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For those living in the northern hemisphere, winter is here. What’s more, this winter seems more brutal than those of the recent past. With spring still more than two months away, Old Man Winter still has plenty of time to send another subzero cold front or blistering blizzard.
The solution – for those who live in regions with especially brutal winters – is to dress accordingly. As Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation says, “There is no such thing as bad weather. Only inadequate clothing…”
With this in mind, let’s take a look at eight winter wardrobe essentials:
Winter Capsule Wardrobe
For those concerned about fashion, winter can appear to present a set of challenges. Between the weather hazards and temperature extremes, there seem to be a limited number of possibilities in terms of style. That is, until you take a winter capsule wardrobe approach to cold-weather fashion. The system is simple: stick to timeless styles unlikely to go out of fashion anytime soon. Follow up with a selection that allows for continuous interchangeability. From there, it’s all about a creative rotation that ensures your outfits always look fresh in frigid and frozen conditions.
Scarves
Winter conditions can vary both in terms of precipitation and temperature. As a result, your winter wardrobe demands a layered approach. One such layer is the versatile scarf. Sure, traditionally, a scarf only goes around the neck, but in doing so, it provides effective insulation in a critical area of the body. What’s more, a scarf can be put on and taken off in a matter of seconds, making it practical for anyone who plans on frequently going in and out of buildings throughout a cold winter’s day.
Gloves
Our fingers represent the outmost point of our extremities. As a result, they’re the quickest to get cold compared to the rest of our bodies. The best way to keep our hands warm in cold weather is by wearing gloves. While gloves seem cumbersome in the age of smartphones, the truth is there are many stylish pairs designed with touchscreen swipes in mind. With the increasing functionality of voice command in conjunction with wireless earbuds, it’s possible for even the most tech-savvy person to find quality gloves without compromising their ability to scroll, swipe, and type on their way to work.
Beanie
To be honest, it doesn’t have to be a beanie. But no matter what, no winter capsule wardrobe is complete without a handful of warm hats available. Keeping the heat from escaping your head is essential, assuming you don’t want to shiver your timbers while walking to work in winter weather.
Winter Boots
The older you get, the more you come to appreciate the importance of quality footwear. At no point is it more apparent than during brutally cold winters with snowy conditions. To think you ever walked through two feet of snow in sneakers is hard to believe once you do so in winter boots designed for cold weather. Between the insulation and waterproof design, those living through especially brutal winters have an obligation to their future selves to get winter boots as soon as possible. Your toes will thank you!
Thermal Underwear
To be honest, thermal underwear isn’t for everyone, nor is it always necessary. But trust us when we say it makes a world of difference in certain situations. Anyone who anticipates spending a significant amount of time standing still outdoors in below-freezing temperatures is encouraged to have a few pairs of thermal underwear on hand in case they need it. The bottom line is it will keep you warm when it matters most – where it matters most.
Face Mask
Most of us have accumulated a small collection of fabric face masks over the last few years. While it might seem tempting to throw them away, why not recycle them in the form of facial protection in winter? Face masks help keep our faces protected from fierce wintry winds. Why not keep a few on hand in case you need one to protect yourself from blistering blasts of cold air?
Winter is upon us; those in the northern hemisphere, that is. If you find yourself feeling especially cold when exposed to wintry weather, chances are you’re not adequately clothed. By having – and wearing – the right cold-weather attire, you stand a better chance of managing winter with minimal shivering.
Alex Farina is a freelance writer from Ohio. He enjoys writing about design, fashion, nature, and technology.
