Well, the frigid weather's officially here. And with that comes some good things - like the first blanket of snow that makes the city look like a fairy tale - and the bad things, like the snow pelting you in the face to say "good morning!".
Now that it's here, how do we prepare? After two years commuting via public transit (and therefore via foot to the transit), I've learned that more is never enough. And while bundling up like Randy from A Christmas Story is enticing, I also think looking presentable (or some winter version of it) is important.
Here's what I think are some of the best options. I haven't perfected my winter ensemble yet, so chime in with your thoughts!
Head and ears: Hats are always a big no-no for me (turns my hair into a mushroom), so I've found other options. Earmuffs or 180s work wonderfully but when it gets really cold, more is needed. So ear covers and a hood works wonders (I'll be shopping for a coat with a hood after the holidays!). If your hair tolerates hats (lucky!), there are so many adorable options. I've seen an alarming number with cutout designs that also do not cover one's ears. Don't make the mistake of picking one of those up!
Neck: Nothing's worse than having a sore neck from shrinking it into your shoulders to stay warm. I've seen a lot of coats that have a high collar, which looks amazingly warm. The jackets zip up high, to around your mouth so you don't have to distort your body to keep warm. I recently saw a girl wearing what I think was a "scoodie." You can make it yourself and I found an instructional video here. Hers looked like a giant sweatshirt around her neck, minus the hood and arms, and it was cradling her in warmth and I was oh, so jealous. It may be my inner warmth-seeker making me think this is attractive - do we like? Of course, once snow hits cotton, it may not be warm for too long!
Hands: I have fabric gloves, which only work during the "warm" winter months. When it's snowing or sleeting, a waterproof nylon pair seem to work best to shield me from the nasty weather.
Feet: Rain boots just won't cut it. I wore mine today and by the time I was at my door, my toes were frosty. Winter boots are a must and if they're mid-calf in length it's even better. You can avoid ruining work pants or jeans and you can step through the snow just because you want to.The sidewalks were already slippery today, so the bottom of your boots should have grip.
Coats: Arguably the most important part of the equation, I find that once the snow hits, my wool coats aren't the best option. They absorb the moisture, plus it stays damp for awhile. A knee-length jacket with waterproof nylon material, a hood and high neck seems like the perfect option!
Supporting roles:
Tissues, for that runny nose.
Lip balm, to keep your lips smooth.
Lotion, to keep your hands moisturized.
Salt - seriously - it's really slippery.
Any other suggestions? Keep warm, it's harsh out there!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie