Winter is the season that I often dread. The only high point is Christmas because I love the festive lights, but the weather here in England? I can’t stand it. It gets dark around 3pm and the whole day has been dull and grey, the rain is constant, and the temperatures are often below 0 degrees. It’s not something I welcome. With all that having been consistent every single year, I’ve finally found tips and tricks that help me get through those bitter days without feeling numb and falling into a semi hibernation state.
I’m sure most of you know that with my illness (I have M.E), I really don’t do well with temperature changes and the freezing cold is one that makes me extremely ill and causes my body to shut down (almost like hibernation and loss of movement), but since I’ve learned how to keep myself warm at all times while still allowing myself to have different, stylish outfits as I’m a fashion blogger, I thought I would share these tips with you in case you suffer the same.
Wear Faux Fur
One of my main things that I learned last year and this year is to invest in faux fur. I found out that faux fur coats really don’t let any of your body heat out and no cold air in as there’s no room for air circulation, meaning you stay warm. I’ve bought a few different faux fur coats so that I have a choice for this Winter, but they definitely work! The thicker ones actually make me hot, which I never thought possible when it’s sub zero outside, but it’s true. I can’t be without my faux fur coats now as they are the best outer layer. The best thing is that they’re extremely fashionable now and on trend, plus they look classy too when styled just right and there’s so many options available.
Layer Up Underneath
Now this is something that I do all the time and nobody really knows, but it’s the most important part. The layers that are closest to your skin are extremely important as they work in trapping the heat. I wear tank tops underneath long sleeve cotton t-shirts, which I then layer knitwear over, before putting my coat on. Some of the thermal under layers you can get are even better (like these) as they work in trapping heat, so I definitely recommend those too! Those 4 layers usually keep my torso warm, but for my legs I have been known to wear leggings underneath my jeans. I don’t like to wear tights as it’s not very breathable and feels weird, but cotton leggings under my jeans works well. The two layers trap the heat and keep me warm, so layering up with all these pieces underneath is key for me now. I don’t go out without doing it and you can never tell with my outfits either.
Hand Warmers
My hands are the first part of my body to get cold, even if I’ve only been out for a few minutes, so keeping them warm to regulate your bodies temperature is essential. I’ve found that thick, insulated mittens or gloves are perfect for that. One trick for those extremely cold days is to pop some hand warmers inside your mittens (similar to these) as they act as a mini hot water bottle for a few hours, keeping the inside of your gloves hot. You might know the ones I mean, they’re little gel packets which you can snap to heat up. If you suffer from reynauds syndrome or cold hands in general, these are ideal. They will definitely keep your hands feeling toasty and gloves are always pretty to wear.
Keep Your Head & Neck Warm
Our heads and neck generate a huge amount of heat and we actually end up losing a lot of that heat out the top of our head, which is why hats and scarves are extremely important. I’ve been out without scarves before and let me tell you that was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made. Keeping my neck warm with a scarf is the most important thing, just as important as wearing a hat. Trapping all my heat inside my body this way helps keep me warm and it stops me from going into that hibernation state. I’ve even got faux fur hats and scarves as they work extremely well at not letting cold air in. Snoods are also amazing as they can cover part of your face, allowing your breath to warm up your face as well. It’s ideal. Adam will probably tell you that I nag him too much about never going out without a scarf and hat because he’s stubborn, but he thanks me for it afterwards, every time.
Wear Tall Boots
Most people tend to love thigh high or over the knee boots during the cooler months, but they are also extremely practical. Since they are made from suede or leather, no air can usually circulate through the material and when it’s covering most of your leg, the wind can’t come through. Tall boots act as a fantastic heat trapping footwear option and I often wear mine during this time of year. Be sure to wear two pairs of socks inside them though as the two pairs give extra warmth and allow friction to disperse in the shoe, so you shouldn’t feel any blisters or rubbing from general walking.
Things To Avoid
Now there are some things to avoid doing in the Winter if you really need to stay warm, and I’ve listed them just below for you. Each of these things have come from my own learning experiences and if I can help anyone else, I’m happy to do so. If you also have any tips and tricks on how to avoid the cold when it’s freezing outside, please do let me know! I’d love to hear your advice too!
Don’t wear coated jeans or faux leather – The coating and plastic sensation on coated jeans or faux leather actually makes your skin cold. It’s a bit like metal – if it’s cold, it will absorb that temperature, which then hits your skin. I’ve tried this before and I instantly regretted it because as soon as I went outside, my legs started to freeze. I don’t recommend it. Only wear cotton or a fabric which doesn’t attract the cold.
No skin should be on show – It may seem like common sense, but don’t allow any of your skin to be on show. This means wear jeans with a high enough rise and tuck your under layers into them, so when you bend down or reach up, no skin is exposed to the elements. I live by the rule that only my face should be on show, which means both hands, feet, and my entire body is covered in every way possible, keeping my heat in.
Keep warming pads in your bag – Like I mentioned above, with the heating pads inside your mittens, I recommend keeping some (like these) in your bag as well in case you do end up freezing. You can put them inside your hat, inside your layers of clothes etc and they will warm you up.
Don’t take your gloves off – Sometimes I have to take my gloves off because I need to check my phone or use the camera, but my hands usually end up freezing during that time and going numb, then taking forever to warm back up again. I would suggest (if you’re not a photographer) getting a pair of touch screen gloves which allow you to use your phone while wearing them. I have a leather pair and they are a life saver (check these ones out).
Don’t wear lots of jewellery – One thing I learned to avoid in the Winter months is wearing lots of metal jewellery. Especially if you’re choosing to forgo gloves, stay away from metal rings. They really attract the cold and it’s like holding onto a freezing metal pole which makes your hands even colder. Trust me. This goes for statement metal necklaces as well, those aren’t a good idea.
