Stay Warm Looking Chic: A Grown-Up’s Guide to Sub-Zero Outerwear
Winter is in full swing ( yes, even in March) and not only that the temperatures are dropping, but they don’t seem to want to move either. This is the first year I had to take Winter Outerwear seriously enough to invest in sub-degree pieces. Sorry wool and alpaca coats, you’ve been downgraded to spring/fall weather.
Here are my top 3 picks for functional, warm and oh so chic pieces that I’ve been wearing on repeat this winter. And have I mentioned that they don’t rbeak the bank? At how desperate I am to warm up while commuting to Boston, I was considering much more expensive alternatives. Here is what ultimately won the battle against the cold and why.
As the saaying goes: there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. So let’s fix that once and for all!
Want to skip the details? Here is my shop page with the latest curated pieces, hand picked for you.
1. The Everyday Jacket
This is the jacket you want to wear for a quick run out the door to walk the dog, rated for -4o degrees F, when you don’t care about ruining it with stains. It’s like your home clothes, but a nice looking one.
How this Jacket brings subtle Edge and Functionality, without guilt
The Warmth: It has not failed me yet rain or snow, with adequate layers ( undershirt and sweater must haves)
The Coverage: I must say it’s been a non-negociable for me to have rear coverage. In fact, I am now so against thighs and bum exposure to the cold, that I will refusse to wear anything shorter than my thighs even when hopping in the car for a quick school pick-up. Even just the coldness of the car seat is a discomfort, and yes I do have a seat warmer. It’s just too slow. We are looking for comfort around the clock don’t we?
The Hoodie: My Goodness does this hoodie deliver! It’s probably my favorite feature. It is gigantic, and from someone who wears head coverage at the slightest chill temperature change, us ladies with fine hair, we need all the protection we can get. The part that I enjoy the most is the roominess of the hoodie, without squishing the hair. There iss definitely room for a hat, and if needed the strap can tighten the fit. There is even enough room to ofer visor coveragee from frontal ssnowing consitiongs. Beacsue who wants snow in their face while walking a dog, without exposing the hands to pull on the hoodie every 5 seconds?
2. The Elevated Jacket
This is the short jacket you can wear with any pants and instantly look polished without even trying. It’s all in the shape and the belt!
Why this Jacket Elevates every outfit
The Style: This is a straightforward, clean-cut hourglass style that will flatter you with a feminine silhouette, enhanced by the belt. I can’t praise this belt enough. It makes such a statement and is such an understated shaping element that I wasn’t even expecting. You don’t know until you try it!
The Texture: The water-repellent shell texture is rigid and very welcome against the elements. This is your tailored equivalent of slacks, which I find adds to the elevated, matte, mature look. This is what makes the difference between the youthful, flashy options out there and a quietly luxurious outerwear piece that a woman past 40 can wear to look age-appropriate.
The Coverage: Continuing with the bum and thighs coverage, it is a functional and warm piece that offers protection even when sitting down in the car. The hoodie is, again, substantial, with options for tightening around the head, without any sporty details.
3. The Dress Coat
This is the long coat that will save your legs from the cold when wearing dresses. This is the perfect knee-length-boots-and-coat pairing to provide full coverage. As a woman who wears knit skirts and dresses all winter long, I don’t actually have any thick pants now that I think about it. My boots are my go-to, and this coat is my most-worn office piece.
Why It’s My Most Worn Coat this Winter
The Style: Elongating and flattering, the hourglass fit and faux fur trim give a feminine touch to this full-coverage long coat. The tricky part with these coats is to not look like you are wearing a comforter. Oversized, boxy shapes don’t work with an already thick, voluminous piece. It’s all about the tailoring and shape of the coat, to make sure it works for you and gives a silhouette, not hides it.
The Coverage: By now you’ve probably noticed the pattern of choosing pieces that are warm and have a protective shell layer that withstands the elements and wetness. What I like about this material, for a medium-softness shell, is that it’s not thick and bulky. I do layer underneath, but even so, it’s quite a slimming look. With great head coverage and a substantial hoodie, it comes in quite handy when I get a gust of wind first thing as I exit my car in Boston. It’s been a game changer compared to my wool coats that don’t have any hoodie—another feature you don’t think you’ll use much until you have it.