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A big question that brings folks to Wardrobe Oxygen this time of year is how to handle very cold temperatures while staying stylish. While it's frigid right now by DC standards, I don't deal with such cold temps regularly and would never consider myself an expert on cold weather fashion. Below are the winter-style tips I use to keep warm when it's super cold.
I originally wrote this in 2015, but I am updating it for the new decade as there have been changes in fashion trends and technology that affect the advice and items recommended. As always, I welcome your comments to make this an even more valuable resource for those looking to stay warm and stylish this winter!
Winter Fashion Tips: Essential Need-to-Knows for Staying Stylish and Warm
It can feel hard creating a winter wardrobe that feels stylish but still maintains warmth. With a few essential fashion tips, putting outfits together can feel a bit easier; you just have to know where to start.
Have a Base Layer
Keeping your core warm will ensure you stay comfortable when the temps drop. Thin layers close to the body will do a remarkably good job without adding too much bulk to your outfit.
- Fleece and wool tights are my jam for creating a functional warm winter outfit; they are far warmer than regular tights, and double as a great base layer under jeans and trousers. For wool tights check out Snag and Calzedonia. For fleece, I like Spanx and Noosh. Melanin carries fleece tights for a range of skintones.
- The same holds true for fleece and wool leggings. WoolX Base Layer Bottoms and a pair of great socks is a nice alternative with boots and booties.
- Wool socks keep your feet warm and dry and also help prevent foot odor. With the return of clogs, I've seen a return of socks and have seen quality and stylish socks at fashion boutiques and department stores across malls and online. My favorite places for wool socks are Bombas, L.L. Bean, and Smartwool.
- A silk or heat-keeping fitted tank or cami is a must-have in winter. Brands like Lands' End, Wool&, and UNIQLO carry these in a broad range of sizes and colors, so you can find one that fits and becomes invisible under your clothing.
Wear Smart Accessories
When it comes to accessorizing in the winter, choose pieces that are both fashionable and functional.
- The pashmina is back, baby, and I couldn't be happier. In wool, cashmere, or a blend, these scarves (also called blanket scarves and wraps) are toasty without being bulky and are also so versatile. I will cross a pashmina across my body in front before putting on my coat; it will fill the neck area but also add an additional layer of warmth to my core. An unexpected place I find great cashmere wraps and pashmina is Chico's.
- Cable knit is another stylish piece to incorporate into your winter fashion wear. It's a considerably warm material due to the textured pattern, helping to trap air and provide a good sense of insulation. It's not so warm that it feels suffocating, so it's both breathable and toasty. This makes it perfect for creating cold weather looks. Stores like L.L Bean, Talbots, and J. Crew are essential when you're shopping for cozy cable knits that maintain a refined, streamlined look.
- Let's celebrate that it has been chic for the past few winters to make a beanie, toque, or watch cap a part of your outfit, even indoors. Choose a natural fabric like wool or cashmere for breathability along with warmth. Right now is the perfect time to stock up as retailers are trying to offload their winter merchandise for resort and spring wear. For example, at the time of writing this, Talbots had 50% off already discounted winter accessories, meaning you can find cashmere for the price of fast-fashion acrylic.
- Gloves are a must-have. I recommend having two pairs: the kind you can use to shovel and play in the snow, and the kind you wear to stay warm when you're not likely to get wet. Again, this is the time of year to stock up. My personal favorite nice gloves for cold weather are cashmere-lined leather gloves. Black is classic but consider a fun color to complement or add a pop of color to your winter coat. I have found great leather gloves at Lands' End and Bloomingdale's for reasonable prices and fun colors. For classic colors, you can't beat the price at Quince.
- Your ears are one of the first parts of your body to feel those frigid temperatures due to the lack of insulation, so ear muffs are a stylish way to retain warmth. It may feel over-the-top at first, but it's a good incorporation to a chic winter look that also happens to be practical. For something that will provide wind resistance, leather ear muffs will do the job. If you want a cozier feel, fleece is a good alternative for comfort. Faux shearling is also another great fabric because it's plush, soft, and warm.
You Need Proper Footwear
When it comes to inclement weather, function always trumps fashion. Warm boots that provide traction on slick sidewalks are a must-have for cold weather. Keep a pair of versatile shoes in your office or vehicle so you can do a quick change once you get indoors.
