I must admit I was in a bit of a panic trying to figure out just what to wear to NYC for our little trip.
I find big cities like London, Paris and NY hard to pack for. No matter what we inevitably wind up walking much further that we anticipated so comfortable shoes are normally my top priority. The temperature in NY was -15 C with the windchill so suddenly dressing for warmth trumped comfortable shoes. I just wanted to stay warm and I figured out how I was going to do it…
Voilà! The wearable sleeping bag! Oh yeah! I know you’re asking yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Added bonus for a germaphobe…you are completely isolated from the outside world!
Then I woke up from my dream nightmare and remembered ah…hello! I’m a Style blogger. I have a certain image to maintain.
There will be no looking like a disturbingly euphoric Tellitubby binged out on ecstasy just because I can’t handle the cold.
Although I’m sure no one would have even noticed. New Yorkers are so blasé.
Once we were walking out of a subway station and a guy was taking a BM (that stands for bowel movement…fyi) right there at the bottom of the stairs. Everyone just walked by like it was part of the scenery. Me, I’ve tried to erase that from my brain for about 18 years now, but obviously I need to scrub harder. (I’m happy to report we haven’t seen anything like that since. My husband had to go to India to see that again. Lucky guy!)
Back to what I actually wore for in NYC during winter.
What does one wear when faced with super cold temperatures yet trying to maintain some sense of style dignity?
Here are my top 6 tips for stylish dressing for cold weather…
1. Fleece lined tights – These can even be worn under pants for an extra layer of protection. Be warned…sometimes they can make your butt itch. Just sayin’. I’d rather have an itchy butt than freeze to death though.
2. Cashmere or wool – These are your best friends. I personally find cashmere to be even warmer than wool and less itchy, but either one will breathe and keep you warm.
3. Faux fur – I try not to wear real fur. Faux furs are almost as warm as real fur and they look swishy.
4. Scarves, hats & gloves – These accessories are necessary if you want to be outside over a long period of time. Yeah I know you risk hat hair, but it is better than frost bitten ears. Scarves are fashionable and oversized blanket scarves can be wrapped around your body or neck.
5. Layers – Just adding an extra layer of a thermal tank top underneath your sweater will provide additional warmth.
6. Long Coat– You want a coat that will cover your bum. I like it when my coats hit around my knees so that my boots almost meet my coat.
So without further adieu I give you my outfits I wore to NYC…all fit into a carry-on…including an extra pair of boots! (Yes I’m proud of myself. First time ever.)
Outfit #1
I wore fleece lined tights with wool knee high socks in my boots for extra warmth. The cardigan is cashmere and really warm. The dress is a warm knit fully lined.
Outfit #2
This pug is seriously cramping my professional photo shoot.
Look #3
Isn’t that Anthropologie skirt fab? I got it on super sale.
I added the jean jacket on top as an extra layer. I actually found this outfit very warm and was happy to strip off some layers.
I wore this faux fur lined coat over everything with thermal lined gloves and a hat.
So there you have my outfits for a 3 day get-away to NYC in the dead of winter.
I was prepared to wear two pairs of fleece lined tights but didn’t need to resort to that in the end.
What are your suggestions for keeping stylish in cold weather?
Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Not Dead Yet for Visible Monday and the talented Anne over at Spy Girl 52 Pick-me-up Rachel the Hat at Passion for Fashion
Haha, that tele tubby thing would have been cool, but I prefer your other looks 😉 Your coat is a killer!!
Love the #2 look — the print on the dress is really interesting.
And the anthro skirt with the two prints — great colors.
For my last winter trip to NYC, my friend in Providence suggested getting HEATTECH items from Uniqlo to use underneath everything. Because a blizzard was forecasted, another friend said “Snow boots”. NOT good — my blisters got so bad, I became crippled from them. I was walking like an old lady and annoyed my boyfriend to no end.
Thanks for linking!
Oh, if the teletubby look came in black, you’d blend right in!
Nothing worse than a poor choice in foot ware when you have to walk non-stop. Poor you! : (
Hihihihihi…I liked the first look, no doubt about it you’d be warm in that.
As for me, living in my littler corner of France/Switzerland has taught me to dress for the cold. I never go out the door in the winter without a hat, with my short hair it’s a definite must. I’ve also found some thermal tights that I adore. They are light weight, look chic, but are super warm. When it really drops, I wear thermal type tops under my sweaters. My brand of choice is Odlo. The kind I wear are a type of microfiber clingy knit, very light, but very warm. I love your outfits, and you look great (as always!), but I wouldn’t wear short sleeves in winter here. The stores, restaurants, theaters, etc., are not as well heated and I still want to be warm when I remove my coat.
I thought briefly about the short sleeves but with the scarf and sweater honestly I was often a bit on the warm side.
!!!! I love the first outfit! I want one. You, on the other hand, look chic and stylish, as always.
So was I right about New Yorker’s being blasé?
