There is no such thing as bad weather, there is no such thing as bad weather, there is no such thing as bad weather.
Also known as, my mom was totally right about wearing long underwear all winter long.
I’ve whispered this to myself over and over the past week+ as we have woken up to single digits most mornings and only made it to the teens or low twenties a couple of days.
I’ve also said this to my children. Despite their possession of a robust winter weather ware repertoire, they don’t always see eye to eye with me on this claim. I can’t say I blame them. Some days the wind is so rattling there are no amount of layers that will keep my face warm enough to enjoy much more than a speed walk.
But, we must get outside. We’re pretty committed to getting outdoors daily, but the limit is no more than 24 hours without some kind of outdoor activity because we all start to get stir crazy and our normal daily routines start to get extremely challenging without fresh air. By challenging, I mean massive meltdowns when transitioning from one activity to another, not being hungry at normal mealtimes and just snacking all day, impressive negotiations at nap time, the list goes on. Last winter, with a toddler I had to entertain and a newborn that I had to keep alive all day long, I learned a lot about the #1000hoursoutside movement. The movement was designed specifically to match nature time with screen time - on average, kids spend up to 1000 hours looking at screens, so they should be able to spend the same (if not more!) time enjoying nature. There are so many studies out there that provide evidence on the benefit of outdoor time for kids and adults alike. Especially in light of the pandemic with so many activities going virtual, zoom learning, the need for extra TV and movies with no, limited, or reduced childcare, getting outside is so needed! Also, I live in a small house and we need to get outside the walls of our space. The fresh air can snap us out of a meltdown, improve our mood, make us laugh, and help pass the time. Just about all the evidence I need!
That said, it’s still not easy to do. I grimace at the thought of wrestling two cranky kids into the right gear and getting us out the door. Even when they are in a good mood and my husband and I are playing zone defense it’s still not easy - the activity of getting ready to go for a walk can take up to 30 minutes. Which is certainly long enough to make you really wonder whether it’s worth it at all.
I look forward to when my kids are old enough to go skiing and we have a family activity to look forward to throughout the winter. Next year, my toddler will be four and he’ll be ready for ski school and able to practice skiing with me and my husband, but we still have a few more years before the baby is ready for that. In the meantime, we’ll stick to walks, exploring the woods and nature preserves in our town and surrounding ones, hitting up our local playground, trekking through snow, and sledding on kid-friendly hills.
In 2021, I got back into running and this winter, I’m trying to stay committed to at least one run a week. Every Sunday night I carefully scrutinize the weather app to determine which day is going to be the best opportunity to run in weather above 25 degrees (as of right now, that’s my limit), and, more importantly, when I have the best chance of avoiding the snow, slush & ice (I will totally weather the cold, but I’m not at the point where I have special shoes to run on ice or anything like that. Maybe next year).
The key to doing all of these things (and keeping a smile on your face) is the right layers to keep you warm enough to get out the door, and then extra warm while you are outside. The dream is getting warm enough to unzip your jacket a little because the cool air actually feels good. In other words, my mom was right when she told me I needed to wear long underwear (her brand of choice when I was growing up was Hot Chillis, although now she favors Uniqlo) every time I went outside in the winter.
The great news is that basically, every amazing clothing brand out there makes a variety of options to keep you warm through the winter. So you can look cute while staying warm, and actually really love your outdoor gear! I’ve rounded up some of my tried and true favorites, as well as things I’ve been eying for day-to-day outdoor time, outdoor exercise, and for kiddos!
This is not the super-professional, wear a wool coat into the office or jacket for a fancy night out but not freeze your a** off list (coming another time!) This is a “we’re getting outside to do the damn thing so we stay sane” and we want to hold on to our style while we do it list!
Thus, without further ago, how to get outside everyday winter.
Day-to-Day
J.Crew Sherpa Fleece - In my opinion, we are no longer in the “fleece works as a jacket” phase of winter, but others may disagree. I love fleece jackets, they are a fall and early spring staple for me, but right now I would most likely wear this under a warmer coat. I love the structure and color of this one!
Turtleneck - A couple of great turtlenecks will get you very far. They’re perfect for layering up when you need to bundle, but also look great tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeans with a belt for a less-layered look. The J.Crew tissue turtlenecks are also a great choice!
Sorel Boots - Sorel reigns supreme in the boot game, and they really have some extremely stylish options in addition to their classic, warm & weather-resistance options. I love the look of this pair!
Blundstone Boots - So many Blundstone options, so little time. But, all of them are sure to keep your feet toasty & dry, and they look great with jeans!
Chimi #04 - These are the best sunglasses ever. I love sunglasses, and they are a great way to make you feel stylish/put together even if you are wearing grubby sweats underneath your full-length parka!
Uniqlo Heattech Turtleneck - For those extra cold days, you might want a performance layer to really keep you warm. I am a bit Heattech fan, and I really like the Uniqlo turtlenecks because they are extremely versatile, high quality and you cannot beat the price. (The pants are great too! But not all pairs are opaque enough to be worn alone. You’ve been warned!
Adele Jacket - I clearly seem to be feeling the camel/mocha-colored fleece. I love the cheeta accents on this one - it feels like a classic piece with a special twist!
Sweaters - are obviously a main tenant of staying warm in winter. I’m obsessed with sweaters. I collect them and love them so much. More to come on that to give appropriate attention to my (probably) inappropriate obsession, but I just really like this one. It would look cute with a turtleneck or warm layer underneath, and not too bulky that it would look weird with a jacket.
