The older I get, the colder I get. When it drops below about 55 degrees, I simply cannot stay warm. I don't remember always being this way, so I'm not sure if it's about living in a drafty, old house that is not at all heat efficient, or if I'm just getting old. Regardless, every winter, I find myself answering an age-old question: How can I be warm AND cute? It's simply not an option for me to choose one over the other, and it is possible with a few tweaks to your wardrobe.
1.
Wear a body-hugging camisole or undershirt as your first layer. My daughter is even a fan of this method. It just seems to keep the warmth right up against you all day, and it doesn't add bulk.
2.
Invest in some lovely scarves. I don't wear a hat very often because my hair will look terrible within minutes of wearing it. Scarves, on the other hand, are a daily must. Somehow, when my neck is warm, so is the rest of me (except my feet…more on that in #6). I have found a cashmere/silk blend to be the warmest and least itchy. They are also quite expensive, and there are plenty of other warm materials out there!
3.
Embrace opaque tights. The arrival of Old Man Winter doesn't have to mean the departure of your dresses and skirts! Throw on some thick, opaque tights -- maybe even in a sweater knit -- and your legs will remain toasty all day. If you want to add additional warmth to your legs, put on some knee-high boots.
4.
Say "yes" to the vest (but try it with a belt). Puffer-type vests seem to be having a moment right now. They can be a good way to stay warm while showing off at least the sleeves of the cuteness you have going on underneath. They can also, however, make you look like the Abominable Snowman. Show off your curves by adding a cute belt or tying a ribbon around your waist, on the outside of the vest. You're comfy and warm…and you look like a woman. It's a win-win!
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5.
Find a winter coat that you L-O-V-E. Regardless of how many scarves I wear or how tall my boots are, come January, I can be seen around town most often in a winter coat. No matter what outfit I have on, if I have a great, warm, figure-flattering coat that reflects my personal style, I will look put-together. Take your time deciding and try on a bunch. You may even consider buying two coats of differing dressy-ness.
6.
Keep your feet warm. I have a cold-feet issue. When my feet get cold, they get numb and they hurt. It's a medical condition that I think may stem from some minor frostbite years ago. It's not life-threatening, but it is uncomfortable. I don't love the look of a fur-lined boot, but they sure are warm. I've actually seen some reasonably cute ones recently, and I might just have to bite the bullet and buy some. I'm also a huge fan of
Toasti Toes Foot Warmers. They have saved me many times, and no one even knew I was wearing them!
Are you willing to give up style for warmth? If not, what other ways have you found to stay warm stylishly? Let me know in the comments.
Well…not in so many words, Dad, but...
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