Brave choice them skirts! I don’t do so well with cold (well, thanks to life in the sand pit) so when I have to be in really cold weather like in NYC now (-15??!!) I go straight for jeans with thermal stockings inside, cashmere sweater, scarf and super warm coat with hood. I know, not too stylish but last time I was in NYC in November I kind of blend in with them New Yorkers that a couple of tourists came up to me to ask for direction! 😉
Have you tried fleece lined tights? They are super warm.
That is funny about being asked for directions. That happens to us too.
Teletubbies! I watched them once and fell into a happy trance – they are so mesmerizing and calming. But the sleeping bag just looks scary to a woman who is prone to hot flashes. And aren’t the fleece-lined tights a little too hot when you go inside a cafe or something? You look very stylish, no matter what, and I’m sure you were as chic as a native Manhattanite.
Thus why I wore layers that I could start stripping off. The first off was the scarf. It is like wearing a hot cat around my neck. Once I took that off normally I was fine.
Fleece lined tights are brilliant, aren’t they? Love your coat too, and all of these cold-weather looks. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.
Outfit number one is my favourite and I would want to wear it myself only I would then remember that I cannot wear belts without getting very agitated. You look fantastic in all of them, of course. Goes without saying but I will say it! I am so impressed that you took two pairs of boots and managed it with a carry on. I am not a great packer but I don’t travel much so don’t have the experience. I tend to bring lots of what if stuff. I hate it if I am not in the mood to wear something I packed. I don’t have to do much dressing for outdoor cold as it is mild here but sometimes I have to pile on the layers inside when I am having my own personal ice age. What a stylish woman you are! xo
That first sweater dress is fantastic! Great tips for keeping warm
Hi Suzanne,
first of all i was cracking up at the body sleeping bag.. There are girls that wear flannel pajamas out, maybe that is the next step.. haha… and thank you for that subway story because now I WILL have difficulty scrubbing that from my mind! it amazes me what our society deems “normal” or just what to exect! I kove the teal of course you kiow, love how you styled it., I also really love the colors in the second dress, with your red hair fabulous. I need to visit my bro as he lives in NY and I havent been. You look great
from the link up, jess
please stop by, xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/
Oh my you really should go and visit your brother. But not in winter. And not in the next couple of days since apparently they are expecting one massive snow storm. Lucky for us up here we aren’t going to be buried like them. Fortunately we often miss their really terrible storms.
Great Looks…I love the colors you selected for your outfits!
There’s been many winter days I’ve seriously considered dressing like Tellitubbies, and your right, no one would care in NYC.
I’m so impressed and inspired by your ‘winter’ outfit choices. I normally wouldn’t think of just packing dresses and yet, come to think of it, those fleece lined tights are actually warmer and a whole lot more comfortable than a pair of pants. *making a mental next trip planning note to self.
These made for the perfect, stylish getaway outfits. I truly need to find a coat like that.
You hit the nail on the head as to why I wore dresses. Simple, comfortable and when worn with boots and tights, very warm.
I had to go to something like 6 TX Maxx stores to find that one in my size. I bought it about 3 years ago now I think. It is very warm and the cost per wear is practically zero now.
Hilarious, I haven’t seen a reference to those colorful bouncy things in years. There was something mesmerizing about them even though they were goofy as heck.
Love your NY outfits, every one. Especially that patterned dress.
They were like crack for kids. Heck even for adults.
Congrats on fitting everything into a carry-on bag! Oh…and also looking super stylish despite said luggage limitation!
I wonder if you can buy fleece lined tights here? Where do you buy yours?
You know…that Joe Fresh scarf is just so…perfect! Really!
I’ve bought mine at Winners, Value Village or Goodwill (I know! Weird…and they are new BTW) and I’ve seen them at Joe Fresh and H&M.
I do love that scarf. I think it is the warmest thing I own and it truly does go with everything.
I like how your faux fur scarf went with everything so well 🙂
I pretty much just give up and look like a Teletubby the minute the weather turns cold. I really, really love the green-ish blue-ish dress you wore!
The teletubby thing is too funny:) Great tips for the cold weather and love all of these chic looks especially the floral skirt with the denim jacket!
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
Seriously, if that wearable sleeping bag had like rubber soles, I would totally wear it out!
I’d like a photo of that! : P
I need to have you pack for me on my next trip – seriously impressive! I love every single look – perfect for NYC!
Since we planned the trip only a day before I was happy how quickly packing came together for me. Usually it takes me a full day but I got these together in about 10 minutes.
I love all 3 outfit but I am smitten with that floral skirt. I’ve got no tips for what to wear for the cold, but you look great and something tells me I would probably freeze with what you are wearing.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I would have you wearing two pairs of fleece lined tights because you’re so sensitive to the cold : )
All such fab outfits and I LOVE that faux fur scarf! But the Telitubby look would’ve been fun too! 😉
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Suzanne, you are so super-stylish, I swear you could wear a Teletubby suit and still look good! But as it is, I like all your choices very much – the fabrics and layering means you retained your trademark style and a fitted sleek silhouette, without sacrificing comfort, warmth or colour. Clever you! xxx
I like the dress /skirt + cardigan combos, very practical, easy and pretty. That’s what i usually wear in winter: a dress / skirt / trousers + a cashmere cardi / sweater, and boots. Then I just add a coat, the colder the weather the bigger the coat (indoor temperature usually stays the same, quite warm).
