There’s something magical about a crisp winter day, but as temperatures drop, staying warm becomes more than just a comfort—it’s essential! Cold weather can feel exciting at first, but it quickly becomes challenging without the right preparation. Whether you’re stepping out for a winter stroll, heading to the office, or braving the chill for errands, planning your wardrobe is the key to staying warm, safe, and comfortable. We’re sharing practical tips and style-savvy solutions to help you embrace the extreme cold and frostiest days of the year. With the right layering techniques and cozy essentials, you can stay snug while looking effortlessly chic all winter long.
How To Stay Warm In Cold Weather
Warm Fabrics
Our first tip to staying warm in cold temperatures is to be very strategic about what fabrics you select. If you live somewhere cold, you probably already know that there are certain fabrics that keep your body warm and prevent heat loss…but they are worth repeating! Look for sweaters, base layers, jackets, and coats in fabrics like cashmere, wool, alpaca, faux fur, and down.
Layering
To stay warm during the winter, it’s allll about layering! For extreme cold, you’ll want a super warm base layer, a cashmere sweater, a puffer jacket, and a coat. If you live somewhere that’s cold but not freezing, a cashmere sweater and puffer or coat should do the trick!
Invest in High-Quality Coats & Jackets
To survive freezing cold temps, you need to always have a puffer jacket or coat and a cashmere or wool wrap coat at the ready! But not just any old puffer and coat…they need to be high quality…especially if you live somewhere super cold! Investing in pieces with high-quality fabrics (like we mentioned above) will not only keep you warm, but those pieces will last longer and you’ll wear them for years.
Need some winter coat suggestions? We shared some of the warmest winter coats for women and the best brands here.
Winter Shoes
Next, don’t forget about your shoes! You hold so much body heat in your head and feet so if your feet are cold, you will be cold. Some of Erin’s favorite brands for cold, snowy climates include Sorel, Aquatalia, Blondo, La Canadienne, and Ugg.
Winter Accessories
And of course, you can’t forget about warm winter accessories. A cashmere scarf, wool beanie, fleece-lined or cashmere gloves, and cashmere or wool socks are all absolute must-haves for combating the coldest winter days!
How To Dress Warmly In Cold Weather
Puffer Jacket & Cashmere Sweater
This outfit is perfect for anyone who lives in a cold climate that’s not extreme cold. For example, Erin lives in Telluride, Colorado where it can get pretty cold, but the sun and dryness help combat the lower temps. This outfit is something Erin would wear running errands or grabbing the kids from school. She’s wearing her go-to favorite puffer jacket by Sam in a cool navy color. The Sam puffers are SO warm, not too bulky, have a flattering silhouette, and come in fun colors that make them feel more elevated. This jacket is so warm it can even be worn as a ski jacket!
Underneath the puffer jacket, Erin has on a thin but warm cashmere turtleneck sweater. The turtleneck keeps her neck warm and the cashmere is super high quality and soft. Next, she has on a pair of jeans by Mother. If you’re worried about being cold, you could always wear a pair of fleece-lined leggings underneath too. To complete the look, she has on a pair of waterproof boots and warm gloves.
Wool Coat & Puffer Coat
When you need some extra warmth, you’ll want to add a chic outer layer like this chic wool coat. Erin recently got this coat from Quince and loves the shawl collar, longer length, and overall warmth! Underneath the coat, Erin’s wearing a Herno puffer.
Herno is a Telluride-mom favorite that Erin originally found out about from one of the local boutiques. You know that if it’s sold in the local boutiques of a ski town…it’s legit warm! It’s a very luxurious, Italian brand that makes beautiful, lightweight puffers that are chic, effortless, and perfect for layering (but warm enough on their own too!). They’re a little pricey, but if you live in a cold climate or frequently visit a cold climate, it’s worth investing in a coat that’s actually warm that you’ll wear every single year!
Complete the look with your go-to jeans, a pair of snow-ready boots, gloves, a scarf, and a beanie for an ultra-warm winter look!
Wrap Coat & Cashmere Sweater
This outfit is similar to the first, but instead of a puffer jacket, Erin is wearing a wrap coat by Veronica Beard. This exact wrap coat is sold out, but there are SO many beautiful options out there. We recommend getting one in a neutral color and in a wool or cashmere blend fabric. Layer your wrap coat over a high-quality cashmere sweater for maximum warmth and add your winter accessories like a scarf, gloves, and warm boots.
Wrap Coat & Fleece Lined Leggings
If you love the last look but want something more casual, this outfit is for you! Erin’s wearing a gorgeous black wrap coat over a cashmere sweater. But instead of jeans, she has on a pair of leggings. We highly recommend a pair of fleece-lined leggings for the cold weather. If you’ll be outside for a while, this outfit probably isn’t super ideal…it’s best for running errands or grabbing a quick coffee. Complete the look with a pair of chic black waterproof booties, a beanie, scarf, and gloves for a winter-ready casual outfit.
Puffer Coat & Cashmere Sweater
This last outfit is a simple and traditional winter outfit idea. Erin’s wearing a blak puffer coat by Herno. It has all of the same wonderful qualities as the first Herno puffer we shared above. It’s luxurious, lightweight yet warm, easy to layer, and a longer length for maximum warmth. This has a zipper instead of snaps…so it’s easier to get on/off if that’s important to you. Erin has it on over a warm cashmere sweater, straight-leg jeans, and classic black waterproof booties.
What is the coldest temperature you’ve ever experienced where you live? Let us know in the comments below!
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