Ten Ways to Stay Warm and Look Good in Winter

After a mild winter last year most of us are freaking out over the cold and all the snow. In fact we are forecasted to have the first classic Canadian winter in a few years. I have already seen countless parents shivering at the school pick up, dressed for something other than winter. It is time for a reminder on how to dress for the cold. These are ten ways to stay warm and look good in winter.

Ten Ways to Stay Warm and Look Good

1. Buy a warm coat – if there is one thing you should splurge on when it comes to dressing warm for the winter it is a warm coat. This is the thing that is going to keep the majority of your body warm so it needs to be good. Now I have warm winter coats that run the spectrum from wool to down to polyester fill. Parkas are better at cutting the wind but wool wins more style points.
2. Wear a longer coat – Have you ever seen someone wearing a Canada Good short coat and noticed they are still shivering? Or re-purposing their waist length ski jacket or ski doo coat? The reason these coats don’t do a great job of truly keeping you warm is because they are meant to be paired with snow pants. When paired with snow pants these short coats offer increased flexibility for winter activities. But if you are just walking around outside you are better to go with a longer coat. Definitely past the bum, to the knees is preferable and even the longer duster styles will keep your whole body warm not just your upper torso.
3. Wear a Scarf – If I had to choose one accessory to keep me warm I would choose a scarf hands down. Why? A big scarf can be tied in such a way that your ears are covered therefore doubling as a hat. I also find that scarves finish a look better than any other cold weather accessory. In fact it is the single most complimented item in my winter closet. I have been told “I love the way you tie your scarves!” to “you look so warm!” from various other moms. And all it is is putting on a scarf.
4. Wear your mittens – ever notice when you see someone shivering in the cold that they have their hands stuffed in their pockets? When I am picking up my kids after school I don’t have the luxury of not using my hands. I am either carrying someones backpack or holding two kids by the hands on our way to the car. This means I want to keep my hands warm so that I can use them. I always keep an extra set of mittens or gloves in the car just in case I run out of the house without them.
5. Wear a hat – I know what you are thinking “All she is doing is listing accessories” I know, I know. But these are the things I see people not wearing day after day. A hat is going to keep your ears and forehead warm when the wind is ice cold. Even a wool fedora is a good option for winter, especially paired with a big scarf. A wide brim hat will keep falling snow off your face.
6. Put on your boots – One of the biggest lies fashion magazines and bloggers tell us is that you can go without socks and wear heels in the dead of winter. And sure you can make your way from the car to inside but it isn’t a look for spending any time outside unless you are looking to get frostbite. Invest in a good pair of boots. Ones that keep you warm and can handle the snow. If you insist on wearing all leather boots make sure they are protected from the salt and insulate the soles so that they keep you warm. Most leather boots really aren’t meant for long periods in the snow and cold.
7. Layer – If you don’t do anything else on this list make sure to layer. Layering sounds bukly but it really doesn’t have to be. Thin knits like merino wool allow for layering without the bulk and more easily fit under coats and vests. Layering your core will raise your body temperature and keep the rest of you warmer.
8. Wear Wool – wool is one of the best fabrics for warmth. Cotton keeps you cool and is perfect for summer whereas wool is your friend for winter. Find wool scratchy? See tip number 7. You can also make sure to pick wool like cashmere or merino which are much softer. Invest in some wool trousers for work as well. If you run from work to pick up your kids wool pants make all the difference. Even get wool long underwear for days out in the cold.
9. Wear Snow pants – I have seen people make this mistake before. They are going skiing or some other winter activity and they go out in jeans. This is a surefire way to freeze. Now I don’t wear snow pants to pick up my kids after school. But if I am going tobogganing or anything else where I will be out in the snow and cold for more than 15 – 20 minutes I put on my snow pants. Snow pants give off a more sporty vibe so pair them with a parka.
10. Don’t complain about the cold – I get it there are days when it is so cold we all want to wallow in how cold our face feels. But if you don’t dress for the weather not too many people are going to feel sorry for you feeling cold. Dress for the cold and stay positive. Think of all the fun things you can do in the snow. Plus no one likes to hear someone complain about things. If you need to say something mention how cold it is and drive on. It is more stylish to just look good in the cold than to complain about the cold!

Do you have any tips on how to stay warm and look good? I always believe that staying warm actually improves your style factor because you can walk in the cold with confidence in stead of shivering.

Coat//hat//scarf//sweater//gloves//boots