Chamonix A-Shape - A quilted, performance jacket that covers your butt (you might even want one to hit at the knee) is a New England winter weather staple. I have one from LLBean and an old one from Lole. I love this one from Herno - especially the knit cuffs with THUMBHOLES. Sounds incredible to me. Also, this is a pricey piece, but it’s on sale right now, and this is definitely something that lasts a long time. Doubles at a ski jacket if you ski!
Emerson Fry Matisse Coat - I love this coat. White is a risk in winter and with kids, but this is so cozy and warm and SO CHIC.
Puffer Jacket - I treated myself to this cutie this winter and I am obsessed. My husband told me it made me seem like a friendlier person since I usually wear all black. (thanks, bud!) But it does make me happy to reach for a bright and floral piece on a cold winter day, and it is a nice change of pace from my usual all-black winter wardrobe.
Boxy Puffer Coat - I really love this brand and this looks like a great coat. It also comes in pink which is a super fun pop of color!
Wrap Quilted Down Jacket - Lands End is a solid choice and this jacket is so chic - LOVE the collar and cinch waist - at an incredible price!
& Other Stories Vest - A vest is another great layering tool. You can never have too many, and I love adding in something with some pattern & color!
Outdoor Exercise
Uniqlo Heattech Long Sleeve - There are so many options out there for great running base layers. This is my first winter really doing the damn thing since I was in college, so I’ve held off on investing in a ton of new or running-specific items. I have a bunch of Uniqlo Heattech layers that I wear when skiing and they have been holding up great for runs. The normal Heattech (vs. extra warm or ultra-warm) is great for strenuous exercise because it’s anti-microbial and quick dry.
Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve - I learned about this from The Strategist’s guide to running in the winter and that was enough to add it to my wishlist!
Quarter-Zip Fleece - The key to success running outside is the same as the key to success walking outside — layers. I recycle a lot of the gear I wear to just be outside to use as running gear, and I ski in it too. However, if you are doing strenuous activity, it’s nice to have pieces that are designed to keep you warm through sweating up a storm, as well as keep you warm once your blood is already flowing! This brings me to this pullover fleece. Right now I am wearing my Patagonia Better Sweater, which is great, but not very moisture-wicking and not made for running fast (eg: I get super hot). Tracksmith is the queen of the crop when it comes to running gear, so this is high on my wishlist.
Frostknit Pullover - I love the idea of having a brightly colored pullover and this one is a good second layer and adds some wind-blocking abilities which, depending on the day, can be really important.
Vest - I depend on my vest for MOST of the colder days I make it outside. Throughout the fall I can get away with a base layer and my vest (+ gloves, socks & headband), so my old Arcteryx gets a lot of love. If I was upgrading, I’d go with this one.
Athleta Altitude tights - I currently have and like the Rainer tights, but these are the next pair I want to get. I love that the Ranier has a leg pocket - it fits my phone while I’m running and keeps it in place (I hate when my phone is bouncing around, it throws off my cadence), but it’s very visible, so I like the Altitude option because I would wear them for running and just heading outside.
Running jacket - I don’t need something like this every day, but if it’s in the 20-30 degree range, I am typically putting on a third, outer layer. This is water and wind-resistant, and helps to seal in the heat that the other layers are giving you!
For Kids
Uniqlo Heattech thermals for kids are amazing. These reign supreme because they are warm, lightweight (so easy for layering, and don’t add too much bulk), they wash great and the price is right. They do go in and out of stock a lot, so you’re best off buying early in the season to make sure you get the size(s) you need!
Bunting - If you are pregnant, put this on your registry! Bunting will live on your stroller all winter long, and it’s not inexpensive, but is so worth it. Basically like a little sleeping bag for kids! I know this brand is $$$, but I’ve had this exact style for over 3 years and it’s still going strong.
Pookie Poncho - We also use this a ton - If you baby-wear, it hooks right on to any carrier that you have, and can also be attached to a stroller. It works really well with our smaller travel stroller (we have the YoYo), and works even when you fold down the stroller.
Patagonia Snowsuit - I love Patagonia for a full snowsuit for a baby. Warm, cozy, waterproof and a ton of cute patterns to choose from. If you size up, these can last for a long time - I’ve had one that has been worn by both my kids even though they were born at very different times of the year!
Reima Jacket & Snowpants - Once we have hit the toddler age, we’ve opted for 2 pieces so that we only need 1 winter jacket, and to foster independence - it’s easier for my son to get his snow pants and jacket on by himself than it is for him to do the one piece. I love this brand, and the styles are specifically sized to last multiple years, even for rapidly-growing kids.
Mittens - The struggle to find gloves/mittens for little kids is real. These are warm - waterproof & windproof. They’re adjustable so they stay on, and they have clips to keep a pair together!
Personalized Knit Hat - I love a personalized hat. Just absolutely adorable! My kids both have ones from this lovely company!
Favorite Fleece Jacket - Truly the best fleece ever created for kids. Grows with them, leaves them able to move and run around and they can put it on themselves from a super young age! You can find widgeon fleeces a lot of places, but The Monogram Corner will add a monogram to yours if you like that look!
With the right gear, and the right attitude (remember how good it will feel to get out of the house!!) we can (WE WILL) stay sane this winter. My secret tip if your kids are cranky - pop in an Airpod and listen to an audiobook, a podcast or the non-Encanto soundtrack music of your choice and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll hear them if their crankiness requires intervention, and you’ll enjoy the outdoor time a heck of a lot more!