So following my last style post featuring the warmest and most versatile jacket ever created, and now that it is a lot colder (in London at least) it is important to be able to dress up warmly, which means doing a quick wardrobe audit around this season. It really is the best way to quickly identify whether you are missing any items and not get caught out and have no choice but to shiver in a light jacket when you wake up to that first freezing cold day. I’ve definitely done that a million times – and just a tank top in November is not the one! Onto some top line guidance…
Layers
My number one piece of advice for pure versatility is layers. ‘This way you can include the tank top Nik!” In part to HARP and CERN and global warming, the weather is changeable – at best! You can easily wake up to a warm and sunny morning, but find that it gets cold and wet, in the afternoon. The best way to deal with this is to dress in layers.
Hoodies, shirts, open buttoned, versatile jackets – whatever your call – just try and keep it fresh and innovative without over layering the bottom half, a good tip for that is to include a light pair of men’s joggers under your pants, also helps make those thighs pop a little!
Invest in something windproof
You’d be surprised at what types of pieces are actually windproof. Windproof as a term has this awkward non-stylish bad reputation. Bear in mind the current landscape of fashion with brands like Vestments – norm core is totally the thing. When most of us go shopping for a winter coat or jacket we usually look for something that is at least showerproof. This is a good idea because being wet is a sure fired way to catch a cold. However, it is also important to choose a coat that offers proper protection from the wind – I would definitely suggest this one.
Little touches like internal elasticised cuffs and a drawstring waist really do help you to stay warmer. Be sure to check how the coat fastens up. The opening is where most of the wind gets in. If there is a zipper, make sure that there is a flap of fabric that covers it, so that the cold cannot get in. You also need to make sure that your coat or jacket is big enough to enable you to wear several layers underneath it.
Cover your Head and Hands
Heads and hands are exit points for emotions and body temperature, so it’s a really intelligent way to suppress that loss during Winter. Also, any part of your body that is left exposed is going to cool down fast, which has a ripple effect. Therefore, you really should get into the habit of carrying a hat and gloves. You do not necessarily have to wear them, but they should be to hand, just in case you start to feel cold. They do not necessarily have to be thick. Even a pair of lightweight undergloves will help you to stay warmer.
Also, I know it’s not ideal for using technology, but Burberry and a tonne of other brands have gloves with electronic enhanced finger tips which allow you to literally swipe right and double tap whilst wearing them.
Sole Thickness
My last and final hack for Winter is big soles, big heels, anything that keeps your feet off the ground and doesn’t absorb the cold. Total life hack!
Photo in header from Juun J / Seoul Republic.