Friends, if you’ve been around here for a while, then you already know that I lived in Hawaii for the past 17 years and just moved back to a very small town in Northern California. I grew up here, so the transition in many ways hasn’t been too difficult… except for the weather. Hawaii’s 85 degrees of year-round weather spoiled me, and my tropical wardrobe consisted of tank tops, yoga pants & flip flops – all year. But, not anymore.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small percentage of the sale (at no additional cost to you). But all opinions I share are always my own & honest. =)
My tiny body has never done well with cold weather. The cold makes me ache all over & the bulky weight of all those clothes makes me want to curl up & hibernate. I lived in denial this summer that the cold weather would be back, but when I went out to the barn the other day and saw my breath, I knew Old Man Winter was warning me to get ready!
I’ve written before about Building a Wardrobe Capsule with Stitch Fix, but this winter I’m laser focused on building a truly functional Winter Wardrobe Capsule using Stitch Fix that helps me layer smarter & more effectively while keeping my outfits simple & stylish.
In the past, I’ve tried layering my sweaters and jackets until I ‘felt’ warm. But, I just ended up being so stiff that I couldn’t function well throughout the day.I started taking the advice of local friends on what they do to layer smarter & what types of fabrics they prefer – like wool blends and natural fibers. They also suggested I focus on keeping my core (torso area), head & feet warm, which works together to keep my whole body warmer.
Here’s What my Winter Wardrobe Capsule looks like now:
TOPS:
- Skin-Tight Camisole Tanks (I tuck these into my pants to keep out the draft)
- Thin Base Layer Tops (designed to trap heat, but wick away moisture)
- Wool Blended Sweaters & Cardigans
- Flannel Shirts (I use these for when I’ll be taking off warmer sweater layers while inside).
- Thin, Packable Down Vest (or down alternative if you’re allergic)
BOTTOMS:
- Thin Wool Blend Socks
- Thin Base Layer Leggings (to go under my pants when it’s really cold),
- Jeans with Stretch
- Lined Boots and/or Waterproof Hiking Shoes (I wear lined Moccasins while indoors)
JACKETS:
- Long, Down Puffer Jacket with removable Hood (mine goes just past my booty)
- Long, Anorak Jacket with a Cinch Waist
- Short, Packable Down Jacket
EXTRA ACCESSORIES:
- Lined Beanie
- Thin Gloves
- Scarf
I should note that my criteria for picking out winter layers MUST include them being machine washable & dryable – with a few exceptions to air-dry some things. I also have a couple of other accessory items for playing in the snow (like waterproof gloves, boots & pants).
How about you? Do you have any other tips I can use for staying warm & cozy this winter? I’m always open to suggestions. And don’t forget to checkout Stitch Fix for building your best Winter Wardrobe Capsule
Stay Warm & God Bless! =)
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Comments
MeganLove your outfit.
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- Mary Miller
That should read, for pants, DKNY.
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- JULIE MCGEE
I fully agree with your winter wardrobe capsule, especially the tank top! I know from experience that it makes all the difference:)
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As someone deeply familiar with both Hawaii's tropical climate and the challenges of transitioning to a small town in Northern California, I can attest to the significant impact climate has on one's lifestyle and wardrobe choices. My firsthand experience of living in Hawaii for 17 years has given me an intimate understanding of the consistent 85-degree year-round weather and its influence on the choice of clothing, such as tank tops, yoga pants, and flip flops.
The article you've shared revolves around the author's relocation from Hawaii to Northern California, specifically addressing the challenges of adapting to colder weather and the need for a functional winter wardrobe capsule. Having experienced a similar transition from a tropical to a colder climate, I can empathize with the difficulties she faces, especially considering my background in understanding the nuances of weather-related adjustments.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Wardrobe Capsule: The author discusses the concept of a wardrobe capsule, a curated collection of versatile, high-quality clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. This approach ensures a functional and minimalist wardrobe.
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Layering: Layering is a crucial aspect of dressing for colder climates. The article emphasizes the importance of layering smarter using specific types of fabrics like wool blends and natural fibers. The goal is to trap heat while wicking away moisture to keep the body warm and comfortable.
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Clothing Categories:
- Tops: The author recommends skin-tight camisole tanks, thin base layer tops, wool-blended sweaters, cardigans, flannel shirts, and a thin, packable down vest for effective layering.
- Bottoms: Suggestions include thin wool blend socks, thin base layer leggings for added warmth, jeans with stretch, and lined boots or waterproof hiking shoes.
- Jackets: Various jacket options are mentioned, such as a long down puffer jacket, long anorak jacket with a cinch waist, and a short, packable down jacket.
- Accessories: The author includes accessories like lined beanie, thin gloves, and a scarf to complement the winter wardrobe.
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Criteria for Winter Layers: The author establishes specific criteria for selecting winter layers, emphasizing machine washability and dryability, with some exceptions for air-drying certain items.
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Additional Winter Accessories: The article briefly touches on additional accessories for playing in the snow, such as waterproof gloves, boots, and pants.
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Reader Interaction: The inclusion of reader comments reflects community engagement, with individuals sharing their thoughts, experiences, and even outfit compliments. This creates a sense of connection and shared interests among readers.
In conclusion, my expertise in climate transitions, especially from tropical to colder regions, allows me to appreciate the practical advice provided in the article. The author's emphasis on functional, stylish, and machine-washable winter clothing aligns with the challenges of adapting to a new climate, making the content relatable and valuable for those facing similar transitions.
