Last week, the entire country was below freezing and Buffalo experienced record-setting, paralyzing snow. Suffice to say, winter is here. Those who were smart enough to stock up on coats, boots, and scarves were prepared. But let’s face it: Most of us require a really frigid day to consider buying snow boots and a big down parka. Before the next cold snap hits and you’re stuck plowing through slush puddles in soaked shoes, take a look at our winter checklist. From ultrawarm jackets meant to brave any bad weather to waterproof boots that will get you through the worst blizzard, here are 15 items you should add to your closet in preparation for the next polar vortex.
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No. 1 — A Parka For Fighting the Elements If you're venturing out in a snowstorm, you need the warmth of a parka. Aritzia and Joe Fresh both offe... No. 1 — A Parka For Fighting the Elements If you're venturing out in a snowstorm, you need the warmth of a parka. Aritzia and Joe Fresh both offer versions with removable linings that add extra warmth, while Canada Goose has been the standard for cold-weather lovers.
No. 2 — Warm, Waterproof Snowboots The bad news: Those classic brown L.L. Bean boots are sold out until the end of February. The good news? You c... No. 2 — Warm, Waterproof Snowboots The bad news: Those classic brown L.L. Bean boots are sold out until the end of February. The good news? You can get them in white. But if you cringe at the thought of dirty slush ruining them, J.Crew and Sperry also have waterproof options for the next blizzard.
No. 3 — A Stockpile of Base Layers Uniqlo has extra warm Heattech pieces now, for those who run extra cold. Stock up on them and wear as a base l... No. 3 — A Stockpile of Base Layers Uniqlo has extra warm Heattech pieces now, for those who run extra cold. Stock up on them and wear as a base layer before piling on the sweaters.
No. 4 — A Sensible, Sophisticated Long Wool Coat While parkas are practical, they do skew casual. For when you need to look polished, a long wool... No. 4 — A Sensible, Sophisticated Long Wool Coat While parkas are practical, they do skew casual. For when you need to look polished, a long wool coat that covers your legs will keep you warm but pulled together.
No. 5 — A Thin Down Puffer for Layering If you're shivering under a wool coat, consider adding a thin down layer. Uniqlo, J.Crew, and Patagonia a... No. 5 — A Thin Down Puffer for Layering If you're shivering under a wool coat, consider adding a thin down layer. Uniqlo, J.Crew, and Patagonia all offer compact vests and jackets meant for layering under your winter outerwear.
No. 6 — A Thick
Faux-Fur Jacket The sheer thickness of faux-fur jackets offers up plenty of insulation while adding texture to an outfit, e... No. 6 — A Thick
Faux-Fur Jacket The sheer thickness of faux-fur jackets offers up plenty of insulation while adding texture to an outfit, especially when it comes to dressing for a night out. Here are three more sleek versions if you haven't picked up one yet.
No. 7 — A Pair of Good Gloves You could scrunch your hands into your sleeves or jam them into your pockets. Or, you can finally get a pair o... No. 7 — A Pair of Good Gloves You could scrunch your hands into your sleeves or jam them into your pockets. Or, you can finally get a pair of gloves. Banana Republic's haircalf version features touch-screen-friendly fingers while Acne's long version is meant for cropped-sleeve coats. Or if you prefer something offbeat, fuzzy mittens are fun.
No. 8 — A Boot to Battle Slush Puddles With a big snowfall comes big, nasty slush puddles. The best way to plow through them is by switching to a... No. 8 — A Boot to Battle Slush Puddles With a big snowfall comes big, nasty slush puddles. The best way to plow through them is by switching to a waterproof rainboot complete with a warm liner.
No. 9 — Totally Simple Black Boots It doesn't make sense to wear gigantic snowboots when there's barely a flake on the ground, but you need to ke... No. 9 — Totally Simple Black Boots It doesn't make sense to wear gigantic snowboots when there's barely a flake on the ground, but you need to keep your feet warm nonetheless. Fur-lined ankle boots work well with jeans while knee-high pairs look best with tights and skirts.
No. 10 — Earmuffs for the Hat-Hair Phobic Hat hair sucks, but having frozen ears is even worse. Ever get a cold-weather-induced headache? To save... No. 10 — Earmuffs for the Hat-Hair Phobic Hat hair sucks, but having frozen ears is even worse. Ever get a cold-weather-induced headache? To save your blowout, oversize earmuffs are a good compromise.
No. 11 — Plenty of Cozy Sweaters If there's one good thing about winter, it's cozy sweaters in every color of the rainbow. You can go sleek and m... No. 11 — Plenty of Cozy Sweaters If there's one good thing about winter, it's cozy sweaters in every color of the rainbow. You can go sleek and minimal with Steven Alan's cashmere version or add a fun shade like Joe Fresh's bright-pink crewneck.
No. 12 — A Big Hat to Keep the Heat In You already know that most of your body heat escapes through your head, so be sure to wear a warm hat. If ... No. 12 — A Big Hat to Keep the Heat In You already know that most of your body heat escapes through your head, so be sure to wear a warm hat. If you're looking to splurge, Tak.Ori's knits are ultrathick — to the point where you might feel overheated. On the affordable side, H&M's cashmere beanie easily does the job just as well.
No. 13 — A Giant Scarf to Protect Your Neck Turtlenecks are only half the battle when it comes to shielding your neck and face from the cold. A g... No. 13 — A Giant Scarf to Protect Your Neck Turtlenecks are only half the battle when it comes to shielding your neck and face from the cold. A giant scarf, whether in faux fur or a cozy knit, adds warmth and dimension to any winter coat.
No. 14 — Socks and Tights for Layering If your legs get cold easily, Plush's fleece-lined tights are perfect for pairing with skirts. If you'd ra... No. 14 — Socks and Tights for Layering If your legs get cold easily, Plush's fleece-lined tights are perfect for pairing with skirts. If you'd rather wear a trouser, opt for Uniqlo's Heattech leggings. And don't forget to stock up on thick socks to keep the toes toasty.
No. 15 — Cozy Pajamas When You Don’t Want to Leave the House There are some days when it's not worth leaving the confines of your bed. Namely, Su... No. 15 — Cozy Pajamas When You Don’t Want to Leave the House There are some days when it's not worth leaving the confines of your bed. Namely, Sunday morning when it's 15 degrees outside. Why not splurge on a pair of nice pajamas? Shrimps collaborated with Poplin on a silky pair that can also be worn out when the temps rise. Or go classic with a vintage style from J.Crew.
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