Invest in Cold Weather Essentials NOW!

Invest in your cold weather essentials early to ensure you stay warm and dry as the temperature continues to drop!

I certainly don't want to encourage Winter too early but it's vital to check out any gaps in your wardrobe before getting carried away by the brilliant colors of the new season - and before the stores sell out! 

If you haven't yet organized your wardrobe (as we discussed last month) do it NOW so you can prioritise your efforts and your budget to fill those gaps. 

Forget the capsule for the moment! It's much more important to invest first in your cold weather essentials. Don't wait for the weather to catch you out, being cold or wet is not a good look or feel! 

Cold Weather Essentials - where will you invest?

From your current stock of Autumn/Winter clothes, assemble the basic outfits that reflect and work for your lifestyle over the coming months.

Nothing is more frustrating than finding you're missing a roll neck sweater that would pull many of your favorite looks together, particularly if you recognized the loss last year! 

Check out the items you're missing from the list below (where they're applicable to your lifestyle of course), and put them at the top of your shopping list NOW!

You can be just a little smug when you're ready with an extra layer to beat the cold! 

Skin deep!

Does the temperature regularly drop below freezing where you live or do you have an early morning commute; perhaps you work from home or are retired and have expensive heating bills; might you enjoy long country walks if only you were dressed appropriately? AND the older we get the colder we get! 

INVEST: Your investment should be a couple of thermal vests or thermal tops which can be worn alone or beneath another layer. M & S have an excellent range of colored tops (some of them are already sold out so move fast). Thick tights and/or socks are equally important as insurance against the cold months to come. 

A selection of thermal styles from Marks and Spencer

Basic layering pieces

Basic tops in natural fibres are excellent layering tools, in either cotton, wool or silk, whichever is kindest to your skin and/or pocket.

Choose from a round neck, v neck, roll neck or classic polo for comfort and to compliment other items in your wardrobe. Neutral tops will give you maximum mileage. You can find all of these basics in thermal weight as well, see above.

INVEST: One top in each light (white/ivory/cream) and dark (black/gray/navy) are most useful to have to hand before you indulge in color. 

Plenty of color and style with knitwear

Knitwear

Knitwear is soft, warm and verstile to top your basic layers so whether it's a knitted vest, jumper or cardigan, you can stay cosy and comfortable. 

Wool is the warmest product with it's natural insulating and moisture-wicking properties, perfect for the wintry weather. Fleece is a synthetic material and does a good job of imitating wool keeping you warm without weighing you down. 

INVEST: Layer into Fall with a classic sweater initially, cashmere is the best and provides warmth without bulk. I love cardigans because they're easy to take on or off as your own or the temperature around you fluctuates. Sweaters/cardigans here...

Winterproof Coats/Raincoats

A Winter ready coat is a big purchase so make sure you prioritise warmth! 

Your lifestyle is the factor of course and you should consider a coat that balances with the rest of your wardrobe style. We usually need at least 2 coats, one for casual wear and one to smarten up any outfit! 

INVEST: A puffer coat works brilliantly for everyday and a wool coat or trench (with a warm lining) perfect for your smarter moments. A great selection here...

Shoes/Boots

Waterproof is the watchword whether you prefer shoes or boots for your own cold weather essentials!

Even if you don't get snow, you need something to cope with the rain and the cod whether you choose sturdy loafers, ankle boots or long boots. Ankle boots are more versatile and sit well when wearing either trousers or skirts. 

INVEST: It's worth investing early in the season in some sturdy footwear as it will balance with your wardrobe transition into Fall.  

Accessories

Often a last minute thought but hat, scarves and gloves are a big factor in keeping warm. Scarves are a wonderful way to not only keep warm but also to add color and print to your outfit. See how to look good in Winter!

INVEST: Woolly hat, gloves and scarf are often a cheap buy but do the trick. If you can afford better material then real wool or cashmere will work harder for you!