Cold Weather Clothes - Fun and Functional!

Let's get the boring out of the way first - you need a parka-type jacket of some kind.  No, it isn't exciting, but you have to shovel snow in something.  Land's End Squall Jackets have always been my go-to parka and they haven't failed me yet.  They're fairly roomy so you can layer underneath and they last for years.

I love a Classic Wool Trench Coat for dressing up a little.  This herringbone pattern is fun and flattering.  Look for good quality fabrics and linings.  

The Pea Coat is another calssic that everyone should have in their winter arsenal.  Not as warm as the Squall or a long as the Trench, it's a great coat for a slightly nicer day when you're out and about in jeans.  I love the bright red color of this one - it's a coat, it doesn't have to match your outfit!


The Swing Coat is a little risky - but only a little.  Depending on your body type it may be hard to find one that fits properly.  But they're perfect over narrow pants or casual skirts with boots.  I like this one in faux-shearling, it has a great texture and winter white coats always turn heads.  

The Practical

Yes, I do have to shovel snow.  I also walk home from work and generally leave the house when the sidewalks are covered with snow and ice.  I need a practical pair of real snow boots.  My favorites are Land's End Flurry Boots for Girls.  That's right - these are little girl's boots!  They size up to a women's 9 - just call customer service to find out the conversion.  Mine happen to be a softer shade of link with a super hip faux fur cuff at the top.  What can I say?  I was denied girly boots as a child.  These are also very warm and have an excellent, very grippy tread.


The Whimsical

How fun are these other winter boots??  The Keen Alaska Boot is a great brand and I suspect very warm and pretty functional as a snow boot.  They'd also be darn cute with a skinny jean for an outdoor winter function.

These Durango Slouch Boots are a fun combination of western and winter.  Another great look with jeans.

If you want something you can wear with most any pants, the Matt Bernson Tundra looks like a great choice.  I like the buckle detail at the ankle and the furry cuff.  This is a pair that might take you into a casual workplace if you don't want to change into different shoes - but be careful, winter boots get hot indoors all day! 

The Accessories

It's weird to think of things like mittens as accessories in the winter, but I don't quite know what else to call these peripheral items.  They're definitely not optional!


The Hat

Have a hair style that just can't tolerate being stuffed into a hat?  Too bad.  If you live where winter is a real season, suck it up and get yourself a hat before you lose the tips of your ears to frostbite.  You'll look way more stupid with half an ear than you will with a little hat hair.  I really like this cute Bucket Hat, with its little knitted flower.  There are loads of options out there, from very plain to just plain wild - have some fun with it! 


The Scarf  

The scarf isn't truly a "necessity".  Lots of coats have high collars, lots of people wear turtle necks and sweaters, sometimes a neck gator will substitute.  But I like the versatility of a nice big scarf that I can wrap around my neck, tuck into a pea coat or toss over my shoulder.  This bright plaid is a nice accompaniment to a neutral coat or jacket.


The Glove 

Yep, you do need gloves!  They're far easier to drive in than mittens and they're super stylish.  I love and covet this Italian Leather pair with their checkered cuff and cashmere lining.


The Practical Mitten  

Sigh.  I know, they aren't nearly as fun as those cashmere lined gloves, but we do need something really warm here on the tundra.  I'm dipping into the well of Land's End once again for these Squall Mittens, with their water proof outer shell and warm inner lining.  Great for shoveling snow and general outdoor tomfoolery.

As long as it keeps you warm, pretty much anything goes when the weather gets really cold.  So have some fun with your outdoor duds!  Bright colors, fun shapes and cozy fabrics can help you weather the storms of winter and make it until spring!