Original Article by Wardrobe Oxygen

Have a Base Layer

Keeping your core warm will ensure you stay comfortable when the temps drop. Thin layers close to the body will do a remarkably good job without adding too much bulk to your outfit.

• Fleece and wool tights are a must; You can wear a regular pair of tights under for extra wind and cold protection, and have even worn them under jeans and work trousers.
• The same holds true for fleece and wool leggings. Check athletic departments and brands for great ones; while some may have reflective strips others will be solid black which will fit perfectly into your work or weekend wardrobe.
• Wool socks keep your feet warm and dry and also help prevent foot odor. The chunky cable or marled versions are back in style and look cute peeking out of ankle booties or tall socks so they add style with warmth.
• A silk or heat-keeping fitted tank or cami is a must-have in winter. Brands like Lands’ End carry these in a broad range of sizes and colors so you can find one to fit and become invisible under your clothing.

Wear Smart Accessories

When it comes to accessorizing in the winter, choose pieces that have fashion as well as function. It’s possible for your styling accents to keep you toasty in the winter.

• We're such a fan of pashminas. In wool, cashmere, or a blend these scarves are toasty without being bulky, stylish, and versatile. You can cross a pashmina across my body in front before putting on your coat; it will fill the neck area but also add an additional layer of warmth to your core. Once at you destination, you can loop it around your throat for a pop of color to your outfit. Pashminas are also great when it’s not freezing; they can act as a shawl with a dress and you can take them on travel to be a plane blanket as well as to ward off strong A/C on planes and at conferences.
• A cashmere beanie is in style right now, so it’s easy to find a color and weight that appeals to you. A lot of women style their hair around it, intensify their lip color and it’s a chic look that also keeps you warm. Adding a hat when it’s cold can really do much for increasing comfort.
• Mittens are a must-have and our favorites are lambs wool ones. They are super warm, wind repellent, keep you dry when scraping off your windshield and look quite chic. Right now is the perfect time of year to stock up on wool mittens as we prepare for the final blows of winter. It's a great idea to always have a pair of classic black or gray, but when you can find fun colors like purple or green on our site, be sure to snatch them up to add a pop of color or fun to black outerwear.

You Need Proper Footwear

When it comes to inclement weather, function always trumps fashion. A pair of warm boots that provide traction on slick sidewalks is a must-have for cold weather. Come winter, keep a pair of black pumps at the office (or other work appropriate shoes) and wear boots on your commute. When out and about, slim jeans and pants look great peeking out of tall fur-trimmed winter boots for ski lodge style. Tall leather boots (especially if they are waterproof) are wonderful for when it’s cold but there’s no snow or ice; the leather is a wind-breaker and an extra layer of warmth. Try wearing tall leather boots with a dress or skirt, fleece tights and wool knee-high socks and be toasty while still maintaining your personal style.

Choose Outfits with Layers, Length, and Warm Fabrics

If you plan on getting away with a long-sleeved tee and a pair of jeans you’re going to be shivering all day.

• Layer: We're fans of sweater coats, puffer vests, and ponchos come winter because these are easy layers to slip on and off depending on how high the heat is cranking inside. Under, you can wear a long-sleeved tee or fitted merino or cashmere sweater and a silk tank. Chunky knits are popular this season and easy to layer over a silk or knit tee. You can also slip fleece tights or silk longjohns under dress pants or jeans come winter and no one is the wiser except yourself!
• Length: Winter isn’t the time for mini skirts and crop tops. Pull out the midi skirts and wear with fleece tights and tall boots, longer tunic sweaters over slim pants or sweater dresses over fleece or wool leggings and tights, and thigh-skimming sweater coats keep my rear and upper legs warm.
• Warm Fabrics: Wool pants are truly warmer than synthetics; look for a pair with lining to stay itchy-free and add some wind repellant. As mentioned a thousand times already, fleece and wool tights and leggings are a smart choice with dresses and skirts. Leather is wind repellant and warm; some people wear a lot of leather skirts come winter for fashion with function. This year sweater and sweatshirt dresses are on trend and look great with tall boots and leggings or thick tights.

Longer Coats that Repel Wind

Buy a coat that keeps you warm. When it comes to frigid temperatures, first look for something that will keep you as warm and dry as possible, then look for stylish touches. A quilted or puffer coat with a longer length is brilliant because it’s wind and water repellant, will keep your bum warm when sitting at the bus stop, prevents gusts from slipping up inside the coat, and is often machine washable. We like styles that at least cover the rear and have a belt which keeps you from looking like the Michelin man. While some women wear a hat almost always, a hood is an additionally nice feature when you’re waiting for the train or it begins to drizzle. Buy from a company that is known for outerwear and get one that is made for the climate you experience. Companies like Patagonia, Lands’ End and LL Bean often give temperature ratings for their outerwear helping you make the best coat decision for your lifestyle.

And now we pass it back to you, what are your tips for staying toasty when the temperature drops? What are the best items in your wardrobe for winter weather? What brands or items do you recommend to those who are trying to stay stylish in the cold? Thanks!