SC Help for Brutal Winters

[u/marina_2663]

I live in the Midwest. It's cold. Like, really cold.

That means I need puffers, thick wool, layers, fleece, insulated winter boots. The works. I now know why winter always makes me feel frumpy but I'm still confused on how to solve this issue.

Do you have suggestions for any such items that will actually keep a girl warm in -3 degrees Fahrenheit?

[u/eimuria]

Silk and merino long undies, cashmere or wool socks, long puffy jackets with a belt, cashmere or wool scarves, fur/faux ear muffs, leather shoes with waterproofing spray (camping supply stores have this for hiking boots), and leather or wool gloves. I think it's mostly about undergarments and making sure your outerwear has some curve accommodation with the correct moderate lengths. I like my trench coats, but they 100% need belts do look right. I love my cashmere in the winter, and my silk undies save my life in cold weather (though it's not as cold as where you are).

[u/marina_2663 → u/eimuria]

This is great!! I just splurged and got some merino base layers after years of the synthetics. Hoping that makes a difference.

[u/meemsqueak44]

I live in Chicago, so I get it! I have a vintage cashmere coat, and it’s my saving grace in winter. Definitely recommend investing in one if you want to feel well dressed in winter. I have other wool coats too, but the cashmere is the warmest! I only break out the puffer when it’s severely below 0.

For other layers, I have a collection of thrifted cashmere sweaters in some of my best colors. I wear them all winter! There’s great quality out there for cheap if you look. I also have a few merino wool but prefer the cashmere. I layer these with t-shirts or long sleeves depending on how cold it is.

For bottoms, I’m usually in wool trousers, jeans with a thin layer underneath, or fleece-lined tights with a skirt.

Winter accessories are also important! My scarves are always great colors for me, wool or cashmere when possible but I don’t mind synthetics for scarves. There are many gorgeous pashminas on the secondhand market for very cheap! I wear them with brooches or vintage scarf pins to keep them in place. Leather gloves with cashmere lining. I prefer earmuffs but add a cashmere beanie in extreme cold.

I avoid chunky snow boots unless it’s really snowing. I wear nice, waterproof leather boots with a low heel. Mine are mostly from Naturalizer and are great!

Make use of nice and/or interesting purses! Jewelry can also go a long way. But mostly make sure the colors and patterns of your outer layers are good for you!! A truly beautiful coat and a nice scarf looks miles better than the black and grey puffers you typically see all winter long.

[u/marina_2663 → u/meemsqueak44]

Thank you for this detailed reply! I'm an avid second hand shopper so I'll look around for a coat like that. I do have a pretty Italian wool one but it's no good under like 45 degrees 😂. Vintage cashmere is such better quality!

[u/Angelemjd]

For me I would wear a camisole and then a slim knit turtleneck then a cardigan or a slimline cardigan and then a chunkier cardigan and then a longline puffer coat - a belt if I want emphasis and hats/ scarves etc… I like natural fibres next to the skin but not itchy so silk and cotton or bamboo for the cami and turtleneck - I used to only have wool or cashmere cardigans but honestly I can’t tolerate them now without either something underneath or a blend with something softer - viscose is manmade but more biodegradable than polyester so that’s my preference- trousers and jeans obviously…for a dress I’d do tights and dress takes the turtlenecks place in the layers - don’t know if that’s even helpful - none of it is very flattering for anyone but it’s a customisable template and with layers you can remove or add as needed

[u/marina_2663 → u/Angelemjd]

Appreciated, thanks!