Born and raised in Florida, there was nothing like experiencing my first real winter to truly understand the meaning of the word COLD. Sure, it’s one thing to go on a rowdy ski trip or go visit your family up north for a week, but it’s a whole other to endure the months-long marathon of cold. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you will start to build a whole new wardrobe of warm layers. I’ve lived in Wisconsin for a couple years now, so here’s a few things I’ve acquired over the years that have made winter survivable! From coats to mittens and everything in between, cheers to finding your best warm layers.
COATS
A good winter coat is THE staple of mandatory winter attire. This is what is going to get you through winter, and you WILL wear it every day of your life for at least three months. For this reason, it’s important to just accept the fact that a good winter jacket is going to be spendy. The purchase may feel frivolous, but when you encounter sub-zero temperatures for the first time, you will feel nothing but grateful that you splurged on a nice jacket.
BIG PAPA
The bread and butter of winter warmth is your long coat. There’s no two ways about it, you want your fanny covered. In my personal opinion, the longer the jacket the better. From November to April, I have this out and at the ready to keep me warm from the top of my head to mid-calf. I personally love having the longest jacket possible, as I am all about covering maximal surface area.
Winter gets cold— like I’m-trying-to-stay-warm-but-it’s-BELOW-ZERO-out-here cold. You want to make sure you’re looking out for your late January and early February self when you purchase this jacket. I am in love with my jacket from Helly Hansen jacket; however, it’s currently out of stock, so I have included a few similar jackets from go-to winter survival brands.
A Shorty on the Side
Potentially the strangest concept of winter jackets is that there’s different “levels” of cold, if you will. In late fall and early spring, you may not need your big, bad jacket. For me, this waist-length coat is perfect for when the weather is in the 40s and 50s….. a born and raised midwestern may find this laughable, so it’s important to note, this is a sliding scale. This is your “a hoodie isn’t warm enough but I don’t really need my big coat yet” jacket.
Run Forest Run
One of the first times Salvador tried to take me running with him in 40 degree weather I had what can only be described as an adult temper-tantrum a quarter mile in, protesting that it’s “just too cold outside to be going on a run!” I am proud to say I have grown since this very Floridian outburst, and will willingly go on runs in the 30s, 40s, and even upper 20s.
If you enjoy running outside and are slightly more hardy to the cold weather than I was (it’s a low bar), a running jacket is something you’ll be glad to have. It’s warm enough to keep the cold at bay but not so insulated that you’ll feel the need to shed layers five minutes into your run.
PANTS
Snow Pants
If you’re considering participation in any sort of winter sport or outdoor adventure, you’re going to want some snow pants. I have both pair of snow pants below, and recommend either pair! The North Face pants come in short and long, in addition to the usual regular, so that if a helpful option for anyone of above and below average height. Pro-tip (from a novice winterer): you definitely want them to have an internal leg gaiter to keep the snow from making its way up your pants or into your boots.
Most snow pants come is small, medium, large, etc. sizing, so in the event that you too have the #slimthicc body type, a snow pants belt is nice to have.
Base Layers
Perhaps you’re familiar with base layers or thermals, but prior to spending much time in Wisconsin, I had never heard of such a thing…. I actually thought Salvador had bought me pajamas for Christmas when he gifted me a pair. The function is right in the name, these layers are the first to go on. They help wick away sweaty moisture and regulate your body heat once you get moving.
Fleece-Lined Leggings
If you exist in leggings 95% of your day, fleece-lined are a MUST PURCHASE. Winter isn’t just about fighting the cold, it’s about escaping the wind as well. The wind will cut through most regular leggings, but that layer of fleece will have your legs and bum staying nice and warm.
BOOTS
A gal’s gotta protect her feet!! In the description of any given pair of boots, it should tell you how insulated they are. Most winter boots shouldn’t have less than 100 grams of insulation, which is sufficient for a fashionable yet functional boot. If you’re hoping to take your boots on some rowdy outdoor adventures, you’ll want a cool 200g or more of insulation.
GLOVES
Walking Gloves
This will be your “lighter” pair of gloves. You want something that will certainly keep your hands warm as you go on a walk, but doesn’t necessarily have the bulkiness of some of the more waterproof gloves. Most of this style of glove will have a finger tip or two that is touchscreen compatible, which makes it a bit easier to use your phone if necessary while out and about.
Snow-Ball Fight Ready
Whether you’re building a snowman, dominating a snowball fight, or shredding the gnar, you’ll want some gloves with a bit more gusto. These gloves are going to be a bit thicker and have more of a waterproof shell. Gloves vs mittens? Gloves allow you a bit more dexterity in your hands; while, gloves allow your fingers to share their warmth and maybe sneak a little hot hands in for added extra heat.
To Beanie or Not to Beanie
As a gal with her hair in a perpetual ponytail or bun, I find that beanies aren’t always my favorite way to keep my noggin warm. In my opinion, knit head bands are the way to go when you’re on the go. Whenever I go on a run in the cold, I bring this guy with me as it keeps my ears protected while still allowing me to dissipate heat. I usually only don a beanie if my hair’s down or in a braid… accepting any and all tips on how one styles a beanie without looking like a little egg-head.
FANNY PACK IT OUT
Perhaps I just lack coordination, but I find that when I’m wearing a coat, I either don’t feel my purse as well or it slips off my shoulder more easily since I’m just bulkier than usual with my 27 layers. Thank the lord fanny packs are back in style, because I have found it super convenient to either wear it around my waist or as a crossbody, so I can have all the essentials right where I need them. Kate Spade no longer sells my go-to fanny pack, but this one is similar!
SCARVES
My go to scarf is the Vinyasa scarf from Lululemon because it’s a perfect weight and can be styled soooo many different ways. It will definitely keep you warm, without feeling too bulky— all the colors and patterns are fun but neutral enough that they’ll match almost everything.
This is by no means an all inclusive list of everything you’ll need to make the most of winter, but it should be more than enough to get you started. Let us know if there’s any winter essentials we missed!
My best tip for surviving winter? Plan a trip! There’s no time like January or February to head somewhere tropical. You won’t regret saving all your PTO days to go be warm for a couple weeks in Hawaii. The seasonal depression gets real when it’s both cold and dark, so having a fun, warm trip planned is something exciting to look forward to, while also providing a much needed reprieve from the cold and snow!
Disclaimer: All photos used in this post were taken directly from the site to which the item is linked. None of the product photographs are our own.
written by Hannah
Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.
