Keys to Keeping Warm in Cold Climates

I have spent most of my adult life in a variety of chilly environments and have become an expert in dressing warmly. I decided to write up a post to help anyone who is relatively new to a cold place know what to prioritize in dressing for the weather. Because nothing is as concerning to an adult woman as seeing another adult woman dressed in a way that you know she's freezing. The two big things I'll keep returning to are staying dry and covering up.

Base Layers and Socks

Lands' End Silk Long Underwear

If you are in freezing weather, you have to build layers of warmth and protection from the elements. You cannot throw a coat over a t-shirt and be properly warm. I have a personal preference for natural fibers (cotton, wool, and silk) for base layers, but there are plenty of hi-tech base layers produced by Under Armour, Nike, or Patagonia.

So I would start with a cotton or silk long-sleeved top. Then, layer a cotton or wool turtleneck (to keep that neck covered up!) on top. For pants, silk long underwear cannot be beat, but any leggings would be a good start. Depending on the degree of cold, I would suggest layering a looser, weatherproof pant over the leggings.

And as for socks: you need warm socks. You need different socks than you wear to the gym, and different socks than you wear in warm weather. They need to be long. And they need to be meant for winter. Although it would be a bit niche, I considered making this blog just a Bombas fan site. I think the people at Bombas have done something no one else has done and made simply exceptional socks out of natural fiber. They're unbelievably comfortable.

Bombas 4-pack Merino Wool Socks

Boots and Mittens

Sorel Women's Carnival Boot

If you spend some time looking for winter boots, you will quickly realize that you could spend well over $200 on snow boots. If you are a novice, you might think that cost will relate directly to keeping you warm, and to some extent it's true. If your boots are lined with genuine shearling, they will be warmer than if they are unlined. And the lining will increase the cost. If your boots are manufactured with an advanced material that is 100% absolutely waterproof, that will be helpful and costly. 

However, I want to make a plug for knowing how to wear winter boots rather than being overly concerned by cost. Waterproof is different from warm. Ugg boots are very warm, but they are absolutely not waterproof. So if you wear them in the snow, you will (A) ruin your boots and (B) get your feet wet, ergo, making you cold. Nonetheless, every year, I see someone walking around in soaking wet Ugg boots (that probably end up weighing seven pounds apiece when waterlogged) in a snowstorm. Also, the material of your boots can be as fool-proof waterproof as you can imagine, but if you're in snow that comes above your boots and falls in around your socks, your feet will be wet, and you'll be cold.

So for different kinds of weather, different kinds of winter boots will make the most sense. If you are in a climate that usually just has wet, sloppy winter weather without being below freezing very often, I would make a pitch for a pair of solid rain boots. And wear very warm socks with them. The boots will come up high enough to keep any sloppy freezing rain out, and you won't have an unnecessary pair of snow boots taking up space in your closet all year. 

If you are in a climate that gets brutally cold but without much snow (believe me! such a thing exists!), you might not need to combat moisture, but you'll want warm, lined boots. Ugg boots would be great in that kind of circumstance (if you like the style). But if you're in an environment that gets a blend, or where you will have to deal with snowfall, I would suggest a pair of classic snow boots with a durable rubber sole, like Sorel or LLBean Boots.

As for keeping your hands warm, I am an advocate for mittens over gloves. 

LL Bean Heritage Wool Mittens

I think something about your fingers being loose helps  them stay warm. And, like with base layers, I suggest natural fibers rather than synthetic. Either way, you need to keep your hands warm and yes, dry.

Top It Off With a Coat

Lands' End Long Down Coat

Amazon Essentials Hooded Puffer Coat

When picking a warm winter coat, the keys of staying dry and covering up are still important. A weatherproof or fully waterproof coat is preferable to a wool peacoat or overcoat. And it makes a big difference to have a coat with a neck that comes up, and has a hood. Also, a length that reaches the hip or longer is very helpful! A coat with a hood can protect you from heavy snow.

The Lands' End coat above is very similar to the coat I have had for approximately seven years. I get it dry cleaned yearly and spot clean it throughout the winter. It has held up extremely well. The Amazon Essential coat is Abra Belke's recommendation, and although I don't own it, I take her recommendations very seriously. It might be my next heavy winter coat.

Honorary Mention: the Buff

I first heard of Buffs on Survivor, and for some reason, the association has never stopped for me. Early this year, one of my family members purchased me a warm Buff. Although it is not recommended to serve as a mask for pandemic purposes, having a Buff helped when masks first became necessary.

Buff Lightweight Merino Wool

Also, warm Buffs are absolutely so helpful in cold weather, walking outside. I completely underestimated how much covering up my nose and cheeks would help protect me from the elements. So if you're looking to take your warm dressing to the next level, I think a Buff is a great addition.

Today's Delights:

• I did my first live Peloton workout yesterday over my lunch hour (the others have all been on-demand), and it was really fun to feel like I was riding along with thousands of other people;
• I have been using a broad-spectrum lamp in the mornings as I work, and the light is a real mood-booster;
• yesterday, I made a delicious salad and some oatmeal chocolate cookies--I'll give more details in tomorrow's post; and
• I am about half-way through my second book of 2021, Ordinary Grace, and I am really impressed by it so far.

Delight in something today, even something small, A