- This is a great time to buy winter boots on sale. I often shop for boots now through early spring at places like Lands' End and get high quality for less than $50.
- While functionality reigns over style, there are ways to incorporate both. Leathers, wool covered footbeds, and a proper sole is your key to success. These Alpine Boots from L.L. Bean use a VertiGrip outsole, a cozy inner lining, and full-grain leather to create the perfect, stylish winter shoe.
- Look for boots with Vibram ArcticGrip or IceTrek soles. These high-tech rubber soles literally grip to slick surfaces, keeping you more stable in icy conditions.
Slim jeans and pants look great peeking out of tall fur-trimmed winter boots for ski lodge style. Tall leather boots (especially when waterproof) are wonderful for when it's cold but not wet; the leather acts as a windbreaker and can add an extra layer of warmth. I'll wear tall boots with a dress or skirt, fleece tights, and wool knee-high socks and be toasty and stylish.
My favorite hack for keeping my feet warm in winter is adding insoles. I've previously shared my favorite winter insoles; I put these in every pair of boots I own, and it makes a big difference.
Choose Outfits with Layers, Length, and Warm Fabrics
If you plan on getting away with a long-sleeved tee and a pair of jeans, you're going to be shivering all day.
- Layer: I'm a fan of sweater coats, puffer vests, and ponchos come winter because these are easy layers to slip on and off, depending on how high the heat is cranking inside. Under, I'll wear a long-sleeved tee or fitted merino or cashmere sweater and a silk tank under that so when I slip off the topper, I am still pulled together and warm. Chunky knits are popular this fall and are easy to layer over a silk or knit tee. I'm also known to slip fleece tights or silk longjohns under dress pants or jeans when I dress for winter, and no one is wiser than my warm self! Also check out quilted skirts like this one from Columbia; it's a great way to add extra warmth to that part of the body for outdoor winter activities.
- Length: Winter isn't the time for mini skirts and crop tops. I pull out the midi skirts and long winter coats and wear them with fleece tights and tall boots, longer tunic sweaters over slim pants, or sweater dresses over fleece or wool leggings and tights. Thigh-skimming sweater coats are great at keeping my rear and upper legs warm.
- Warm Fabrics: Wool pants are warmer than synthetics; look for a pair with lining to stay itchy-free and add some wind resistance. As mentioned a thousand times already, fleece and wool tights and leggings are a smart choice with dresses and skirts. Leather is wind-repellant and warm; you will find a lot of leather skirts this season. It's a fantastic way to look chic and stay cozy, and leather doesn't experience static cling against fleece hosiery.
Longer Coats that Repel Wind
Many years ago, I wrote that women don't need puffer coats, and they can be just as warm and more stylish with a wool coat with Thinsulate lining. Then, I had a job that required city commuting and realized that the original advice was bunk. When buying a winter coat, first consider warmth capabilities and style to provide the coverage you need, and then look for stylish touches.
- Buy from a company known for outerwear. Companies like Patagonia, Columbia, Lands' End, Eddie Bauer, and L.L. Bean often provide temperature ratings for their outerwear, helping you make the best coat decision for your lifestyle.
- Length matters. Not only do you want to cover your bum to not freeze when sitting on cold bus stop benches, but your coat is also a shield against wind and precipitation. These days, most longer coats have side snaps or zippers to make walking easier. They can then can be closed if you're standing or sitting outside for a period of time.
- Hoods are helpful. Sure, you have your beanie, but an additional hood adds a cocoon of warmth and protection from sleet and snow. Many coats these days offer removable hoods so you can reduce bulk on days you know will be dry and not as windy.
- Create curves. To not look like the Michelin Man, seek out coats with strategic quilting to define a waist, and look for styles that use belts. Not only does this add a streamlined upgrade, it can add warmth as wind is less likely to travel between you and your outerwear.
- Find climate-friendly features. Winter coats that use functional features like pockets, adjustable cuffs, and sealed seams are all useful incorporations to staying warm. This helps restrict any excess air flow, and give you an additional place to put your hands when it feels like gloves just aren't working hard enough.
