Winter weekends in the uplands are more enjoyable when time spent outside is focused on fun, rather than how uncomfortably cold or wet you are. And while I love throwing on something more fashionable at cocktail hour? You’re most likely to find me dashing around our property or town in clothing that’s practical, washable, warm, and cozy. And if it happens to look great too? Bonus!
This winter has been particularly frosty in the northeast, and we’ve had considerably more snow than in recent years. It has made me grateful for my favorite winter clothing, and has me excited to add a few new pieces to my wish list for next year. Before I share, I confess fashion is not my primary concern during my downtime. Furthermore? I’m pretty redundant. So on the weekends, I dress in a “uniform” and have zero interest in more than one costume change per day. My clothing choices must function on snowy walks and trips to the shed as readily as for grabbing coffee with friends or running for groceries.
Coats/Vests
Let’s begin by discussing coats. I admit, I collect coats the same way some women collect shoes. But in the uplands? You can never have too many. My basics are a warm puffer for dry snow/cold, a parka for wet snow/freezing rain, a lightweight down coat for shoulder seasons and winter car commutes, and a long vest to throw over sweaters both in and out of the house. By no means does this capture my entire coat collection, but these are the absolute essentials for me. I don’t yet own the Delta Roam Parka, but it is at the top of my wishlist for next year. It reminds me of a more functional version of the DryRobes everyone in Ireland wears to the beach in the winter to swim. Our entire family left Dublin wishing we’d bought one, but I think this version looks far more practical for my everyday needs. All of these jackets receive extra points for double zippers or snap closures, so they open at the bottom while remaining closed at the waist/chest. Because, while I prefer longer jackets for warmth, I also prefer to maintain my mobility!
Hats & Gloves
Hats and gloves are two winter accessories that I have numerous versions of for various uses. I love, love slouchy style beanies because 1) they are warm, and 2) they don’t mat down your hair. Cashmere versions of these wonder-hats (like this great one by Portalano) are dreamy and particularly adept at meeting both of those requirements. Second, I’m adding this furry bucket hat to my wishlist because it’s super cute, looks incredibly warm, and the NYT reports it doesn’t give you “hat head.” For the record, although it may appear from these descriptions as though I have a high-maintenance coiffe? I don’t, it’s just very fine—and fine hair under a snug hat? If you know, you know.
Gloves and mittens are also accessory choices best determined by functionality. But I’ve got to tell you, I’m a huge fan of Vermont Glove for the versatility of their goatskin mittens. I’m as comfortable wearing them to stack wood as I am on a walk with the dogs. They are warm, warm, warm, and they are built to last. My husband has a pair of their gloves tucked away under his car seat for emergencies; they were invaluable last winter when our tire blew while returning the children to school after winter break. Five degrees of frigid air in deep snow is not the time to discover it’s dangerous and painful to change a flat without gloves.
I personally adore my cashmere fingerless gloves for driving (and rely on AAA for my flat tires). They allow me to operate my car’s touch-screen while also keeping my hands toasty. And they’re so stinking cute on!
Boots
Cold feet can put a stop to any adventure, both figuratively and literally. Of my assorted boot collection (and yes, it’s prolific) I have a few favorites to share. First, Dubarry’s tall, waterproof wellies that I find far more functional than their rubber cousins. The sole has great grip in the winter, and the materials and craftsmanship lead me to believe I’ll pass them on to my children like jewelry. They are perfect over warm leggings to dash around town and are available in a slim version (which doesn’t accommodate my calves, unfortunately) and a shorter insulated version if you prefer. They also make tall socks to wear with them, but I never use mine without leggings, so I haven’t tried them.
Sorel is really the OG of winter footwear in the US. When we lived in Montana they were pretty much a requirement. The version we all own is the old school, mid-calf Caribou. They’re absolutely invaluable in deeper snow and frigid temperatures. But full disclosure? They are pretty bulky and heavy; perfect for watching our daughter’s ski races, but lousy for a brisk winter walk. I’ve got my eyes on their Out & About Waterproof Boots, which look as though you could wear them for practically everything. The version I want is sold out in my size this season, so as soon as they restock? I’m on it!
Another item on next season’s wish list (again, sold out in my size) is Laidback London’s booties. While not ideal for sloppy, slushy days? I think they’ll be perfect in the shoulder seasons and on bluebird winter days. When I’m not in leggings on weekends, I’m typically in jeans and I think these are ridiculously cute and look wildly cozy. So sign me up!
Layers
So aside from the typical jeans/sweater combo, I lean heavily toward a few winter staples for my weekend wardrobe. Firstly, let me talk about the value of a great cami. I’m crazy about these Yummi underlayers because they help keep me cozy, and because they offer light compression, they don’t ride up. I have multiple and if they ever stop making them? I’ll weep.
Second, I believe a good pair of black leggings is as essential to a woman’s wardrobe as a great pair of jeans. And although they’re pricey, WoolX is the standard for warm, winter leggings. I’m showing you the rose-colored version so that you can better see the wide waistband, which makes these better than so many pairs of long underwear I’ve owned. And they don’t bag, so they’re great under ski pants or a skirt.
Finally, speaking of skirts? As I stress to my daughter like a broken record, leggings are not pants. So after your outdoor activity? Perhaps consider throwing a skirt or a dress over your butt? I love down skirts (especially this Skhoop mini) and always pack one in my ski bag. Or throw one on to run to the post office or grocery. I like the shortest versions of these, but they come in a variety of lengths. Aprés ski dresses are another great option over leggings and were my everyday winter uniform in Montana. Practical and polished….in a ski town kind of way. And if your butt is just too great not to show off? At least find an oversized, cozy sweater to lessen the shame for the rest of us! Quince makes several that are every bit as fabulous as several luxury brands at a fraction of the price. And they look great with jeans, too. So stock up!
