Function OVER Fashion – Keeping Warm in Cold Weather, Part 1

Dec 1, 2021 | Style & Fashion

Written by Meira Schneider-Atik

Myth: Your outerwear has to make you look your best. 

Truth: If it makes you look good, that’s fine, but it has to protect you first and foremost. 

Looking great is important. However, health and safety are a part of great style as well. Perhaps even the most important aspect of style. The healthier you are, the easier it is to look your best. Now that we’re getting into cold weather, at least here in New York, it’s so important to be healthy and safe. 

When it comes to outerwear, function comes before fashion. If you already have coats and boots that look beautiful and that make you look great, you should absolutely keep them. But if they don’t protect you from the elements, then you must get a coat and boots that do protect you even if they’re not so pretty. Of course, finding outerwear that does both is like hitting the jackpot – and it is possible.

In moderately cold climates there may be no appreciable difference in warmth between wool coats and down coats, although wool offers the added benefit of water-resistance. However, those who live in much colder climates note that good quality down coats offer better insulation than wool in super-cold weather. So the first rule of thumb in choosing outerwear is to go with what works best in your climate.  

When trying on a coat, fit is important, but make sure you try it on over layers and/or winter tops so that it will fit over those. You may need to go up one size to get a good fit but don’t go too big. Not only will that look sloppy but it won’t keep you warm. As you try it on, check and make sure that you have a good range of movement (you may be shoveling snow in this). And check the length. Too short will expose your entire bottom half and leave that unprotected. Too long will drag which is especially unpleasant in rain or snow. Anywhere from the thigh to the knee is fine. Knee-length is best in terms of flattery.  

While your first priorities should be a good fit and protection from the elements, there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun. Being stylish doesn’t have to mean boring or plain. If you want to go with a classic neutral for your coat, that’s great, but colorful outerwear is also a

great option. Many years ago, I had a beautiful coat with bright blocks of color all over. That coat kept me warm for many years and the color blocks cheered up the winter doldrums.  

Most fashion gurus say that a woman needs a wardrobe of coats—one for everyday casual, one for work, one dressier coat, one heavy coat (if your climate calls for one), and one lighter coat like a trench. But the truth is, that’s really not necessary. It’s nice to have all of the above, but most people don’t need more than one winter coat (if you live in a climate with cold winters) and one lighter coat. 

In the Jewish community we often think that in addition to everything else, we also need a “Shabbos coat,” meaning a pretty wool coat with wide lapels and real closure only on top with the bottom flying open as it catches a breeze. It’s understandable to want one –  Jacqueline Kennedy (one of the greatest style setters) wore one during her White House years and she looked glamorous as usual. But they don’t protect you from the elements very well. If you have one and you look and feel good in it, go ahead and wear it, but you’ll still need a coat that will protect you when the weather is harsh.  

Speaking of lighter coats… a classic trench is a great item to have. It always looks sleek and stylish (as long as it fits properly). And it’s practical for weather that’s not cold enough for a winter coat but that isn’t warm enough to go without a coat at all. While classic khaki or black are both great ways to go, there’s nothing wrong with a fun color if you prefer. 

Boots are also in the category of outerwear and the same rules apply—boots need to keep your feet warm and dry. If they look good but they

don’t do that job, it’s fine to keep them and wear them for more mild weather, but you need to get a separate pair that protect you from the cold and damp. 

Always try on boots with the socks that you will wear with them and make sure you have plenty of wiggle room for your toes. While it may seem like boots with heels would be preferable for traction in the snow, you run the risk of getting stuck and twisting your ankle, or worse. It’s best to avoid heels and focus on traction to make sure you don’t  slip. If you can get waterproof boots, get them – they’ll protect your feet better. 

A warm hat is important, but don’t forget to cover your ears. If your coat has a hood, so much the better. If your hat doesn’t cover your ears, get earmuffs or wrap a scarf around your ears. Wearing your hair down over your ears won’t protect you much so make sure you have that extra cover. Wrap a scarf around your neck too (just remember to remove it indoors so you don’t overheat). One of the advantages of a scarf is that if things get very cold, you can wrap it around your mouth and nose to provide extra warmth. Mittens are warmer than gloves so make sure you have those. If you need to be able to use your fingers, there are mitten/glove combinations with a removable top. And again, while these smaller details are supposed to protect you from the elements, it’s OK to have a little fun with them. Who says you can’t wear a hat or scarf or gloves or all of the above in fun colors and prints? My mittens are light green (green is my favorite color). And many of my masks are in fun colors and prints. Winter can be a great time to add color to an otherwise dreary landscape, and what better way to stay warm, dry and safe? 

To be continued… 

 

When it comes to outerwear, function
comes before fashion.

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