Fashion Essentials: Must-Haves for All-Weather Survival
No matter what climate you live in, there are tons of different weather conditions you have to brave in order to get to class. Living in Ohio, we get almost everything, so I pretty much have dressing for extreme conditions down to a science.
In Nina Garcia’s book, The One Hundred (which inspired this series), she lists several items to aid in your all-weather survival: umbrellas, sun hats, gloves, etc. You will definitely see those items here, but this post is meant to be a bit more of a reference guide for getting ready. It’s snowing: what to wear? Look here.
I’ve grouped my essentials for weather survival into 3 of the most common weather conditions you might face, that way, if you never see snow (lucky you!), you can skip that section and hunt down the section for hot weather! Check out a few of my ideas for what to wear while braving the elements:
Rain, Rain, Go Away
1. A Pair of Puddle Hopping Boots
I’m not going to go into why rain boots are important – I think we all know why we need them! Below, I’ve featured a few cute pairs I like, along with sample outfits. If the boots below don’t do it for you, see: Get Ready for Spring: Cute Rain Boots to Fit Your Style and The CF Guide to Stylish Rain Boots for even more of our favorite options. There are so many cute pairs out there!
Product Information: Outfit #1: Red rain boots – Piperlime, Printed bubble skirt – Forever 21, Navy hoodie – Old Navy, Light blue umbrella – ModCloth Outfit #2: Purple rain boots – Zappos, Skinny jeans – dELiAs, Trench – Urban Outfitters, Scarf – French Connection, Printed umbrella – Umbrellas.net
Outfit #1 was inspired by a look I spotted on Rachel Bilson recently. I like the mix of dressed-up (bubble skirt) and dressed-down (hoodie), and the hoodie is also practical if it’s on-and off sprinkling and you don’t want to carry around an umbrella.
I can’t resist a classic trench, and the high belt on the one above gives it an empire waist appeal, which is a unique cut that will set your trench apart from the rest. When I’m debating about what colors to wear with a neutral outfit my go-to is complementary colors. In Outfit #2, I went with purple and yellow: the berry color of the boots and umbrella complements the mustard yellow printed scarf.
2. Rain Jacket
When it’s raining so hard that a light trench won’t cut it, it’s time to get serious with an actual rain jacket. If you are going to be out in the rain all day, it just makes more sense to get heavy duty outerwear–you definitely don’t want to get stuck with one of those touristy ponchos people pass out. Rain jackets get a bad rep for being “too sporty”, but lucky for us, sporty is in this season. (Thanks, Alexander Wang.)
Product Information: Green rain jacket – Old Navy, Blue Rain Jacket – L.L. Bean
Some more tips for getting dressed on rainy days:
- If it’s rainy but there aren’t enough puddles to justify wearing wellies, I prefer wearing leggings and a skirt or rolled-up boyfriend jeans rather than regular jeans. This is because I hate when I can feel water soaking through to my ankles! Just double up on tights or get winter leggings if it’s a bit chilly, and you’re good to go.
- Don’t be afraid of fun brights! I typically stick to classic Hunter boots, but if you are a fan of bright, bold colors, a rainy day is the time to wear them! Umbrellas and boots come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns, and a gloomy day is the perfect opportunity to add a pop of cheery color.
- As with dressing for all weather conditions, think function first. That said, dressing practically doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
- For even more rainy day fashion tips and outfit ideas, don’t miss our article What to Wear on a Rainy Day!
Snow
3. Plenty of Scarves
Product Information: Outfit #1: Striped scarf – Topshop, Grey coat – Tillys, Black skinnies – Roxy, Motorcycle snow boots – Piperlime, Blue bag – Old Navy Outfit #2: Cream scarf – Accessorize, Military coat – American Eagle, Polka-dot top – Topshop, Denim leggings – Tillys, Plaid snow boots – Love My Shoes
I couldn’t survive winter without my scarf collection! Scarves are such a cold-weather essential; they not only keep you warm but also accessorize your outfit.
I recommend owning at least one large knit scarf, like the cream one in outfit #2, as well as at least one lighter, more decorative scarf. Depending on the weather and the thickness/texture of your coat, you may need a variety of different scarves. Scarves come in all different price ranges, so you can build a small collection no matter your budget.
