NWR: Cold Weather Clothes

Cokezerofreak · October 2013

Sorry for this stupid question; I've only lived in warm weather and the coldest it gets here is in the 30s for a few days. FI is station in South Dakota -- I went for the holidays last year and layered myself up but I think since this will be the norm for the next four years and it's already snowing up there I should purchase warmer clothes.

For all you ladies that live in colder states/climates, what do you wear? I'm looking for recommendations, coats, pants, shoes/boots, etc. or any other tips you can give. I have some thermals I left with him but it seemed that jeans attracted the cold even with the thermals. I saw some women wearing what looked like leggings/yoga pants and wondered how they stay warm. Are there special warm ones? lol Sorry for my ignorance. I get cold when it's 70 here.

Thank you for your help.

climbingsingle · October 2013

I live in NY. I generally wear jeans, sweaters and boots all winter long. The only time I really wear thermals is when I'm shoveling snow or doing something outside for a long period of time (skiing). I'd invest in a very warm winter coat with a hood, a warm hat and a good pair of gloves. And waterproof boots if you think you're going to be walking in a lot of snow often (I'm thinking yes in South Dakota).

KeptInStitches · October 2013

I live where cold is made and sent to other places (eta: the Northern Plains). Layers are going to be your friends. Turtleneck/mockneck sweaters are awesome, make sure you get a down coat (Eddie Bauer, 0 - minus 20), long underwear (thermals?), jeans actually are some of your best bets - those leggings are damn cold. A hat - you'll want your ears covered. A scarf for your face. Gore-tex gloves or mittens - mittens will be warmer, but you'll have less use of your hands. Boots. I gave up on cute ones when I broke my arm falling on the ice, and now I just go get the "grippiest" ones they can sell me.

That's how I dress. Some people layer - thermal shirt, long-sleeved mockneck or turtleneck, cardigan. I hate cardigans, but that's a personal preference. It depends on how cold your house is, how cold your office is ... outside is cold about 7-8 months of the year (more like 9-10 months up here if 70F is cold to you!).

Maggie0829 · October 2013

I live in NY. I generally wear jeans, sweaters and boots all winter long. The only time I really wear thermals is when I'm shoveling snow or doing something outside for a long period of time (skiing). I'd invest in a very warm winter coat with a hood, a warm hat and a good pair of gloves. And waterproof boots if you think you're going to be walking in a lot of snow often (I'm thinking yes in South Dakota).

All of this. I live in MD where it gets pretty cold and windy for the majority of winter (not looking forward to it). I second the very warm coat, hat and gloves recommendation as well as waterproof boots.

During winter I basically live in jeans and/or lined dress pants with sweaters and blazers and the such for work and then sweats when I am home. Also, I know a lot of people don't like them but Uggs are my best friend in the winter (just make sure you waterproof them).

The only time when thermals are really needed is if you expect to spend a great deal of time out in the snow. But I would suggest getting a decent pair of snow pants along with your waterproof boots for those days when shoveling is necessary.

emmyg65 · October 2013

Well there's a pretty big difference between winter in the Northeast, where I live, and winter in the upper Midwest. I can get by most of the time with just jeans or corduroys, a flannel or sweater, a wool coat, boots, and a hat/scarf/mittens. But I also have a down parka and fleece pants that I put under jeans if it's really brutally cold. And fleece socks and ski gloves. LL Bean and Sierra Trading Post are really good sources for cold weather gear, from base layers to parkas.

itzMS · October 2013

Other than wearing socks in winter...my day-to-day wardrobe doesn't really change too much.

You'll get used to the cold. Sad, but true.

Jeans/pants, boots, hoodie/cardi over a shirt, North Face, and usually a knit hat.

My office is poorly insulated, so I'll bring a shawl for my shoulders and a blanket for my lap.

Cokezerofreak · October 2013

I think I need definitely a better coat. Last year I had an Old Navy one with a Calvin Klein down coat underneath. It worked but think I should invest in something better. I do have some Naturalizer boots FI got me last year that are sneaker like at the bottom (moisture doesn't get in) to above the ankle then a wool top with fake fur. Those I loved. I also need the gloves/mittens, hat and turtle necks. I kinda dislike those but I want to be warm.

