Up until about two years ago, I was always a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. Sure, I was interested in fashion, but I was too stubborn to go out and redo my wardrobe. Then, one day, my former roommate asked me to go shopping with her, and…well, I spent a lot of money that day. But I did learn that fashion was a great way to express myself (and that it doesn’t have to cost so much!), and since then, I’ve built up an impressive wardrobe.

But now, I’ve run into a problem – winter. Last winter, I did not spend a lot of time outside, so it was easy for me to just throw a coat on and run to my car. Now, I live in Boston, and I spend a lot of time outside going from place to place. I already have some nice coats, scarves, and hats, but underneath my winter gear, I have nothing but sweatshirts to keep me warm. I do have a few plain sweaters, but I have no idea how to spice them up. I also really don’t want to wear jeans all winter – I much prefer skirts and dresses!

So, how does one stay looking cute when it’s 30 degrees outside?

Jenny

Dear Jenny,

I understand you so very well. Being stuck in jeans and a sweater for 3+ months can be depressing and takes all the fun out of winter. I often envy those who get to frolic around in 60-degree weather in January while I have to pile on the layers just to stay comfortable. ;)

In Russia, where I grew up, the temperature drops down to -40 C (that’s -40 F). As a kid, I had to put grease on my cheeks to keep them from getting frost-bitten. New York winters aren’t nearly as cold, but it doesn’t make them any less brutal. I traded in the dry cold of a Russian winter for the humid, windy climate which sometimes feels even colder!

Living on the East Coat, we have to bundle up. But it doesn’t mean we can’t do it while still looking good! Here are a few tricks how you can stay fashionable even in extreme atmospheric conditions. ;)


Winter survival tools: wool coat, mittens, long-sleeved dresses & tops, a purse that can withstand the cold, knit tights, scarf, hat, tall boots, lip balm and hot chocolate!

  • Long underwear (aka #1 Winter Essential)

Like this. The difference it makes is pretty unbelievable! Silk or thin cashmere are excellent at keeping your body warm, with minimal thickness added to your outfit. I recommend getting a set that more or less matches your skin tone.

  • Warm coat

Finding a warm coat you like is super-important. I have two winter coats – a long, simple one (when I need to look presentable) and a faux fur coat with a hood for when it’s really cold. I got the fur coat at a thriftstore; it only cost me $50 and it’s the warmest coat I’ve ever had! And it happens to be cute too, so I always look forward to wearing it!

  • Hat & gloves

Did you know that we lose the most heat from the top of our head? Keeping your brain warm is so critical that your body will sacrifice any other body part before it will let the brain get cold! Feet and hands come in second. Covering those 3 areas will keep you extra-warm. I like to wear knit hats with an extra layer of soft fleece inside – plus, it’s so easy to find a matching hat & gloves set!

Tip: if you are prone to losing your gloves, sew on a  piece of elastic to each glove and thread them through the sleeves. You’ll never lose your gloves again!

  • Tall boots

Winter boots are different because they are made out of thicker material and have fatter soles. A little bit of platform never hurt anyone, but I don’t recommend super-high heels – you might slip on ice. A comfortable 3″ heel is a good choice. Also, buy your winter boots a size larger, so you can wear them with thicker socks!

  • Long sleeves

Long sleeves on anything are your best friend during the winter months! Long-sleeve dresses are awesome, because they are feminine and can be worn with the silk underwear. Cute sweaters & cardigans will give you that relaxed, cozy feel. Lovely!

  • Knit tights

Last but not least, knit tights are a-must if you want to wear skirts in the winter. And since they’re opaque, you can wear them with your long underwear (see how everything comes back to it??). Paired with tall boots, they’ll keep you warm.

Other ways to make winter more fun

  • Accessorize

Use cold as an excuse to pile on more clothes! Wear sweaters with big, extravagant necks; colorful scarves, berets, beanies! Even the plainest sweater can become a fashion statement with the right accessory – so use brooches, pins, and bracelets to spice up your outfit.

  • Don’t put your life on hold because of the cold! (whoa, a rhyme!)

I noticed that a lot of Americans are afraid of the snow. A single snowflake can make them cancel their plans and hide away inside their homes. Maybe because it snows every day in Russia, people don’t regard snow as that big a deal or an inconvenience. They go about their business as usual, shaking the snow off of their hats and boots when entering buildings. Don’t be afraid of the cold! Make and keep your plans. Meet up with your friends, go to the movies or just to kick it at a book store. Do something fun, like sledding or making a snow man. Keeping physically active is the best way to stay warm! Just be sure to go right inside when you’re done – being sweaty in the cold is never a good idea.

  • Drink lots of hot tea/cocoa

I love popping into a coffee shop in the winter for a cup of rich hot chocolate. What a sweet way to warm up your day!

  • Laugh!

Making jokes about cold weather helps me survive a long winter. Knowing how panicky the cold can make me, Mark invented Bundles: a fake superhero that’s not afraid of the cold! Every winter Bundles comes out dressed up to the teeth, with a scarf wrapped around her head and face, haha. Talk of Bundles puts me at ease and helps me cope with the cold better. :)

Deerlings: how do you stay warm? What are some of your favorite winter outfits?

Got a question for Doe Deere? Submit it to doedeere @ gmail. com.