Tips for upgrading your winter closet to stay cozy in chilly weather

A new period of frigid weather has arrived, bringing below freezing temperatures that make it difficult to keep warm, even while staying indoors.

In situations like the present, our clothing choices prioritize practicality over style in order to combat the weather and prevent high heating costs.

Instead of increasing the temperature on the thermostat and spending a lot on energy, here are some helpful tips, clever tricks, and clothing hacks to keep you warm from head to toe.

Ensuring proper layering is crucial in retaining body heat. When putting together a winter ensemble, begin with thermal materials specifically designed to provide maximum warmth without adding bulk, such as leggings and long-sleeved tops. Then, add a roomy middle layer like a flannel shirt before finishing off with the thickest sweater available.

According to Jo McLaren, head of e-commerce at N.Peal (npeal.com), the key to being both warm and fashionable during the winter is layering.

According to her, it is essential to have T-shirts, cardigans, and jumpers during the winter to create a complete outfit suitable for the chilly weather.

Fabrics that retain the most warmth use small air pockets to add extra insulation. This is why materials like fleece, sheepskin, shearling, and faux fur are ideal for colder temperatures. For maximum heat retention, consider wearing fleece-lined joggers, sheepskin slippers, or a hat lined with faux fur.

If you frequently experience cold hands but require your fingers to be free for typing or other tasks, fingerless gloves are the ideal solution. You can also consider wearing long-sleeved tops or athletic sweatshirts with thumb loops for added warmth.

According to McLaren, accessories have the power to transform a simple outfit into a standout one. Winter is the ideal season to showcase stylish pieces, such as a cashmere scarf and coordinating gloves.

“Adding accessories is an ideal method to incorporate some color into dull winter jumpers. This could be a touch of red for the holiday season or your preferred geometric design,” she suggests.

You can stay cozy by wearing fashionable earmuffs, which Boohoo fashion expert Claire Asher describes as a “fun yet practical” accessory for the chilly months. This trend is also favored by Bella Hadid.

“Not only are fluffy earmuffs a charming retro fashion statement, but they are also the perfect cold weather accessory when it comes to keeping our ears warm. The fantastic thing about earmuffs is that you can style them with pretty much any outfit,” she added.

During chilly weather, our extremities tend to be the most affected as our body focuses on keeping our core and essential organs warm. To combat this, wear two pairs of socks and ensure that there are no openings at the ankle for cold air to enter.

When it comes to buying shoes, McLaren suggests purchasing a size larger than your usual size. This will allow you to wear thick, thermal socks for added warmth.

One of McLaren’s preferred ways to elevate a winter ensemble is with a bold coat.

“According to her advice, purchasing two or three coats with varying colors, textures, patterns, and thickness can allow for the rotation of the same layers while achieving a unique look each time.”

According to Asher, there are numerous possibilities for being creative with a coat.

“In addition to providing protection from the weather, a statement jacket and affordable basics can elevate your style to a high-end level. Try incorporating bold block colors, eye-catching prints, and luxurious faux fur into your outerwear to enhance any simple outfit and keep you both fashionable and cozy.”

Enhance the warmth of a wool coat by layering a lightweight gilet underneath. These bodywarmers, filled with either real or synthetic down, may seem thin but can greatly impact your comfort. There are many choices available, including Uniqlo’s wide range for both men and women. Additionally, you can opt for heated gilets equipped with rechargeable warming pads from brands like Regatta. This feature can be useful when spending extended periods of time in chilly conditions.

At times, simply keeping your hands securely in your pockets may not be sufficient to prevent your fingertips from getting cold, especially when you are going outside.

Increase the warmth by placing a few hand warmers in your pockets – environmentally-friendly options include reusable gel packs or rechargeable electric warmers. Browse through a variety of choices on websites like Amazon or eBay.

A slanket, also known as a blanket with sleeves and a hood, elevates the concept of loungewear. It’s perfect for cozying up on the couch in the evening or wearing while working from home (although you may want to remove it for Zoom meetings).

Source: independent.co.uk