Halp? I'm freezing!
Dude I don't know what is going on. I grew up in New Hampshire. I've spent almost 25 of my 33 years in New England but I am so cold! I don't mind the cold but that doesn't mean I am not cold. It is like I forget how to dress for the winter every year. My style is continually evolving and some things I used to have or did I can't do anymore.
How I used to wear two pairs of tights I don't know. I can't even tolerate one pair. They just HURT.
So I am looking for ideas.
Things I don't like. Sweaters that pull over my head. Urg. Total vanity thing. I have convinced myself they aren't flattering. I pair that with any crew neck shirt in the unflattering category.
Bulky sweaters. Again with the unflattering. Double tights. Wool. I somehow developed a lovely wool allergy last year. Which rendered no joke half my winter wardrobe unwearable. I used to wear a lot of dresses with turtlenecks but with the tights being an issue I am not doing that as much anymore.
So any personal suggestions that align with what my style (or you think my style is) would be welcome. I mean I know the obvious oh wear more layers and stuff but I am not sure what those layers should be! I am looking more for ideas that you think would help me in personally as opposed to oh you are cold wear winter clothes. I know that. Hell even ideas of clothes combos you've seen me wear for warmth.
Today for example I have on jeans, knee high socks, insulated knee boots, a tank, long sleeve shirt, blazer and scarf. I am still FREEZING at work and it's only like 50 degrees out which is not that cold honestly.
How I used to wear two pairs of tights I don't know. I can't even tolerate one pair. They just HURT.
So I am looking for ideas.
Things I don't like. Sweaters that pull over my head. Urg. Total vanity thing. I have convinced myself they aren't flattering. I pair that with any crew neck shirt in the unflattering category.
Bulky sweaters. Again with the unflattering. Double tights. Wool. I somehow developed a lovely wool allergy last year. Which rendered no joke half my winter wardrobe unwearable. I used to wear a lot of dresses with turtlenecks but with the tights being an issue I am not doing that as much anymore.
So any personal suggestions that align with what my style (or you think my style is) would be welcome. I mean I know the obvious oh wear more layers and stuff but I am not sure what those layers should be! I am looking more for ideas that you think would help me in personally as opposed to oh you are cold wear winter clothes. I know that. Hell even ideas of clothes combos you've seen me wear for warmth.
Today for example I have on jeans, knee high socks, insulated knee boots, a tank, long sleeve shirt, blazer and scarf. I am still FREEZING at work and it's only like 50 degrees out which is not that cold honestly.
Comments
I layer fitted cotton long sleeve shirts under nicer t-shirts or blouses all the time too. It sort of has a nice grown-up grunge effect that I enjoy.
Also, if you are really suffering, invest in some silk long underwear. Sierra Trading Post will often have cheap ones.
I find that when I am sensitive to temperatures and my clothes touching me, I am getting sick. Becoming gluten-free two years ago opened up a whole new world, as you can probably relate. I now pay more attention to the signals that mean I am not feeling 100% well.
I second the silk long underwear. I've been hunting for a pair forever. Of course, that limits you to pants or really long skirts, but I'm guessing you'll be wearing a lot of those anyway.
Maybe try switching brands or going up a size on the tights. When I double layer tights, I got up a size or two on the upper layer to prevent the "omg there is a boa constrictor sucking up my leg" feeling.
And if it's mostly at work, will they allow space heaters? If they're hesitant and you've got a medical diagnosis, they may have no choice but to either up the thermostat or let you have one.
I used to wear multiple scarves to work, and ski pants for the commute, then used the scarves as blankets when I got into the office.
@buffalo girl I ordered 4 pairs! I have them it's just not quite cold enough to wear yet. Double edged sword of too hot! Ha. I'm anxious to wear them though. Cause sweating to me is far worse then being cold.
I hope you feel better soon.
Tracy
i was going to also mention reynaud's (i also have it; yay me.) or other illness but you already addressed that one. let me know if you come to some magical formula for looking chic and staying toasty - i'm all ears.
ps - thanks for your very sweet comment today - it made my day :)
Could you wear hats to work? Not a ski cap, but maybe a beret or snood?
What about the ol' jeans under dresses?
Big chunky scarves?
everyone. Thanks. I do almost all those things already :( I think I just need to invest in some more warm under things. The only thing I dont do is the jeans under dresses because I feel it is too bulky looking. Leggings under dresses is a favorite. I need MORE leggings though. I find them more comfortable than tights but still not comfy. I think once I am feeling better I might be able to try more things. I never thought to wear a hat in work though. I am going to try that.
I don't have any silk undershirts anymore and I used to and I think that they helped. Something very lightweight and not bulky I can wear under things undetected.
I am also going to try the two pairs socks idea as I am not doing that.
Today I have on jeans, over knee socks, insulated boots, tank, long sleeve, heavy blazer and a cashmere giant scarf. It's an improvement. I also wore a padded bra. Actually helped!
I think the damn air is what is making me more fussy. I hate being damp. HATE HATE
these all helped in they are making me think tonight i just need to pull everything out and LOOK at it all and find more warm combos.
The best solution I have found, as others have mentioned, is the silk longjohns. I especially like the tank style shirts as they layer really well and I tend to feel warmer if my core is warm. To that end, I love the thin windblock fleece vest from EMS (Expensive Mountain Shit) I wear under even my warmest winter coats - it layers well and is super insulating.
Scarves are also a must for me. I have some nice silk/cashmere blend pashminas and all silk scarves I picked up at the Talbot's Clearance Center in Woburn. I've also found really nice silk longjohns at TJ Maxx Alewife or Newton.
Stay warm!
Just wanted to add my two cents! I'm really picky about tights and leggings and where they hit my waist - I hate to be pinched at the middle. What I really want to share is my favorite sources for leggings - Rainbow Shops, Dots and Ross! They all seem to carry the same brands and they come in around the $5 per pair mark. What I like about them is that they're smooth and slippery in texture but not shiny, as opposed to cottony in texture, so your dresses don't stick to them like they can with cottony fabrics. And, being that they're so inexpensive, I tend to stock up on different colors and wear them all winter long. I wear them with socks and boots under dresses and they're warmer than tights. My only other tip for avoiding a waist pinch is sizing up on tights, though I know this isn't for everyone. I tend to size way up and tuck the waist band under my bra so that there's nothing binding my waist. I've also read on other blogs about snipping the waist band on tights but I haven't had the nerve to try it...maybe the next time I get a run I'll give it a shot before I toss the tights just to see if it works. I hope you feel better and get some cool weather wardrobe inspiration! :-)