All in a carry on? Holy smokes! I am impressed with both your packing skills and your outfits. That fur scarf/snood is so fabulous!! Also, gross to that guy. I don’t think I could scrub that from my brain, either.
It is a great skirt!! Bravo for going carry on only. It’s the best way to travel! The Pug sighting was hilarious.
I love all your suggestions and that faux fur lined coat is lust worthy 🙂
I really hate deathly cold, probably because I grew up in Toronto, but you make it look tres chic!
How on earth did you get all that in one little suitcase? And why are your arms not completely covered? You brave woman to walk in skirts (indeed a very pretty Anthro skirt) and dresses. I love all of them. They suit you so well. Ah… to have curves… not a bad deal.
Really, I am not flattering you… you look ever so lovely in each outfit. And those lined tights… I think I want a pair. I will have a look whether they sell them on my favourite British hosery site (mytights).
Greetje
that teletubby comparison was a hoot!
love the tips you gave for colder weather wear! I admit, I’m spoiled being in CA so cold temps are nothing compared to real cold weather! =)
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
that teletubby comparison was a hoot!
love the tips you gave for colder weather wear! I admit, I’m spoiled being in CA so cold temps are nothing compared to real cold weather! =)
xo,
nancy
You are so funny, i got such a good belly laugh,
I just came from walking my dog, and i must say if i had that sleeping blanket thingy,
I would have worn it.
Instead, I wore a cashmere sweater tucked into my puffer coat ,and tied another around my neck, and then added my faux fur hat, and I was almost warm enough..
Love the outfits you put together. Love that printed skirt!!!
I agree with Greetje that is alot to pack..
but you looked super and chic,
Love that last photo of you in that fur lined coat, -stunning!
2 feet expected tonight , could be colorful!
loved this post!!!!!!!!!!!!
xx, elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
I love that fur-lined coat. I bet it was perfect! I always overpack. Our next family trip is a road trip so I need to figure out how to pack light so I can fit it all in the car. You look so chic! I have been so uninspired lately and this is inspiring. You know what I really want to look like lately? An art teacher. Or ceramics teacher. I want natural fabrics and cotton shoes. Just for a bit. I love your artist look!
Jenni
As soon as I read the subject of the post I thought: ” this blog is getting more and more interesting! ” then, when I saw the first photo, I burst out laughing!!
Luckiy there also were your tips… 🙂
My methods against cold weather are : cashmire ( very comfortable ), layers ( not always comfortable ) and very thiick tights!
You nailed it Suzanne! I like that you went for fleece-lined tights, they’re fantastic, I love them, and they’re much warmer than jeans. I always start with small layers and work outwards, so in winter I’ll always wear an old-fashioned ‘slip’, and then I make sure my fabrics on top are cosy, like wool or cashmere, or even silk is fantastic, people seem to think of it as a summer fabric but it’s what they used to make thermal underwear out of (probably still do in some places).
Well done for the carry-on luggage challenge too, I would fail miserably I’m sure!
P x
First congrats to fit everything in a carry on, i don’t know if i could do that!
Love your outfits, love the faux fur scarf you wore with the dresses.
That coat, i have similar one, aren’t they stylish enough for you?
My cold weather travelling tips? layers, leggings and i got this thing nowadays for puff jackets. I wear them underneath my winter coat, keeps you toasty warm!
Great style Suzanne, sorry i’m not around much, still trying to figure out my schedule
Ariane
You crack me up! But please, don’t make fun of my wearable germaphobe sleeping bag. Of course it looks ridiculous here because the stylist forgot to add the pearls.
Yes, I have always found it a problem deciding what to pack for Paris, London, and New York, so I don’t go there.
Your wardrobe looks great! Especially with your disinterested pug bomb. Seriously, the Anthropology skirt is awesome.
OMG you are hilarious!!! I laughed so loud : P
You’re the best.
And yes, I’m officially starting a Melanie’s groupie club.
VERY stylish! Teletubbies, I mean. 🙂 I realized their power when my daughter was a baby. The walking sleeping bag is a bit scary, but in a cool way. I love the second dress! Love how you combined your dresses with long cardigans and the scarf – brilliant, cozy and super stylish. I have never heard of fleece lined tights. I don’t even want to remember what we wore back in Russia for cold days, I erased those skills from my memories. The skirt is a beauty! xxx
Lmfao. I would totally sleep in one of those human sized bag things. :DDD Fleece tights are a genius invention. I really need to invest in several pairs of those. I think you did a wonderful job of keeping the outfits bright and interesting with color. That brown coat in the last photo is magnificent, by the way!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
I love your outfits, gal! Very feminine. Stylish, without freezing to death. Your advice and tips are rock solid as well. Layers are very important. Warm extremities especially, so yeah, hat hair is very likely, from under your hat, but hey, you can’t win them all.
In India, most people have no lavatory, so there’s a whole lotta outdoor open air crapping going on. Hard to avoid even. Never saw it in NY, luckily. Such a great city!