He lives in an apartment so no shoveling for us. I'm only going there for the holidays so far. Since he'll be deployed after the wedding, we don't have any plans of me moving up there yet.

Thank you all for your recommendations.

selenathegreat · October 2013

Southern girl here too!

When I lived in Pittsburgh I couldn't have survived without my full-length down coat. When it was extra cold, I'd wear comfy thick stockings under my jeans -- nice and cozy!!!

ElcaB · October 2013

Layer, layer, layer! The beauty of layers is you can always take off if it's too much. Also, layers are better for trapping heat.

As PPs suggested, invest in a good quality winter coat. I'm a big fan of scarves, not just because they're a great accessory and can add interest to an outfit but also because keeping your neck warm does wonders for the rest of your body temperature! As far as leggings go, they do make some that are fleece lined.

Be sure you have boots that are mid-calf to knee height and waterproof! Dry feet = warm body.

melbelleup · October 2013

I have lived in PA all my life until a year ago. When in college, we got the snow Erie should of got.. but didn't. I definitely recommend good boots! These were my savor. Lots of grip on the sole and fuzzy inside. I always pack them with me when I go back to PA to visit. I actually got mine at burlington coat factory

melbelleup · October 2013

selenathegreat said:

Southern girl here too! When I lived in Pittsburgh I couldn't have survived without my full-length down coat. When it was extra cold, I'd wear comfy thick stockings under my jeans -- nice and cozy!!!

hahaha this is funny to read since I've lived in Pittsburgh all my life. BUT she is right... wearing leggings under jeans is awesome. They make ones made to keep you warm.

radleyboo · October 2013

My favorite cold weather stuff: Uggs, North Face lighter jacket for mid-temps, Burton snow pants, coats, hats and gloves (I snowboard, so these double for shoveling, sledding, etc.) for when the snow really flies, knit gloves for every day, scarves, and a nice, dressier wool coat for going out to dinner or for work.

Don't forget to winter-proof your CAR! Throw jumper cables, a box of kitty litter, a pair of gloves, a blanket, an extra coat, a small shovel,and a gallon of water in your trunk. It takes time and practice to get used to driving in crummy conditions, but even the best drivers can get into trouble in storms and on ice.

climbingsingle · October 2013

radleyboo said:

My favorite cold weather stuff: Uggs, North Face lighter jacket for mid-temps, Burton snow pants, coats, hats and gloves (I snowboard, so these double for shoveling, sledding, etc.) for when the snow really flies, knit gloves for every day, scarves, and a nice, dressier wool coat for going out to dinner or for work.

Don't forget to winter-proof your CAR! Throw jumper cables, a box of kitty litter, a pair of gloves, a blanket, an extra coat, a small shovel,and a gallon of water in your trunk. It takes time and practice to get used to driving in crummy conditions, but even the best drivers can get into trouble in storms and on ice.

Great advice. I also keep a jug of washer fluid in my trunk too. I always seem to run out in the winter.

FutureMrsN3312 · October 2013

radleyboo said:

Don't forget to winter-proof your CAR! Throw jumper cables, a box of kitty litter, a pair of gloves, a blanket, an extra coat, a small shovel,and a gallon of water in your trunk. It takes time and practice to get used to driving in crummy conditions, but even the best drivers can get into trouble in storms and on ice.

I also keep an extra set of clothes and a tooth brush. In case I get stuck at work or at someones house.

WinstonsGirl · October 2013

My BF calls winter underwear the "lingerie of the north". She lives in Yellowknife, so it's colder there than here. My favourite leggings are ones that are fleece inside and satiny outside. I find they keep me warmer yet my jeans over top slide over the smooth material and don't bunch as much.

Ditto the layers. Get thin wool base layers and wear those under sweaters, hoodies, etc. I get most of mine at MEC, but not sure where you would go in the US. Camping type stores all carry them. But honestly, I just throw a winter coat and gloves on unless I'm going out for a while. If it's just to the car and back for shopping/restaurants, etc., I don't bother with too much else.

mysticl · October 2013

I used to live in PA but am now in the deep south. I second the vote for shopping at ll bean.