4. Gloves
Gloves are definitely a winter staple. You already know you need them, but you don’t have to stick to the basic black glove (unless you want to). Have fun with your gloves–let them add a little extra something to your winter wardrobe. Here are a few fun pairs of gloves that I love:
Product Information: Yellow leather gloves – Urban Outfitters, Studded gloves – Urban Outfitters, Pink fingerless gloves – Ruche
More tips on dressing for snowy days:
- Other must-haves: a great coat, boots that keep your feet warm (and look amazing), and warm socks.
- Layering is key. While it’s freezing outside, classrooms sometimes blast the heat, so you want to make sure you have on a few lighter layers that you can put on or take off at will.
- When it comes to coats, pick something functional and fashionable. If you tend to go for more dressy looks, you might want to consider a longer wrap or car coat. More of a casual gal? Stick to basics like pea coats or anoraks.
Hot, Hot Heat
5. A Sun Hat
Product Information: Outfit #1: Straw fedora – Urban Outfitters, Blue tank dress – Forever 21, Grey cardigan – Old Navy, Sandals – Urban Outfitters, Beaded necklace – Old Navy Outfit #2: Floppy hat – French Connection, Yellow top – Anthropologie, Boyfriend Jean- Gap, Orange belt – Forever 21, Beaded sandal - Piperlime
When you are in the sun all day, it’s important to always protect your skin and eyes from the rays. One of the most fashionable ways to do it? Rock a sun hat. Fedoras are still in style for spring, and they lend a laid-back feel to anything you put on. A floppy hat, on the other hand, has a vintage look, and works great for the beach or for a day of outdoor shopping.
6. A Great Pair of Sunnies
Sunglasses add a touch of class to even the most casual of outfits, and they also protect you from the sun (and hide your over-tired eyes). While aviators are go-to classics, they won’t work for everyone. The most important thing is that your shades fit your style and face shape. Check out this guide on picking the right sunglasses for you face to find out what will work for you. Here are a few of my picks:
Product Information: Marbled blue shades – Fossil, Cat-eye sunglasses – American Apparel, Oversized sunnies – Fred Flare
More tips for getting dressed when it’s sunny:
- Your local vintage or thrift store is a great place to look for sunglasses! They often have a large variety of styles at wallet-friendly prices.
- Plain flip-flops are great (and cheap), but don’t be afraid to try something new. Gladiator sandals, wedges, or espadrilles can be just as comfy as a $5 pair of flip flops.
- You hear it all the time, but that’s because it’s important: always wear sunscreen! If you take the time to look fashionable, you should also take the time to protect your skin. While leather handbags are in, looking like one yourself is not.
How do you dress for the elements?
Do you come from somewhere famous for its extreme weather? Do you have tips on what to wear for a snow storm? Do you sport bright and bold rain boots, or do you stick to basics? I’d love to hear from you!
Posted on on February 3, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Essentials, Gloves, Hats, Jackets, Rain, Rain Boots, Scarves, Snow, Sunglasses, Weather
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Anna
As always when it comes to cold, I repeat my mantra: mittens, not gloves. Your fingers will stay WAY warmer when they’re together in a mitten than parted in gloves. Yes, gloves are more stylish, but when it’s below zero/-5 (Celsius in my head), they go away. I do have poor circulation which makes me freeze very easily, but I can’t imagine not wearing mittens in winter.
As for coats in cold weather, the longer the better. Those pictured, the second especially, won’t last when it’s much past autumn in serious winter conditions (I’m from Scandinavia, but am presuming the principle applies in most of Canada and the like). I personally freeze in anything shorter than knee-length, but there’s my poor circulation again ;) They don’t have to be massively thick since you layer (and it’s colder to have a massive coat and a t-shirt than several layers and more regular-sized coat; it’s more versatile too!) – just have it longer than hip-length IMO.
Then there’s the classic “wear a hat because all the heat goes through your head” – I think it was debunked but still, put something on your head too if it’s cold. It does help – especially for the ears. They stick out, you know ;) I often wear ear muffs underneath a knitted hat when it’s below -10C or so, layering applies here too.
It can be a chore to dress for cold (0 to -20/30+ C), but layering is really the only thing that works.
