I aim to live my life with no regrets. However, when it comes to the subject of my inability to dress for the weather, I'm afraid a few come to mind. Ask the majority of my friends, and they'll likely tell you they've spotted me in at least a handful of ill-suited ensembles for whatever the occasion happened to be at the time. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I come from California where the ambiguous weather has instilled in my mind never-ending befuddlement regarding temperature, or maybe I'm just plain bad at guessing what works for what temperature. (I pray for the former, but it's probably a mix of the two.) Whatever the case, I guess what I'm trying to say is I've made mistakes, and now I'd like for us all to learn from them.
I moved to the East Coast about three and a half years ago, and upon my arrival was greeted by a humid, muggy mid-June rainstorm. I was puzzled by the notion of precipitation while summer was around the corner, but I trudged onward. Fall arrived, and I was pleasantly delighted by the crisp air and changing leaves. Seasons aren't so hard to navigate! Then winter struck. I remember a day it was quite literally 11ºF outside, and I finally realized what it meant to be prepared (or, should I say, not be prepared) for the seasons. Below, I've highlighted six of my errors that fateful winter and how you—and, let's be real, I—can avoid the same mistakes in the future. See my tips, shop the picks, you know the drill.
Mistake: Forgoing Socks or Tights
Give those gams the love they deserve and accessorize with a pair of stylish socks or tights stat.
Pair with loafers for a preppy but fashion-forward look.
Let these peek out from your leather boots.
Every celebrity's favorite tights brand.
Shapewear and tights fit into one.
Mistake: Not Investing in a Coat
You're kidding yourself if you think you can get through winter sans coat. I should know—I tried for about a month my first winter in New York, and I suffered… greatly.
This is not only a dream coat, but it looks incredibly cozy.
I'm surprised this hasn't sold out yet.
A great under-$100 option.
If you're willing to invest in a winter jacket, let it be this one.
Mistake: Neglecting Your Phalanges
There's perhaps no more alarming feeling than the tingling sensation of numb fingers. Protect thyself.
Made for tech so you don't have to take your gloves off to use your phone.
These are currently on their way to me, and I'm excited.
Cashmere-lined for extra warmth.
You already trust Ugg for your boot needs, so why not your other winter accessories?
Mistake: Wearing Weather-Sensitive Shoes
Skip the stilettos unless you plan on being transported by car the entire day (lucky you).
Everyone's favorite stomping boots.
Ganni's boots sell out quick.
Sorel is known for making the best winter-proof shoes.
You don't need to hit the slopes for these boots.
Mistake: Layering Improperly
And by improperly, I mean not layering at all. Layering is key! The Vast Importance of Layers: my forthcoming book title.
Editor-approved.
You can always rely on Skims.
If your city faces freezing winters, Uniqlo's HeatTeach line is a must have.
Thirteen colors for you to choose from.
Mistake: Skipping the Beanie and Scarf
A warm neck and ears are the key to winter stamina.
While many scarves are going at an above-$100 price point, this one is lower-priced and has impeccable quality.
This looks cozy.
A classic winter staple.
If you're not a beanie person, try a fleece or furry bucket hat.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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