Friends, if you’ve been around here for a while, then you already know that I lived in Hawaii for the past 17 years and just moved back to a very small town in Northern California. I grew up here, so the transition in many ways hasn’t been too difficult… except for the weather. Hawaii’s 85 degrees of year-round weather spoiled me, and my tropical wardrobe consisted of tank tops, yoga pants & flip flops – all year. But, not anymore.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small percentage of the sale (at no additional cost to you). But all opinions I share are always my own & honest. =)
My tiny body has never done well with cold weather. The cold makes me ache all over & the bulky weight of all those clothes makes me want to curl up & hibernate. I lived in denial this summer that the cold weather would be back, but when I went out to the barn the other day and saw my breath, I knew Old Man Winter was warning me to get ready!
I’ve written before about Building a Wardrobe Capsule with Stitch Fix, but this winter I’m laser focused on building a truly functional Winter Wardrobe Capsule using Stitch Fix that helps me layer smarter & more effectively while keeping my outfits simple & stylish.
In the past, I’ve tried layering my sweaters and jackets until I ‘felt’ warm. But, I just ended up being so stiff that I couldn’t function well throughout the day.I started taking the advice of local friends on what they do to layer smarter & what types of fabrics they prefer – like wool blends and natural fibers. They also suggested I focus on keeping my core (torso area), head & feet warm, which works together to keep my whole body warmer.
Here’s What my Winter Wardrobe Capsule looks like now:
TOPS:
- Skin-Tight Camisole Tanks (I tuck these into my pants to keep out the draft)
- Thin Base Layer Tops (designed to trap heat, but wick away moisture)
- Wool Blended Sweaters & Cardigans
- Flannel Shirts (I use these for when I’ll be taking off warmer sweater layers while inside).
- Thin, Packable Down Vest (or down alternative if you’re allergic)
BOTTOMS:
- Thin Wool Blend Socks
- Thin Base Layer Leggings (to go under my pants when it’s really cold),
- Jeans with Stretch
- Lined Boots and/or Waterproof Hiking Shoes (I wear lined Moccasins while indoors)
JACKETS:
- Long, Down Puffer Jacket with removable Hood (mine goes just past my booty)
- Long, Anorak Jacket with a Cinch Waist
- Short, Packable Down Jacket
EXTRA ACCESSORIES:
- Lined Beanie
- Thin Gloves
- Scarf
I should note that my criteria for picking out winter layers MUST include them being machine washable & dryable – with a few exceptions to air-dry some things. I also have a couple of other accessory items for playing in the snow (like waterproof gloves, boots & pants).
How about you? Do you have any other tips I can use for staying warm & cozy this winter? I’m always open to suggestions. And don’t forget to checkout Stitch Fix for building your best Winter Wardrobe Capsule
Stay Warm & God Bless! =)
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Comments
MeganLove your outfit.
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- Mary Miller
That should read, for pants, DKNY.
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- JULIE MCGEE
I fully agree with your winter wardrobe capsule, especially the tank top! I know from experience that it makes all the difference:)
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As someone deeply immersed in fashion, seasonal wardrobe curation, and the nuances of climate-related clothing needs, I understand the intricacies of creating a functional winter wardrobe. The passage you provided speaks to the challenges of transitioning from a tropical climate to a colder environment, necessitating a significant shift in clothing choices.
The author's move from Hawaii to Northern California involves adapting to a climate with fluctuating temperatures, prompting a reevaluation of clothing choices. They emphasize the necessity of a thoughtful approach to layering, utilizing specific fabrics like wool blends and natural fibers to retain warmth while allowing the body to breathe.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts and elements discussed in the article:
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Climate Transition: The writer moves from a warm, tropical climate (Hawaii) to a colder one (Northern California), necessitating a change in wardrobe.
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Layering: Emphasizes the importance of effective layering to combat cold weather while ensuring comfort and mobility.
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Fabric Choices: Recommends specific fabrics such as wool blends, natural fibers, and down materials for warmth, moisture-wicking, and flexibility.
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Winter Wardrobe Capsule: Describes a strategic selection of versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits suitable for the winter season.
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Clothing Categories: Discusses various categories of clothing items for tops, bottoms, jackets, and extra accessories suitable for cold weather, mentioning specific types like flannel shirts, down vests, puffer jackets, etc.
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Criteria for Clothing Selection: Specifies the importance of machine washable and dryable clothing items, with some exceptions for air-drying.
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Footwear: Recommends footwear choices like lined boots, waterproof hiking shoes, and lined moccasins suitable for indoors.
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Accessories: Mentions essential winter accessories such as lined beanies, thin gloves, and scarves to keep warm.
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Reader Engagement: Includes reader comments expressing agreement and suggestions about clothing brands, adding a layer of community engagement to the topic.
The article essentially revolves around adapting to colder climates by curating a practical yet stylish winter wardrobe, focusing on layering techniques, specific fabric choices, and the versatility of clothing pieces to maintain warmth and comfort.
Feel free to ask if you need further clarification or details on any specific aspect of the article!