Audrey - Ohio State University
Anna,
Thanks for the input about seriously cold temperatures! It usually doesn’t get that cold here so I’m glad to have advice from true cold-weather fashionistas! And I know what you mean about the hat, or at least earmuffs. I wouldn’t be able to make it to class without one.
If you don’t mind my asking, where do you purchase most of your winter coats (stores/brands)? I’m always on the lookout for a warm one, and I don’t have a good long one yet.
Lyra
Lovely, WONDERFUL guide, was just about to pick out some cute boots anyway. The only thing that seems to be missing from teh list is umbrellas! Eek mines clear with a vintagey handle, everyone at school loves it XD.
Hannah
i live in london, famous for rain obviously! nobody here really wears rainboots or rain jackets.. most people wear what they were gonna wear and just have an umbrella. i would so love to be able to dress for hot weather!
Anna
Sure! =) As for my coats, I think most of them have actually been from H&M! It might be that they have more of that sort of clothes for sale here than in the rest of the world where they’re not as needed, but they always have a good collection IMO. Half of my campus is seen in their coats… Otherwise any sports store is good for more athletic-looking ones, for skiing and the like but of course you can wear them otherwise too, and they will be the warmest; some even unnecessarily so. But yeah, most “regular” stores and brands have good winter gear here, I find – more expensive coats can be found at more upscale department stores; the one closest to me has an entire floor of them ;)
Madeleine
I come from Germany where the weather is always different so everyone always has a very varied wardrobe to combat against every season. For a snow storm, I pretty much dress as usual but if I’m wearing a skirt, dress, or shorts I layer leggings or tights under them and I definately don’t wear any open toed shoes and I always take my coat with me. I like to sport bright and bold rainboots because I love the look of a cheerful umbrella matched (or mismatched) with happy looking rain boots.
Libby
I go to school in Potsdam, NY – VERY far north, and very cold (right now it is 1F outside, feels like -5F! It snows a pretty good amount here too.
My two recomendations for cold/snowy places:
1) Scotchgard (or otherwise weather/waterproof) any boots that aren’t rubber. If it snows where you are, chances are your school will salt/sand the hell out of the sidewalks- the salt has officially ruined one of my black suede flat boots, and I only wore them in October and November! (They needed to go, anyway- I’ve practically worn through them over the years…)
2) Sunglasses are NOT just for sunny warm weather! It snows all over the place here, so when I go to my early morning classes, most students are walking around squinting from the sun reflecting off the snow. A good pair of sunglasses is my go-to for walking across campus in the morning. Protect your eyes in ALL weather, they’re the only ones you have!
Just my 2 cents :)
Libby
Clarkson University
Ana
Libby! My mum has been doing that ever since I can remember – when I was little she’d pick me up from school with her sunglasses on in winter – because holy crap they HELP! Especially when the snow is coming down fast/hard and just slams at you!
I have a pair of leather boots which have lasted me three THREE Canadian winters with all the salt and snow, but I warn you if it’s over ankle deep you’ll need a good pair of insulated boots to traipse through – a field trip I went? Yeah you need long thick marshmallow boots.
I have to say that I love hats in the winter – I don’t care what’s been proven/not proven but my ears FREEZE and hats are life saviours. For coats – you really need to buy good quality ones that will last. I have a DKNY one that I got 3yrs ago and it still works well. Of course I love to have a few lighter coats on hand (AKA non-goose down <— those are the warmest in my opinion) for those warmer days. For rainy days, I know some people don't have wellies but as long as you don't wear low flats that will soak or suede boots ( :( I know from experience the snow soaked my feet with 2 thick socked layers!) without a heel you should be okay, just some tough material and covered! Trust me – they *will* get wet.
Charlotte
i love this!!
I’m an British girl so rain is no problem (i have pink wellies and a pink rain mac!! oh and a pink umbrella!!) but I’m heading to Minnesota for a year in August where I hear the weather is ever changing, so this will be a great resource for when I have to fit a year’s worth of clothes into two suitcases!!
xxx
Diana
Can you write a post on how to wear a sun hat since it’s gonna be summer soon? I’m having so much trouble finding outfits to go along with my sun hat. :(