FashBlog.com

By Brandi M. Seals

Sometimes it is necessary to venture out into the cold, but that does not mean you cannot stay warm while outdoors.

The key to keeping warm even in chilly temperatures is to dress for the occasion. That means you will want layers. Lots and lots of layers. The body will be warmed by the air that gets trapped between the layers of clothes. The key is not to use too many layers or too heavy layers as they will restrict the air.

Depending on the temperature outside you can add or drop a few layers, but when I was in college I worked concessions for sporting events. That usually was not a problem except when it came to football season. Some of the games would be as late as November or December and in Michigan, that means lots of cold weather.

It took 2 years of working there before I finally came up with the perfect way to stay warm for at least 9 hours. Start with the bottoms. I found three layers as the optimal number. Put on a good pair of long johns, top them with a thick pair of pajama pants (terrycloth works great) and top with a pair of jeans. I would stir clear of any skirts because they allow too much cold air to circulate around even when paired with long johns.

The top section requires a bit more coverage. I like to use Cuddle Duds. They are a long johns that are more reminiscent of camisoles than scratchy warm tops but they do add lots of warmth. I would pair a sleeveless Cuddle Dud with a long sleeved long john top. Next add a long sleeved tee shirt, a short sleeved tee shirt, a sweatshirt, and finally top with a good quality winter coat.

Clearly this number of layers is not need for every day outings, but if you have something keeping you outside for several hours when the temperatures are in the 20s, you will appreciate each and every layer. All these layers will not keep you warm if you have a draft going up your back. Make sure your inner most layer or the one above it is well tucked into your bottoms.

Feet, like the legs, are best when covered with three layers. Too many socks and your feet will be freezing. The same holds true for to few. Make sure the first layer is the best fitting pair. They should fit close to the skin and not droop. The second pair can be a little bigger but they should just be plain old cotton socks. For the top layer, opt for a thick wool pair if you can find them. If not grab some of those slipper socks with the grippies on the bottom. They do a good job of keeping the feet warm.

For the shoes, go ahead and wear whatever you want. If your foot with all of the socks feels too puffy for the shoes, you will either need to pick a pair that is a little roomier or remove a pair of socks. If you went ahead and shoved your feet in anyway, you will be doing yourself a disservice.

Tight shoes are not only uncomfortable, but they would squish out that very important insulating air trapped between the layers of the socks.

It may look tacky to do this, but make sure at least the wool socks are pulled up and over the long john bottoms. It will prevent very unfavorable drafts from getting in.

Always pair cold weather wear with a good hat that covers the ears, very good gloves or mittens, and a scarf. Mittens are preferable to gloves because the fingers will stay warmer but they are not always practical. I find that some people avoid scarves like the plague and do not really know how to use them. Honestly a scarf can be your best friend. Wear it low around the neck and under the coat to prevent cold air from coming in. Wear it wrapped a bit higher and pull one part up to cover the mouth and nose if your face is freezing or if there is blowing wind.

Follow these few simple steps and you are well on your way to staying warm this winter.