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I never go out anywhere in winter without one of my woolly hats. 😀 So it’s fortunate that I have one for every possible outfit. 😉 My head gets really cold if I don’t wear a hat out in winter and most especially so my ears. I tend not to feel the cold so easily anywhere else though so winter doesn’t really bother me – indeed summer discomforts me more because my body doesn’t like hot weather. LOL
These are all great tips though. 🙂
Author
My ears and head do too! Gosh the pain in the ears is like frost bite isn’t it? Lol! 😀
Oh yes. It’s pretty extreme. 😀
Somehow I’ve managed to lose one of my woolly hats over Christmas though… Hopefully it’s somewhere in my parents’ house. 🙂
Author
Oh no! I hope it wasn’t a favourite! Maybe the turkey costume stole it!
Interesting thoughts Lorna, and a girl who knows how to layer up! My ex never understood the how or why to proper layering up in winter. Love the dark coat your wearing, gorgeous! ❤️
Author
Thanks, John! Yes, layering up is SO important, it’s a must!
Lorna, I want some of those hot warmers… do they last for a while? Or just a few times? These would be amazing for Valentina as she will be out in the cold this winter. Lucky for me I don’t have that problem working from home… xox
These definitely are some great tips, I wish Valentina would learn about wearing a hat but teenagers think they know it all.. lol… they will learn xox
Author
It takes them time to learn, ha ha. Hats are considered fashionable and cool here though!
The hand warmers that you can buy in a gel pack which have the metal thing to snap last multiple times as you heat them up to melt the liquid back down, to reuse, but I think the Amazon ones are one time use!
Thanks Lorna, I will check around for them 🙂 xox
Author
No problem 🙂
I also dread this season because of my illness. And everyone is sneezing and cuffing! But layering is good! I love your leopard print coat!
Author
It’s definitely a tricky one when your immunity is low, that’s for sure. Stay safe!
Lovely photos 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙂
These tips are really good, dear Lorna, I am a very good friend of cold weather, but very prone to catch colds, so I realised that being warm is essential, it avoids colds and in you case, to be without movement. I like to wear scarves, beanies, layers yes, and I seldom wear faux-leather. Mittens are so sweet and I used to skip gloves, but now I know that they are important, as well as boots and tights – I used to go out without them. And for the gloves, not many rings and bracelets, true! I hope you have a very lovely Christmas time, stay warm and enjoy the time!
DenisesPlanet.com
Author
Gosh, I can’t imagine going out dresses like that, I know I used to for outfit shoots many years ago, but I never will do that ever again as my health is so much more important. Really happy you like the post, Denise! I wish you a happy holidays too!
Faux fur coats are my jam. I love them so much & you’re right that they keep you warm! So toasty. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
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So glad you agree :]
these are all great tips. I so need to get some of the warming pads.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
Author
They really are so useful!
Thanks for your valuable advice! I never thought the jewelry would attract the cold, but you’re right!
Merry Christmas!
Kisses,
Cinzia
http://www.callmeblondiebycinziasatta.com
Author
It’s an odd one that not many people think about, but it definitely does! I know first hand, lol!
These are all really great ideas and all of your winter wear is serious;y beautiful!
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
My Instagram | Instagram
Author
Thank you so much!
Great post my dear! Thank you for sharing! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Author
You’re welcome!
Wow Lorna this advice is very thoughtful and thorough, and you’ve brought some things to my attention which I wasn’t aware of. I love the way your outfits are always stylish with a nice silhouette, even though you have lots of practical layers underneath. It’s ingenious! I thought of a way jewellery addicts can wear jewellery in winter without feeling cold. An item like a crochet necklace or a fabric choker in a wider piece of material would be ideal, or maybe a peter pan collar necklace also made of material.
How do you feel about ear muffs Lorna? They look very effective. I had some when I was about nine, but not as an adult, as I don’t think my style is playful enough to wear them!
Thank you so much for this well-written and thoughtful blog post.
Lots of love Saba xx
http://www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com
Author
I think crochet or fabric jewellery is a good idea! That definitely wouldn’t attract the cold and it might be quite unique! Ear muffs I don’t like for a practical point of view for me, even though they look super cute, but I don’t like the pressure on my ears as they press them against my head and block out my hearing as well and I hate to even be partially blocked from hearing, it freaks me out, so I never venture to ear muffs, just hats that cover the most part of my ears softly but leave the ear holes open xx.
Oh that makes total sense! I see what you mean. I don’t even wear earphones when I’m out and about, as I don’t like anything to reduce my alertness when I’m navigating this concrete jungle! I have a black crochet necklace which is really different and unexpected, and I’ve seen stylish peter pan collar necklaces on Etsy and even at Topshop, which would add a really nice touch to an outfit. xx
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I think those sound perfect!
The ideas are really great which will help us save ourselves from cold. I also use wool beanies and scarves for covering my head and neck. The fur coat looks cool on you!!
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Thank you!
love your style =)
kisses from Italy
http://blamod.com
Author
Thank you =)
Great advices, I agree with you!
Kisses,
http://www.theartofpaloma.com/
Author
I’m glad!
These are great suggestions for these cold winter months! Love all your pics here too.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
Thank you!!
Here where I live, in Poland, we have very similar weather during winter season, so I do know what you are talking about! Maybe not that rainy, although no daylight after 3pm and while it comes to talk about the temperatures, I can say that is even the same ( or colder…). I agree with all your advices and I hate to wear tights underneath my trousers! Yes, it feels weird, and I use to wear leggins instead of tights. And never go outside with wet hair or after having a shower 🙂
Author
Gosh, that one is a huge one! Never ever go out with wet anything as you freeze! Hopefully people are sensible enough not to do that 🙂