As an Iowan who regularly travels to Wisconsin in winter wearing skirts and dresses, I would like to add a guide to cold weather clothing layering.
Layering has three main components:
Close to Body Moisture Layer
This is the key to survival. When you get it all on, it might feel a little bulky and silly but its worth it.
1. Close to Body Moisture Layer
The point of this layer is twofold. It absorbs sweat your body produces (which will get cold on your skin otherwise) and holds in your already existing body heat.
Youre gonna want something like thick leggings and a longsleeve shirt usually. As tight to the skin as you can get. Underarmor makes a lot of things like this specifically for this purpose and are labeled as being rated for certain temps.
If you dont have that, use the closest fitting shirt/pants you have, even if its a tank top. Keeping your core warm is the most important thing.
Also consider wearing more than one.
2. Insulating Fluff Layer
You know how insulation foam works? The air pockets trap the air from escaping by not giving it a clear path out/in.
This is your bigger, bulky layer. The goal is to create air pockets that trap your heat in and keep cold out. So, baggy shirts (ideally more than one), sweaters, thick pants and/or layered skirts.
Denim, while durable, is not ideal for this layer on its own. Its absolute garbage for insulation. You are going to want to wear some sort of fuzzy pajama pants or something under them.
Thick knits in natural fibers like wool or alpaca are ideal, but prioritize thickness over material.
3. Protective Outer Layer
This is your coat and your outerwear accessories.
Ideally, having a heavy, natural fiber coat is ideal. I have a long wool coat that I keep repairing because its lasted me over a decade and wool keeps you warm even when its wet.
But if you dont have that, try for something with moisture resistance, like a puffer coat. Leather is okay, but you will want more insulating layers if you go that route. (Also you probably need to do maintaining on your leathers, but thats another rant for another day).
This is where denim would go, on the outside to protect from the elements.
You are also going to want at least one scarf, but probably two. One for close to the body for heat retention and a bulkier one for protection. I tend to use a vintage fur stole for the outer layer, but its not the best option if its going to keep getting wet. If your scarf is big enough it can also cover your ears.
Which also! Cover your ears! They have like no fat! Hats, headbands, earmuffs, balaclava, little babushka scarf, etc. I am usually using my headphones for this plus my coat hood if its bad enough. Face masks are also helpful for this.
Gloves are also vital. This is going to sound a little broken record, but ideally you should have two pairs on. One pair of fuzzy ones for inside (ideally wool) and one pair of moisture resistant for the outside (especially if you are going to touch snow)
Socks are similar, at least two pairs. One for moisture wicking (your feet sweat more than you think) and one for insulation. Maybe one more pair for safe measure.
Shoes should ideally be something leather or weather resistant, have good treads, maybe some ankle support. Avoid untreated cloth/canvas as much as you can.
Avoid having any gaps in your outfits. Yes, its annoying to have to retuck everything in the bathroom, but its worth it to not have the cold air goose you unexpectedly. You might have to tuck clothes in weird ways, like sleeves into your gloves.
If you are going somewhere where you have to wear less than ideal shoes, maybe wear proper shoes there and put your other shoes on at your destination
Eat more if you can! Your body needs more fuel to burn to keep you warm! Protein and starch is ideal, since it lasts longer than sugary stuff tends to.
If you get soaked for some reason, you are going to want to change wet clothes to dry clothes as soon as possible.
However! Do not go from cold to hot too quickly, as this can cause shock! Warm yourself gradually.
Do not be afraid to double/triple up on anything on this list. It might look/feel silly, but its worth it to stay warm.
Hopefully someone finds this helpful. Im about to practice what I preach and head out. Stay warm y'all. ❤️🔥
