As the crisp autumn leaves start to fall and we all are cozing up with warm blankets and steaming cups of hot chocolate…. It’s that magical time of the year again. Preparing for bundling up for those colder days. I don’t know about you, I dread all those layers of clothing. But we know that it’s necessary, it’s either that, or freeze to death. OK, maybe that’s a stretch, we are NOT going to FREEZE TO DEATH…. LOL.
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Here in SWPA Winter is almost among us, which means it is time to start thinking about bolstering your wardrobe so it can help to keep you warm when the coolest season comes around because, let’s face it, there is nothing worse than always feeling cold when you are just trying to go about your day!
That being the case, let’s take a look at what you can do to ensure that you are always toastily dressed this winter!
In this case, it is not a full wardrobe reset, but what I like to refer to as the essentials. Did I mention I really do not like cold weather after spending 14 years in Arizona where our coldest days in the winter are 84°.
1. Layer Up, Buttercup!
Remember when we used to layer our jelly sandwiches in school to make them extra gooey? Well you can actually use the same principle for your body this winter – yes really! Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat at bay (think long-sleeve tees or snug-fitting cotton shirts). Then pile on the warmth with sweaters, vests, or hoodies. This way, you can add or remove layers as the temperature fluctuates, so you’re never too sweatily hot or too bone-chillingly cold. Smart, right?
2. Embrace the World of Thermals
Okay, now you know about clothing layers, let’s talk thermals which are actually the perfect toasty warm winter base layer. These are the close-fitting, often lightweight undergarments that trap body heat and keep Jack Frost from nipping at…well, everything. They come in a variety of materials, with wool and synthetic blends being the most popular. Slap on some thermal leggings under your jeans or trousers and a thermal shirt under your top, oh and don’t forget those womens thermal gloves, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. You will never have felt so warm in wintertime before!
3. The Big Puffy Coat
Whether you’re team long or team short, having a well-insulated coat is a winter must-have. Look for features like a lined hood, deep pockets (for all those extra tissues and lip balms), and wind-resistant materials. Some even come with sneaky inside pockets, perfect for stashing your phone or wallet, so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to fit your favorite backpack on top of the wearable mattress you have chosen for winter.
4. Don’t Forget Your Tootsies
Cold feet are a winter buzzkill. Wool or thermal socks are the way to go. And for those particularly cold days? Double up on those bad boys. As for shoes, waterproof boots with a good grip will ensure you won’t be doing any accidental ice-skating.
5. Mittens vs. Gloves – The Ultimate Showdown
While gloves give you more dexterity (hello, texting in the cold!), mittens keep your fingers together and trap more heat, so if it is particularly cold and you don’t need much use of your hands, then mittens are ideal, whereas if you do need more dexterity for whatever reason, the aforementioned thermal gloves may be a better idea for you. The choice is yours but whatever you do, be sure to keep your hands covered if you want to feel warm this winter!
6. A Hat for That Noggin
A good chunk of our body heat escapes from our heads, so capping it with a beanie, trapper hat, or even a stylish fedora can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s the perfect solution for those not-so-great hair days, so you don’t always have to worry about washing your hair in the bitter cold of those winter mornings.
7. Scarves: The Neck’s Best Thing
Scarves aren’t just a fashion statement; they’re like a warm hug for your neck! Wrap them, tie them, drape them – however you wear it, just make sure you have one. They’re great for blocking out the cold and adding a pop of color to your winter ensemble.
8. Snow Day Extras
For those snowy or wet winter days, you should definitely consider investing in a pair of gaiters (they cover the tops of your shoes and lower legs) to keep snow out and warmth in. And if you’re feeling extra, earmuffs and a face mask can be a game-changer that you will not regret when everyone around you is shivering but you!
9. Fabrics are Your Friends
Materials like wool, fleece, and down are known for their insulating effectiveness. On the flip side, avoid cotton as a base layer since it holds onto moisture and can leave you feeling damp and chilly.
As you can see, it’s actually pretty easy to dress warm for the winter with just a few simple tweaks to your regular wardrobe, so what are you waiting for? Make that winter wardrobe sparkle and have as much fun in the cold as you possibly can!
Conclusion
Now that you have the basics, you just need to choose your style and texture that will work best for you this winter season.
When the cold hits and we are outside during the winter, we tend to bundle up, looking like the Michelin man, and we forget about how stylish and well put together we are for the other months of the year. This should be “no exception.”
The best part of updating our wardrobe is we are coming into November which we all know is the best time for Shopping Black Friday “Specials.. Don’t miss out get an early start … get your list ready in advance and “Let your fingers do the walking” shopping, shopping shopping.
Thanks for visiting us and being a part of The City Cottage Family. I love when we can Visit.
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