The struggle to look chic without freezing to the bone is one to which any woman who lives in a non-equatorial climate can relate. When the temperatures drop so low you only want to wear a floor-length sleeping bag, looking put together, nay, work-appropriate, seems nearly impossible. As editors, it is our job to look polished no matter the climate, so we've been forced to learn a few tricks along the way. With the help of our friends at Uniqlo, we're sharing the outfit formulas editors rely on in cold weather, from shopping with friends to date night and beyond. Shop our strategies here.
Get in the festive spirit—without shivering all the way to the bar—by opting for a velour cocktail dress. The sultry fabric is a sophisticated alternative to sequin holiday attire and provides the perfect cozy canvas for a playful pair of platform heels. Wrap yourself in a heavy-duty cashmere coat to stay warm en route to your car.
Stick to simple basics when dining with your family. A two-toned, beige coat is a timeless staple beloved by editors everywhere for its ability to elevate simple ensembles and stand out in a sea of black. Finish the look with a luxe lambswool dress in winter white and a pair of over-the-knee boots.
We all plan on spending significant time lounging at home over the holidays, so why not look cute in the process? A pair of HEATTECH socks will keep your toes toasty, especially when worn under fuzzy slippers. Trade your sweatpants and tee for this pair of sleek-yet-comfortable dotted pants and a HEATTECH camisole rendered in feminine pink. Top the look with a fluffy fleece in dreamy, dove grey.
Layering is the name of the game, but that doesn’t mean piling on the chunkiest pieces you can find and hoping for the best. Instead, opt for smart fabrics like Uniqlo’s HEATTECH, which works with your body to generate heat and retain it, all without unnecessary bulk. In this outfit the beanie, tights, and long-sleeved top are all from the HEATTECH line, creating a cozy foundation for topping with a polished pleated skirt and sleek wool coat. Color-coordinating your accessories with an item in your outfit adds fashion-forward flair and is super easy to pull off thanks to the wide range of HEATTECH color options.
When walking your dog to the local coffee shop, make like an editor and upgrade your skinny jeans with a colorful fleece pullover and punchy socks. Both of these styles are also made with HEATTECH technology to ensure you’ll stay warm to your core, but it’s the Extra Warm HEATTECH turtleneck—which keeps you up to 1.5 times warmer than regular HEATTECH—that takes this look to the next level. Finish the look with contrasting fleece-lined boots and you’ll even be able to linger at the dog park.
We know getting dressed for dinner with friends can be a challenge in the winter months – in fact we’re pretty sure it’s why streaming services were invented – but a few simple pieces will provide you with a reliable outfit formula to reach for again and again. For starters, upgrade your gloves and beanie to versions in unusual colors – we love vibrant primary colors. Never leave home without a pair of HEATTECH tights or leggings. We like the unexpected grey of this pair to break up darker color palettes. Finally, make sure you have a cozy wool-blend peacoat that will act as a buffer in drafty restaurants and look great over everything from wide-leg pants to flannel shirtdresses.
When spending time with friends or indulging in a little retail therapy, most editors won't be caught in killer stilettos and leather trench coats. Instead, they opt for pulled-together pieces that look effortlessly casual but are in fact well made and timeless. For example, a flattering skinny legging pant in a versatile dark wash looks incredibly smart when tucked into ankle boots. Rather than simply pairing the legging pants with an oversized knit, editors love to layer, hence this skinny grey turtleneck worn underneath a striped sweater. Another trick favored by editors is opting for a classic piece with a subtle twist. Case in point this collarless puffer jacket that is just as warm as a ubiquitous collared version but far more unusual.
Heading to the office through arctic temperatures can be tough, so layering is the name of the game. A hefty skirt like this navy version will add plenty of warmth, particularly when layered over HEATTECH tights and over-the-knee boots. Editors know the challenges of overheated offices well, hence the value of incorporating a light-yet-polished top like this button-up shirt into their layering arsenal. Finally, a pop of color by way of a nubby, oversized knit, adds interest and looks equally great over your shoulders if you're feeling too toasty.
Is there anything more difficult to dress for than a winter date? Even editors struggle to strike the perfect balance between cozy and becoming, which is why these plush velvet pants are an amazing staple. Layered over tights or leggings when its really chilly, the sumptuous fabric looks evening appropriate while still keeping your legs fully covered—you can even wear leggings or tights underneath thanks to their voluminous shape. Balance the covered-up lower half with an off-the-shoulder sweater in a romantic shade and top the whole look with a windchill-busting parka. Finish the look with a sharp fedora and printed boots for a dose of personality.