Finish Winter Warm

What’s What?

We’re in the thick of winter (halfway to the Spring Equinox) and I think it’s been an extreme one: from the multiple snowstorms bringing in several inches of white powder to bitter, below freezing temperatures. Texas just experienced a snow storm. The purpose of this post serves as a reminder to all that the most important thing is to first be grateful (the elaboration could take forever) that one can cloth and house them and their families during the cold, winter months but also to make sure that everyone knows the basics of winter weather dressing.

I learned a thing or two about dressing cute, comfortably, and WARM in the winter by spending time in Michigan and when a polar vortex happened, I was NOT ready. A polar vortex is when the wind chill basically has no chill, or was up to 40 degrees below zero in some areas of the Midwest region.

Growing up in “The City” and being fortunate enough to have a reliable and private mode of transportation, I wasn’t used to preparing for the winter beyond accumulating a few winter necessities like a cute hat and/or gloves, sweaters, sweatshirts (not pants), and a couple (probably more cute than practical) coats. I was either going from my house to my car or vice versa and in between I was going from my car to a building and vice versa so I thought it was fine until I realized it wasn’t, at least not for me. I have a strong preference these days to keep life simple as possible so my one of themes for dressing is to be comfy, which I can incorporate into any and every look.

The main thing I learned was that layering is a major key to being warm and still looking cute in the colder months, and that’s where base layers come in. Then, having the basic but essential winter warm accessories. I will admit these items didn’t sound like the most cute-looking to have in my wardrobe or everyday essentials and now I found myself “collecting” winter base layers and accessories. There are starting to be a lot more cute pieces to choose from these days and the best part is that most of the items below (except base layers) can be easily removed and then put back on. Plus, when you have the basics, adding complementary accessories and pieces (whether trendy, classic, or staple) throughout the winter season is so fun.

Base Layers & Accessories

Top base layers

There are so many options of comfortable and invisible base layers that lay flat under your outfit, making it instantly cozy. Right now, I am loving my 32 Degree base layer crew tops. I bought it in a 2-pack at Costco, which isn’t available on their site right now but is available (and on sale) at 32 Degrees. They also have scooped and mock neck. Those are not affiliate links.

I’ve not personally tried the Heattech (for Women, Men, Kids) collection at Uniqlo but many people sing its praises.

Good ole waffle thermals, or long johns, are classic and I’ll always keep a pair or two on deck. However, top (or bottom) they do not lay flat flat under fitted clothing, but they’re clutch for super casual, loose, or baggy outfits. For the sake of saving time, I am going to put the top and bottom thermal options here, starting with Hanes brand for the X-Temp collection: bottoms and tops. The 4 way stretch collection has tops and bottoms with print options and seems to fit closer to the body. Those links are Amazon affiliated but 32 Degrees is stepping their cookies up with their new, ribbed legging and ribbed top (currently sold out).

For my sporty girls that brave the elements to do outdoor activities, Hanes has Cool Dri thermal tops in many color options.

Camis are also a solid option for layering. 32 degrees has a few flavors (colors) in a basic cami style. Old Navy also have options with more than a few flavors.

Bottom Base Layers

I found the perfect bottom base layers and I’m so prest because I don’t like wasting time returning online items; I absolutely try to avoid doing that for basically anything I order online. I avoid having to return things unless I absolutely have to by stalking the desired item online. I literally stalk and consume everything about it: the materials, how to care for it, reading the reviews, reading every detail multiple times, looking at all the pictures (from the brand and gracious reviewers). I mean, yeah it could take a while for certain items; however, it’s worth it to me when I have only returned like 2-5% of what I’ve ever ordered online.

So when I tell you that I was siceddddd when I came upon these thangs, did my research, ordered them, wore them, and fell in love with them because they not only kept my legs warm but were practically invisible under all my pant bottoms! They also look great with skirts and dresses because opaque. Behold the DKNY Fleece tights (Amazon affiliated link).

The tights do go up to my ribs but think of it as a built-in tummy control.

For leggings, I have these (on sale at) 32 Degrees lightweight base layers and they’re mainly for lounging for me. I sometimes layer these DKNY fleece leggings over my tights for extreme warmth when I wear skirts and dresses; they’re a dream (link is Amazon affiliated).

Basic Necessary Accessories

These are just examples of basic winter accessories that have kept me warm and winter bearable for an always cold girl like me. The best materials for accessories are wool, cotton, cashmere, sherpa, stretchy polyester & silicone (winter running gloves), fleece (polar is premium), acrylic, fur (and faux), nylon and goretex (waterproof). They’re all durable, designed to function as presented, and made for comfort.

Gloves

I do not run but I love winter running gloves because they be: stretchy and grippy with touchscreen phone technology. I’m banned from buying gloves over $20 until I learn not to lose them so something like these from the brand Head are ideal because 1. They’re at my favorite store Costco 2. I just throw them on when I need to have my hands out for an extended period of time or when I need to carry something. They still have all the capabilities of the North Face ones I’ve lost and never found.