Cokezerofreak · October 2013

Thank you all!

Cokezerofreak · October 2013

What do you guys think of this one?
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70409?feat=503108-GN2&page=winter-warmer-coat&attrValue_0=Pacific Blue

mimiphin · October 2013

radleyboo said:

My favorite cold weather stuff: Uggs, North Face lighter jacket for mid-temps, Burton snow pants, coats, hats and gloves (I snowboard, so these double for shoveling, sledding, etc.) for when the snow really flies, knit gloves for every day, scarves, and a nice, dressier wool coat for going out to dinner or for work.

Don't forget to winter-proof your CAR! Throw jumper cables, a box of kitty litter, a pair of gloves, a blanket, an extra coat, a small shovel,and a gallon of water Umm I hate to point out the obvious but water freezes... so bring a stove to melt it or just bring Vodka in your trunk. It takes time and practice to get used to driving in crummy conditions, but even the best drivers can get into trouble in storms and on ice.

Great advice. I also keep a jug of washer fluid Make sure it is -40 c washer fluid, the -35c doesn't work quite as well.... in my trunk too. I always seem to run out in the winter.

My BF calls winter underwear the "lingerie of the north". She lives in Yellowknife, so it's colder there than here. My favourite leggings are ones that are fleece inside and satiny outside. I find they keep me warmer yet my jeans over top slide over the smooth material and don't bunch as much.
Ditto the layers. Get thin wool base layers and wear those under sweaters, hoodies, etc. I get most of mine at MEC Your REI Not the same company but the same idea, buy a membership, shop there for life, but not sure where you would go in the US. Camping type stores all carry them. But honestly, I just throw a winter coat and gloves on unless I'm going out for a while. If it's just to the car and back for shopping/restaurants, etc., I don't bother with too much else.

What I do is I wear nylons/pantyhose under my leggings as an extra layer. Also if it is humid it will feel a lot colder than if it is a dry cold.

mimiphin · October 2013

Cokezerofreak said:

What do you guys think of this one?
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70409?feat=503108-GN2&page=winter-warmer-coat&attrValue_0=Pacific Blue

I think it looks good. It covers everything (if your butt is out of the jacket you get colder faster, don't ask me why but its the truth.)

KatWAG · October 2013

I would recommend investing in a nice wool hat, wool/ cashmere (really anything soft) scarfs and leather gloves. For snowboots, look into getting Sorel's. They are super warm and not too heavy. Plus you can find them on sale at Zappos or REI. Look for pieces you can layer, and try them on with layers. As for winter coats, look for a gortex material. It is water proof and wind resistant and keeps you warm. I also can't live without my Ugg slippers.

ETA: Its too late now, but in the spring/ summer, go to outlet malls and stock up on winter items the stores are trying to get rid of.

emmyg65 · October 2013

Cokezerofreak said:

What do you guys think of this one?
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70409?feat=503108-GN2&page=winter-warmer-coat&attrValue_0=Pacific Blue

Yep, that looks like a good choice. Covers the butt, has a hood, waterproof, and really warm.

southernbelle0915 · October 2013

Silk long underwear - best decision warm clothing you'll ever make. It's a super thin layer that you can wear under jeans/workpants/sweaters/shirts that adds no bulk but a really warm extra layer. LLBean and Cabelas both have options. I'm not sure about anywhere else.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/887#/llb/shop/887?gnrefine=1*MATERIAL*Silk%5E

Cokezerofreak · October 2013

@KatWAG In Florida, it's very hard to find anything that you guys would use but I've sent the FI before with my size. He's never found anything but I'm not sure if it's because he hasn't found anything or he's scared to buy it (too small, too big) and offend me. He wouldn't but, guys.

@Everyone else: Thank you all again for your help.

Cokezerofreak · October 2013

mimiphin Last year we drove from SD to Colorado and I packed a gallon of water in the car for the dog. We forgot it in the car once we got to Denver; it was frozen solid!

NWR: Cold Weather Clothes

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