When Winter Arrives Fashionably Late
So, as well know here in the U.S., winter FINALLY decided to show up! I’m not sure how much I like the unseasonably-warm-January and then back-to-winter-February situation that seems to be the trend of the past few years, but I guess it’s time to embrace it. As soon as you think spring is here… BAM! Here’s a snowstorm bringing 10+ inches of snow! At least it’s not ice, and I really feel for you in the south and east dealing with the aftermath of this potent winter storm. If you are dealing with loss of heat/power/water OR are located in Texas and in need of resources (or want to pass this information along to others), check out this Google Doc with winter weather resources!
Even though I’m not a fan of late winter snow storms, this one wasn’t all bad…because I got to wear the newest addition to my denim collection: a pair of Madewell heatrich skinny jeans! I’ve been wanting to try a pair since Anne sang their praises, and I was able to snag this pair on sale (in the curvy style, no less!). Good news for you—if you wear one of the remaining sizes, they’re an extra 20% off through TONIGHT, 2/17!
When it comes to staying warm in a late winter snow storm, this outfit is made up of all the items I typically reach for: first up is a base layer to wear under a sweater. I swear by the Uniqlo Heattech collection; I own multiples of the tank tops and long-sleeve tees (in various necklines, but scoopneck or v-neck is best if you don’t want to risk it peeking out from underneath the sweater collar). The long-sleeve Heattech tees keep me very warm, so I usually opt for a tank unless I’m freezing or going to be outside for an extended period of time.
Next up is, of course, a sweater. I’m trying to purchase more natural fabrics, but since I am sensitive to wool, cashmere is the best option for me. Cotton is great too but isn’t what I reach for most often when it’s cold (and when I do wear it, I also wear a long-sleeve Heattech tee underneath!). I went with a thicker ribbed cashmere sweater for this outfit.
For me personally, my legs are able to handle cold way more than other parts of my body, so I can usually get away with wearing jeans and not totally freeze without a base layer. (I opt for thicker jeans and not thin legging-like jeans.) I do wear leggings or thermals and ski pants if I’m going to be out in the bitter cold for a while. That said, my new heatrich jeans by Madewell are a perfect alternative to regular jeans in the winter—they’re made with 3% cashmere and are brushed on the interior, so they’re soft and a little bit warmer than standard jeans. I purchased the curvy style, size 25 petite—I took a chance on my “usual” size (I’ve been more of a 26 as of late) because most reviewers said they ran big, and they fit great! (They’re currently an extra 20% off the sale price through 2/17!)
Next up: wool socks. You want wool because they naturally wick moisture away from your feet and keep them comfortable. You can’t see them here, but I’m wearing the Smartwool snowflake crew socks under my boots. They are merino wool and not itchy to me. I own multiple pairs of Smartwool socks and cycle through them all winter long (when I leave the house, that is). They kept my feet toasty warm in my Sorel snow boots—mine are an old Tofino style from many years ago.
And finally, I top everything off with a warm puffer coat and a beanie. Puffer coats are key in cold weather! They may not be the most fashionable, but they are the warmest. My coat is by Everlane and even though the style is still available (and on sale), this color is unfortunately not. I highly recommend picking up at least one puffer coat in a fun color if you can—it truly brightens my winter days when I wear this coat! (I was so worried that because it wasn’t a neutral that I wouldn’t wear it enough, but that’s far from the truth! I wear it nonstop because it makes me happy!) Get a puffer with a hood—it makes all the difference on windy days. Beanies keep your head extra warm; I’m all about a good beanie during a snow storm.
What’s your winter weather uniform? Do you have a fun coat to perk you up in the cold and dreary months? Did you also get a bunch of snow recently??? (Our snow is pretty much gone now but we could get some more this upcoming weekend!)
OUTFIT DETAILS
Everlane coat / exact style (review here; last seen here)
Everlane sweater / old; similar from Nordstrom Rack or by Vince
Madewell jeans / exact (curvy version) or regular version (also available from Zappos)
Sorel boots / old; updated style or updated style via Zappos
J.Crew hat / exact
Dior Lip Glow in pink / exact