Gearing Up for Winter Weather – Tips for Staying Warm

Winter is an energy-conscious time, and just cranking up the thermostat is not the answer for staying warm these days! Besides, if you want to enjoy the outdoors this winter, you’ll need to dress appropriately to stave off the cold. As you’re gearing up for winter, take advantage of these tips for staying warm.

Scarves

It’s amazing how wearing a scarf can help keep you warm. If you’re indoors and you don’t want to turn up the thermostat, try wearing a scarf with your sweater.

From a fashion standpoint, infinity or circular scarves are in style this year, and they are very handy. Infinity scarves do not have dangling ends, making them great for indoors or out.

What Lies Beneath

What you wear under your clothes helps keep you warm. Old-fashioned, thermal, long underwear makes a big difference in how warm your upper layers feel.

Speaking of layers, it is still the best way to stay warm. Layers create air between them, and that air heats up and keeps you warm. Also, layers against your skin (especially cotton ones) wick moisture away from your skin, decreasing evaporation and keeping you warm.

Gloves

Like scarves, gloves are small accessory that makes a big impact. Gloves protect your hands from cold surfaces as well as cold air and moisture. Mittens are a great choice for winter exercise outdoors, because the mittens can accommodate a hand warming packet and your fingers also help keep each other warm. Gloves are fine for short walks and for driving, and thin ones can work in a less-than-warm indoor environment.

Socks and Boots

Rubber rain boots and cowboy boots may help with spring rains, but they really are not the best for keeping warm. A roomy pair of hiking boots make great winter boots for outdoor activity, and of course, lined winter boots with insulation are also great choices. Roomy boots are best because you can layer your socks. If you run and/or walk for exercise in the winter, look for a walking shoe/hiking boot combination…and make sure they’re roomy!

Regardless of the outer material, weatherproofing your winter footwear is key to keeping warm. Get your boots winterized with a weatherproofing treatment, such as a spray or oil.

Don’t Try to Look Too Cute

There are all kinds of ways to combine fashion with keeping warm, but make sure you don’t forget that keeping warm is at least half of the equation! It’s easy to get caught up in trendy hats and thin silk scarves with pretty prints when you really need something more substantial. Make sure that whatever winter accessories you choose, they keep you warm as well as make you look good. Remember, shivering and freezing doesn’t look fashionable!