We had to leave the house early this morning and it was -11! Thats cold even by most of Colorado standards! (Winter Park Co excluded one of our sons lives there and it can be -20 below!). If you’ve followed me awhile, you know that Colorado is now home but we’ve lived in Virginia, Utah and Montana. I’ve learned how to dress for winter temps and stay WARM. Here are the essentials to build winter outfits that actually keep you warm. Now is a great time to grab these staple items if you need them since they are all on sale.
1. Base Layer
I prefer silk for a base layer. It is SO thin and comfortable and doesn’t bunch up next to your skin. This is what you need when it’s FRIGID outside. I promise you that this one simple thin, comfy layer will make the most amazing difference in your level of warmth. You seriously won’t believe it! I wear these skiing, camping, snow shoeing and basically any time I know the temps will be really cold and I’ll be outdoors for awhile. I get mine here and they are on major sale right now. Because they are 100% silk they are naturally wicking and odor resistant. These will easily last for many years.
2. Fleece Lined Leggings
These are great because you can wear them under ski pants or any other major outer layer if you need it- or you can wear them on their own. They are no problem with boots and they can provide the base for an effortless chic or sporty winter look. The fleece lining over your silk base layer will keep you warm and comfortable without feeling bulky. Depending on the temps, just wearing with a plush fleece and a warm beanie can be enough.
3. Cashmere Sweater
A cashmere sweater, layered over your silk base layer is unbelievably light weight, comfortable and toasty warm without making you sweat! I pick up cashmere pieces at this time of the year because they are marked down so low. I go for basic, neutral colors and of course you’ll never go wrong with black!
4. Down or Prima Loft Parka
Performance wear has come a LONG way. It’s incredibly light weight, packable and oh so warm. If you are looking for extreme warmth in outdoor active wear you can’t go wrong with Arcteryx or Patagonia. These pieces are meant to last and to take a beating. If you want something a little more elevated for a winter trip or dining out when its really cold- I love the Bernardo brand of outerwear. Their coats are extremely warm. packable and have a feminine cut to them that gives you a shape rather than just the straight up and down look!


5. Winter Boots
The Sorel winter boots (currently on sale) are hard to beat if you’re looking for warmth, water proof and fashion all rolled into one. They look great on everyone and they’ll last you FOREVER. I’ve had mine for over 5 years, wear them every time it snows and they show zero wear. Grab a pair of good winter socks while you’re at it and I promise you- your feet will be warm and toasty even in the coldest temps.
6. Beanies, Mittens & Scarves
Get yourself a GOOD beanie to keep your head and ears warm. The brand Spyder makes performance wear beanies that are chic, at a good price point and will 100% keep your head really warm without getting sweaty. Mittens are going to be warmer than gloves, so grab a pair with the flip tops so that you can use your fingers when ever you need to! If you need or want one more accessory, a scarf can add a lot to your look and bring one more layer of warmth at the same time. If you’re looking to put a winter outfit together get a warm, complimentary colored scarf for the finishing touch!(This one is a Burberry dupe)


If you follow my guide to dressing warm, you’ll never be cold again! It’s really the key to actually ENJOYING winter, rather than just surviving it! Hoping everyone is getting through the latest frigid temps. Poor Texas isn’t prepared for temperatures like this! Some of us have quite a bit of winter to go before we can begin thinking of spring, but I’m here for it- we got the most beautiful snow last night! Thanks so much for reading, ladies and I hope that you found this helpful….. Stay warm out there!
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What a difference a day makes! 37 degrees out today and, with the sun shining, it’s downright tropical. 😉
Dawn,
Enjoy! What state are you in? We are in the 30’s today too and yesterday was positively gorgeous! Pretty typical for Colorado- but our poor Texan friends aren’t having a very good time of it right now! We were laughing that it’s warmer in Colorado than it is in Texas right now. Crazy!
~Melissa xx
After almost 2 weeks of, for the Netherlands, extreme cold, we are finaly heading to spring temperatures! Yeah!
Oooo Nancy! How exciting! Enjoy!
~Melissa xx
You have this winter outfitting thing down pat, sister!
I love these cozy looks!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks so much Ashley. Love your blog girl!
~Melissa xx
We’ve had single-digit and sub-zero temps for the past few weeks. These are great tips. I wear my fleece-lined leggings non-stop this time of year. I need to invest in a silk tee. I also tuck in my first layer to stay warmer.
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you Jill,
It’s crazy how those little thin layers add up to MAJOR warmth isn’t it? The silk base layer is 100% worth it. I think mine are 8 years old and still going strong.
~Melissa xx
Gosh, I remember those days. The layers are key, but the right layers make all the difference. I laugh how I used to go skiing in one pair of cotton socks…no wonder my feet were always cold.
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
It’s so true Jodie. My husband is the one who made sure we were all clothed in performance layers- I balked at the expense at the time but ……he was SOOOO right. And ice climbing, skiing and snow shoeing all became so much fun when I wasn’t miserably cold, lol!
Thanks so much for reading!
~Melissa xx
No one has better Winter Looks than you! Zero temps and minus windchills here. I still like to walk outside so cuddleduds and layers to the rescue. I even do 2 pair of smart wool socks. I bet I own over a dozen beanies. Great tips!
Thank you so much Andrea. You always look amazing, lady. I bet it’s super cold there for sure! The humidity in the air makes such a difference in that kind of weather. Thanks so much for reading!
~Melissa xx
Love all those cozy looks and amazing tips my dear!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: TEDDY COAT AND JEANS
Thanks so much Monica! Can’t wait to check out your new post!
~Melissa xx
Yes to all these cozy things! Layering is fun!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I recently got a pair of fleece lined trousers but they look humongous! your leggings look amazing xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
My biggest struggle is looking cute and staying warm at the same time! You definitely achieved it girl.
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
love, love, love all of these winter looks! So fabulous and it makes me miss the snow so much!!
Sherry
https://justlivejoy.com/five-outfit-of-the-day-recaps/