Hats

I’m funny about knit hats. I only have a couple in case of an extreme bad hair day; otherwise, they don’t really do it for me for some reason. I still have this UNIF “Believe in your Selfies” beanie from years ago, it’s available on Dollskill.com

I do want to get a Carhartt knit hat and they have plenty of style options like cuffed, traditional beanie, and cuffed waffle acrylic (all links are Amazon affiliated). They have their logo sewn on the front of every hat (and piece of clothing) and that’s all good but the main reason I don’t have one is because of that. I don’t like wearing pieces with overt logos on it but theirs can easily be removed with small sewing scissors.

Nordstrom has plenty of options for beanies here. Lululemon has girly-esque hat options like this cute twisted knit beanie.

Scarves

I like having a barrier around my neck and chest for when that cold wind first hit you as you walk out, and scarves are perfect because it’s just another layer that can be easily removed if need be. I love shemaghs; they’re thick, made of cotton, and huge making them perfect to manipulate into different styles. The link shared is an Amazon affiliate link. I tried to find a woman showing the many different ways to tie a shemagh but no luck so here are 2 YouTube videos that will show 10 ways in total.

Wool and cashmere scarves are also great. From shawl like to chunky there are so many styles to choose from. Check out these choices from Macy’s and Etsy. This ‘knit scarf’ search from Etsy yields a lot of results and leads to other popular, related searches.

Headbands

I love to wear headbands (instead of hats) in the winter because it’s another layer that can be easily taken off for a photo or left on because they’re cute and adds something to your outfit. I snagged a wool + cashmere head scarf (what I like to call them) at H&M years ago that I still wear and love. I am absolutely loving my steep tech Supreme x North Face head scarf this winter season although I wish I would have gone up a size after wearing it (polar fleece gets stiff the heavier it is). Anywho, here are some options for winter headband ideas from Banana Republic, Target, 32 Degrees, Carhartt, Smart Wool, Naadam and North Face. Only the Smart Wool link is Amazon affiliated.

Gaithers + Balaclavas

Having pieces (to choose from) to protect your face and neck from the elements (wind, sun, snow, rain, dust, sand), especially in the winter, is so crucial. A gaiter protects your neck area and is handy layering piece to keep you warm, especially during a harsh winter season. A balaclava protects and covers your entire face and neck area from harsh winter elements and now, they’re a fashionable so win, win.

I am going to upgrade to either this balaclava or the one below soon since I love my basic one so much. The following link is Amazon affiliated.

The following balaclava idea options are all from Costco. The first 2 are for youth/kids, but sometimes I find myself in their section for various products (depending on fit/measurements).

Balaclava 1 / Balaclava 2 / Balaclava 3

For gaiters, Amazon (affiliated links) has a plethora of options like this Columbia sherpa lined one. For a more bulk-free fit, Smart Wool has 100% merino wool in pattern and solid options.

Skin and Winter

To my fashion girls and even my girls that live by the motto that hoes don’t get cold, I get it and yall be looking great, but I can’t choose looking cute anymore. I am choosing coziness, maximum comfort, crazy cool, or nothing these winter days. But I got some helpful (hopefully) options for yall too!

Pick One

When I would do the club or hit up a go go in the colder months, I chose which body part I wanted to expose then covered up the rest of my body as much as possible (but careful to not ruin the fit) plus a heavy/warm coat.

Wear a Long Coat

I love a shield; from a cape (RIP André Leon Talley) to a windbreaker to a long, wool (or wool blend) coat, there are endless options. I love jackets more than coats, but coats can make more of a statement since they tend to be made more heavyweight and with more fabric. Below are idea options I’ve scoured the Internets for. Since they’re all items I’ve not worn personally, all items are highly rated (and none are affiliate links, for now). Last but not least, shoutout to the girls and people who leave quality reviews, yall are national treasures!

Quilted Vest / Warm wool premium coat / Double breasted fleece coat / Belted wool blend coat / Oversize adererror wool coat / Double breasted wool blend coat / Black shadow coat / / Padded parka / Belted faux fur coat / Teddy lined maxi coat / Faux shearling button front coat / Quilted belted double-breasted coat / Belted padded nylon / Plaid belted wrap front coat / Wool wrap coat with faux fur trim and sash / 2-in-1 tailored wool coat with shearling bib / Wool wrap coat with fox fur trim / Long shiny black puffer / Wool blend wrap vest / Leopard wool trench coat / Faux fur trim wool blend coat / Belted wrap front faux wool / Faux-shearling leather-effect coat / Oversize 100% Wool coat / 100% merino wool Draped coat / Oversized Wool Coat with front flap pockets / Soft oversized coat / Cosmic coat / White double breasted wool blend coat / Pink magenta warm wool coat / Bonus 1 – Full coverage sheer base layer / Bonus 2 – All in one scoop neck long-sleeve onesie / Bonus 3 – Velvet stirrup onesie /