Lypsyl, and a very good hand cream. (I have lip protectors in all my fall and winter coat pockets). Between the cold and wind, then the heat and dryness inside plus the hard water of the city really tends to chap my skin.

Wishing you and your family a lovely trip! I hope there is enough snow to make it magical and special.

rose

Thank you Mary-Beth for the advice re waterproofing other items too . The Rockettes show is high on our list!
Thank you Blue Jay for the good advice re chapstick and hand cream! I hadn’t thought of that.
Thank you both for your kind thoughts.