We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to bring you this very important public service announcement…the polar vortex is here! Today, let’s chat about how to survive the freezing arctic air that’s enveloped our land. I assure you, we can be warm and still look cute. So, grab a hot beverage and a warm blanket and settle in!
Polar Vortex Essential Item #1: Cuddlies
Cuddlies are my top essential item for surviving the polar vortex. What are cuddlies you ask? Good question. Cuddlies are my cute word for long underwear or long johns, etc. I don’t care for those terms, so I coined my own. You’re welcome. I have a pair of cuddly pants and a cuddly long-sleeved shirt. The key is to make sure to choose a pair that’s thin (try these here). You don’t want anything too bulky. You also want to make sure they fit well. You don’t want anything super loose as you need to be able to layer other clothing on top. On the other hand, you don’t want anything too tight because you want your skin to be able to breathe and keep your blood flowing normally. There are tons of options out there, so pick one that fits your needs. They even have fleeced lined ones!
Polar Vortex Essential Item #2: Warm Socks
A pair of warm socks is another essential item for surviving the cold temperatures. Nothing quite works as well as a nice pair of wool socks. Wool is breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin. This is comfort at its finest! My favorites are from the Smartwool brand (here). You can even add some liners (here) for extra warmth. The key is to make sure you’re socks aren’t too tight on your feet and that your feet aren’t too tight in your shoes. The same principle as the cuddlies applies here as well. You want your skin to be able to breathe and your blood circulating normally. This will keep you warm!
Polar Vortex Essential Item #3: A Warm Outfit
Next up, we need a warm outfit. This is where we get to pull out our warmest of warm sweaters and pants. My go-to is a chunky sweater and skinny jeans. You could also opt for fleeced-lined leggings or wool slacks. Maybe you have a cashmere sweater that doesn’t get much use. Now would be the time to pull that baby out! Topping off your look with a scarf would be a great choice for a day like today.
Polar Vortex Essential Item #4: Outerwear
Outerwear includes things like coats, hats, gloves, etc. So pull out your warmest coat, preferably with a hood. Add a scarf, a stocking cap, and some warm gloves and you’ve got it made! Some people worry about their hair while wearing a stocking cap. Let me tell you, I feel that! I like to wear my hair as simple as possible to avoid too much damage from the hat. It doesn’t hurt to have a dryer sheet handy to calm any static cling that forms as well. Trust me, you’re hair will find it’s way back to its place and you’ll be so much warmer!
Polar Vortex Essential Item #5: Snow Pants
All the tips above will keep you warm for sure. We’re talking extreme cold here, though, so we’ll need a little something extra. It’s time to break out the snow pants. Snow pants? Yes, snow pants. Hear me out. I know they’re not the cutest of clothing items, but they will keep the wind and moisture out and the heat in. I have a pair of black ones that fit nicely over my jeans (similar ones here). I find the black color gives them a sleeker, more stylish look. When I get to work, I can easily slip them off and carry on with my day. Trust me, this is an item you won’t regret owning during the cold winter months!
Polar Vortex Essential Item #6: Blanket Scarf
Another great item to have during the cold is a blanket scarf. It’s truly a multi-purpose piece of clothing. I mean, it can be worn as a shawl or as a normal scarf or used as a blanket to keep your legs warm. The options are endless. Plus, it can fit easily in most purses when not in use.
Polar Vortex Essential Item #7: Boots
A great pair of warm boots is the last, but certainly not the least, in my list of essential items for the cold weather. To be honest, this is one I haven’t quite figured out yet. Normally I just wear my tall rider boots from JCP (here). On the coldest of cold days, I have some hiking boots (similar here) that keep my feet warm and toasty, but they’re really not tall enough for walking through the mountains of snow we have everywhere. I’ve heard great things about these boots from Amazon from fellow bloggers, although I haven’t tried them myself. Any recommendations?
That’s it. These are my essential items for surviving the polar vortex. What are your tips for surviving these cold, winter months?
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day, lovelies, and stay warm!
lylas,
MissyAnn
Talk Fabulous 