how to feel chic when it’s really cold outside.

coat. sweater. turtleneck. jeans. (come in extra short-very petite friendly) boots. bag.(on major sale!) hat.

On Saturday, we went to Boston.  My sister Meghan was in town, so we went and walked the freedom trail and explored Beacon Hill, and you guys, it was so cold.

There’s cold, and then, there’s Boston cold, where 50 degrees feels like 10 degrees and the windchill will make you want to dig a hole right there in the cobblestone just so you can climb in and to get away from it.  And don’t even get me started on crossing the river while walking the freedom trail.  It’s brutal.

Even my sister, who lives in the sub-zero Northern Utah climate was cold.  We all were.

I like to look and feel chic everyday, even in the winter.  It helps me feel better mentally and emotionally, it makes me a more cheerful wife and mother, and it makes me more effective at my business.  But often in the winter I don’t feel chic, I just feel like an umpa Loompa with all those layers.

I thought today it would be helpful (to all of us) to talk about some things I’ve picked up over the years, and give us all some ideas for feeling chic even when it’s really cold outside.

Choose your layers wisely. I have to pat myself on the back because I chose my layers very wisely last Saturday.  I was warm all day and nothing I was wearing even felt cumbersome.  When you are getting dressed on a cold day, consider every one of your layers and how they will all come together.  That way you will avoid pairing that super chunky sweater with the coat that has the fitted arms.  Good rule of thumb, layers should get lighter the closer they get to your body.

Wool is your best friend. Speaking of choosing wisely.  Nothing is going to keep you as cozy as wool.  Wool coats and sweaters are classic, so warm and perfect this time of year.

Black is always a good idea.  If it’s frigidly cold and you need to pack on the serious layers, wear black!  It’s slimming, and it will look chic and intentional.

Learn to love a good hat.  They’ll keep your ears and head warm, and they make your outfit look polished and intentional.  Also learn to love scarves and gloves.

Invest in good boots.  If you live in a cold climate, invest in some good boots for winter.  You should have a few pairs.  Some booties, riding boots, all weather boots, OTK boots, just make sure that you’ve worked the boots into your fall capsule.

Buy the right coat.  I hate to say it, but there is no shortcut on this one.  If you want to have a good quality coat, you need to spend a little money.  I’m not saying an exorbitant amount, a Canada Goose coat is an amazing piece, but the $1000 price tag is unnecessarily high (in my opinion) for most situations.  Unless you are traveling to the arctic, spending even $100-200 should get you a great quality coat that will do the job to get you through winter.