The wardrobe essentials you need to keep warm when it’s freezing – including the £1 buy that instantly heats your hands
WHEN the mercury suddenly drops we’re thrown into a state of panic.
And it’s not just when the train services are suspended, or when the roads turn into ice rinks and schools close.
The drama begins the moment you wake up in the morning.
Yes, it’s the outfit dilemma.
Sure, if it was a weekend or a day off and all you had to do was to layer on your thermals, tracksuits, knitwear, scarves and coats Joey Tribbiani in Friends style.
But you have to get up and face the big wide world then wearing 27 layers of clothing isn’t going to cut it when you’re at the school gates with the judgy mums.
Or going from outside air to a stuffy commute, or even in the office itself.
You still want to look presentable and stay warm, which is no mean feat.
But there are some small and purse friendly tweaks you can make to your day-to-day outfits to keep you warm and mean you can still be your most stylish self.
Here, Fabulous’ fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals her must-have tips.
BORG INSOLES
Uggs or fleece lined boots are great for keeping your toes toasty but not so great for when you’re not going to work or facing slushy snow at the bus stop.
Whilst most stylish knee high or ankle boots are a winter go for day to day, they’re not that warm.
And if you think wearing three pairs of socks is going to help, think again.
Wearing multiple pairs of socks compresses your foot which can slow circulation making your feet feel colder.
Instead, try a borg or faux sheepskin insole.
This £7.99 pair from Amazon have had rave reviews with customers saying they’re like “putting your feet on a fur rug”.
I have a pair that I use in knee high boots and wellies and they keep my feet warm and comfortable all day.
YES, WEAR A VEST
If you’re like me and when thinking of vests are transported back to being 5 years old and wearing a lace trimmed, Pointelle tank top with a bow in the middle in Pepto Bismol pink – think again.
Thermals have come on leaps and bounds since our school days, and they’re not naff.
Even Kim Kardashian is making them now.
But if you don’t want to pay over the odds for Skims thermals then get down to Marks & Spencer.
Their Heatgen Medium Thermal Long Sleeve Top is a double for Skims styles and is only £16 and is available in muted colours.
Perfect for wearing under knitwear and shirts or just on their own with a blazer.
LAYER A GILET
Coats are one of the most expensive items we can buy, so when you’ve splashed out on a new season coat there’s no point in stashing it away when the weather turns in favour of your dog walking puffer.
Smart trench or tailored coats often stay on the hanger when we see frost on the ground as they tend to not be that warm or insulating, but there is a way to make them warmer.
All you need is a thin, lightweight but warm gilet underneath.
If you don’t have one, you can pick up a soft and cosy Borg style or fitted quilted number at Primark for just £12.
They don’t add bulk to your outfit and will insulate your body, keeping you warmer for longer.
KEEP HAND WARMERS IN YOUR POCKET
Most of us walk along with our phone in our hands and when it’s cold our fingers can feel like ice.
Instead of trying to keep warm from your reusable coffee cup, try and warmers instead.
If you keep them in your pocket you can not only warm your hands, but also (when your hands aren’t in your pocket) they’ll keep your body warm by heating up your coat.
Boots sell a pair of HotHands Hand Warmers for just £1.
STAY WARM IN DRESSES
As much as we’d all love to lounge around in joggers or leggings when it’s chilly they might not be appropriate for your work look.
But you can still have that leggings or tights feeling when wearing your dresses or skirts with fleece lined tights.
Available at Amazon and at Primark they’re the viral, toasty alternative to trousers and look as good as they feel.