Wardrobe upgrades to stay warm and stylish in cold weather

Dressing for winter is a balancing act: one moment you step outside to see your breath, the next you are packed into a sweltering, crowded train. A few simple wardrobe upgrades can help you move between those fluctuating temperatures while keeping warm and cosy. Mastering layering is central.

An ultralight cashmere-blend jumper makes a smart base layer, able to sit under sweater vests, dresses or another jumper without adding bulk because cashmere’s fine fibres are soft and breathable. For feet, Uniqlo’s Heattech socks are designed to absorb and retain body heat while still allowing breathing; fleece-lined tights give the illusion of sheer with hidden warmth so summer dresses can be carried through the coldest months.

Choose outer fabrics and accessories with insulation and moisture control in mind: higher-percentage wool blends trap heat via tiny insulating air pockets, and alpaca wool is naturally water-repellent and contains no lanolin, so it can feel less itchy than sheep’s wool. The piece recommends invisibly fur-lined boots for cosy insulation with a classic silhouette, rose-tinted sunglasses for low winter sun, touchscreen-friendly merino gloves, and an oversized scarf made of 81% recycled materials — the latter selling with a pledge to help fund ocean plastic removal.

The guide also advises avoiding acrylic-blend jumpers, which it says do not breathe well.

Key Topics

Culture, Winter Layering, Cashmere Jumper, Heattech Socks, Alpaca Wool, Merino Gloves