I was recently asked by a reader for some recommendations on “real” winter clothes, and I’m here for it. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania my entire life – and PA is A LOT COLDER than, say, Texas. Oh what I would give to see a winter that doesn’t drop below 30. 😉 Any Northern girl could tell ya that it freezes up REAL quick up here, and you’ve really gotta be intentional about what you’re wearing lest you freeze with the thermostat. Kudos to my Canadian girls – you all make Philly look weak. Ha! 🙂 SO per reader request, I’m sharing some of my favorite “real” winter clothes that are tried + true and actually keep you WARM through anything + everything, or are otherwise better suited for a colder climate. Some pieces are pricier than things I typically share, but I think that’s all thanks to the fact that they actually WORK! When I’ve found a worthwhile lookalike option for less, I always share with you – but in this instance, not all lookalikes are created equal. Oftentimes, a lookalike might LOOK the same, but not feel or work the same way if there’s an aspect of its functionality that really matters to make it as warm as it needs to be. So there are SOME lookalikes listed below where applicable, but others I wouldn’t recommend for warmth factor here.
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(+ their lookalikes!)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it until the day I die – Spanx faux leather leggings are 100% worth every penny. Especially for anyone in cold temps, because they are SO FREAKING WARM! I sometimes prefer them over jeans not *just* because they’re comfy AF leggings, but because they’re warmer to wear! Plus, they’ve obviously got the stretch/suck-in factor of Spanx and look more put-together than basic black leggings. (If you want/need style inspo, I styled them three ways here + shared again in a Cool Sh*t I Lovelovelove post!) The various lookalikes that I’ve found are also soooo good, especially if you want the look/feel without the pricetag, although I’m biased in thinking the original Spanx are a TAD bit warmer than lookalikes. So much so that it’s worth the price jump? Not necessarily, but just throwing that out there as an FYI. are a GREAT alternative – and they’re on super sale right now!!! I’d 100% recommend grabbing a pair. They come down to under $30 with the sale versus $98 for the Spanx, so it’s definitely worth trying out! Then there’s this pair – less than $30 on Amazon and another great lookalike option.
I just about flipped when I found these and immediately #AddedToCart (is the pair I got – and my mom got a pair, too!). Talk about clever marketing. 😉 They’re like regular jeans, but with a thin layer of a added warmth so that you don’t get the usual denim “chill” while wearing. SO smart! Also currently on sale!!! I’d recommend sizing DOWN one. I got for Olivia and they’re completely adorable, too.
I distinctly remember my days of wearing UnderArmour for track meets in the freezing cold – don’t miss that one bit. 😉 This shirt is SO much more affordable than UnderArmour, and just as warm – literally! I wore it on Thanksgiving Day in minus-30 degree temps playing football with the family outside for three hours (seriously – we’re nuts), and I almost had to de-layer because it kept me that warm. And it’s NOT EVEN 10 BUCKS. This is not a drill. Grab one in every color!
I wasn’t sure if Sorel boots would be worth the hype – or price tag, TBH. They ain’t cheap. BUT, I bought last year and they’re SO great. They’ve got pretty legit treads on the bottom for walking through snow or ice, and they don’t feel bulky like a lot of other snow boots I’ve tried in the past.
I was against UGG boots for YEARS swearing they looked like Frankenstein boots. Then I got hooked on my while in the NICU. Then my (so many cute ones !!!). Then I saw a cute mom wearing at Trader Joe’s and they DIDN’T look Frankenstein-ish at all, so I immediately thought it was due time to pull a treat yo’self and try a pair. Well, they’re basically my most-worn boot so far this season – they’re the warmest things I’ve ever put on my feet. Sorel boots are more functional for navigating winter terrain, I’d say – UGGs are pretty flat on the bottom but are the BEST for the cold! Couldn’t be happier with my choice and have absolutely gotten my money’s worth; my cost per wear is probably, like, 10 cents. Ha!
Blondo boots aren’t warm per say, but they’re weather proof. These are a fabulous option for leading INTO or out of the coldest bits of winter, or for days when you need something water or snow proof but don’t want rubber rain boots. Really, they’re some of the prettiest booties I’ve seen anyway, and it’s just a major perk that they’re resistant to more inclement weather than other booties on the market.
Hands down, the warmest coat in my closet. I got a Noize parka a few years ago and it still looks brand new. It’s the kindof coat that ends up feeling too warm if it’s not legit cold outside! The most amazing thing is that they’re a.) affordable outwear and b.) entirely cruelty-free and don’t use animal-derived elements for warmth; they’ve got high-tech synthetic fabrics that mimick the look/feel/warmth of animal fur. They’re Peta-approved! And I seriously have not found a warmer coat. ALSO, found some Noize parkas on super sale for 60%+ off !!! I mean, to get your warmest winter coat for not even 100 bucks – UNREAL.
I swear by Barefoot Dreams for good reason! SO warm. SO cozy. SO comfy. The best giftable. Truly worth every penny! I have a handful of cardigans at this point, a sweater for Liv, two blankets – the list goes on. Once you touch it, you won’t go back. You’ve been warned… 😉
A bunch are on sale right now for !!! AND AND AND a few blankets are left – RUN!!! These sell out SO fast whenever they go on sale!
Not even $20 on Amazon Prime. Katie + I both have this beanie and loveloveLOVE!!! It feels like on your head – seriously. It’s insanely soft and not a BIT scratchy or uncomfortable like some warm stuff can be. AND they just recently launched matching scarves – bless up.
What kind of winter clothes do you need where you live?
What’s the coldest your winters get? Have you tried any of the brands/pieces above yet?
Now…surprise!
Time to TREAT YO’SELF just in time for Valentine’s Day! I’ve teamed up with a group of bloggers to give one lucky winner
a chance at a $600 Nordstrom Gift Card! To enter: complete the steps in the Rafflecopter below. The more steps you complete, the more entries you receive, and the better your chance at winning! This giveaway runs until January 29th at 12am PST. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!
*this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Nordstrom.
