Winter Wear | Staying Warm Tips


Happy Monday friends! We had a wintry weekend here in Boston and that gave way to a really fun snow day on Sunday! When I first moved to Boston I didn’t even own a pair of snow boots – big mistake since I fell no less than 5 times trying to navigate in the snow & horrendous black ice! Since then I’ve managed to create a sort of “winter wardrobe arsenal” in order to make it through the blistering cold months ahead! I thought I’d share some of my staying warm tips – coming from a former Florida Girl turned true New Englander! 


winter wear to stay warm


what to wear in the winter, pom pom hat with sunglasses

sorel joan of arctic boots


pom pom hat for winter


what to wear in the winter, pom pom hat with sunglasses


puffer coat, sorel boots with fur



  1. Get a solid pair of boots || There’s a reason they’re called “snow boots” – they are made for the snow & once you go Sorel, you’ll never look back, mostly because you’ll manage to get your money’s worth out of this one pair!! I’ve had mine for 6 years now & they are incredible. I purchased the “Joan of Arctic” boots and can walk through anything, whether it’s fresh snow or slush with puddles – you’re set with these! Sadly nothing is ice proof, so watch out for that black ice! I’ve actually gotten a black eye from hitting my head on the sidewalk & it’s no bueno! Walk slow & take baby steps!
  2. Tech gloves are your best friends || Whoever created tech gloves – I thank them immensely! There are few things that hurt your hands as much as trying to text, call or take a picture in the frigid cold temps, just ask Gary since he’s the one that snapped these photos for me! Some people go for the fingerless gloves for all the reasons I mentioned above, but having worn those for one season it’s still painful!! Go for the tech gloves – you might have to touch the screen a bit more forcefully, but they work! 
  3. Discreetly layer your clothes || It’s easy to feel bulky when you’re wearing sweaters, scarves and jackets, but how do you keep your legs warm?! On the seriously cold days where the wind will pierce through anything you wear I like to add a pair of leggings under my jeans because it’s like a second skin and doesn’t add bulk! 
  4. Invest in your coat(s) || Similar to the boots story, I moved to Boston with a peacoat – ah young and naive! That first winter hit me like you wouldn’t believe – I could not get warm regardless of how many layers I had on & finally realized, oh I should probably invest in a real winter coat!! As much as I’d love to get a Canada Goose coat, they are pricey (almost $1,000) I’ve gone the puffer coat route and have had my Tahari coat for a little over 3 years now. The key for me is having an inside layer that zips all the way up! When coat shopping with Gary, I actually suggested he get a coat that had an extra layer on the inside & he said he’s never been warmer!! 
  5. Hand warmers || I first used hand warmers a couple years ago when the Mayor of Boston literally shut the city down and begged people to not go outside because of how cold it was. After being stuck inside for a full 24 hours, Gary and I were going stir crazy so we ventured to get sushi (duh!) & before we left we stuck a few hand warmers in our pockets and went on our way! I keep the hand warmers in my pocket and even if you’re wearing gloves you’ll feel the heat permeating through keeping you nice and warm! 













SHOP THE POST 




What are some of your staying warm tips? 


‘);

Share:

80 Comments

  1. Girl Meets Bow
    January 9, 2017 / 10:38 am

    It looks like you live in a winter wonderland! I'm glad I read these tips, because I'm headed to New York today and it is freezing!! And you know this Florida girl has no idea how to stay warm 🙂

  2. Gemma
    January 9, 2017 / 10:50 am

    Absolutely love this outfit. You look lovely!

    Gemma x
    jacquardflower.uk

  3. Andrea Nine
    January 9, 2017 / 11:10 am

    LOVE this warm and cozy look!!! Sorel has the best boots. You look like an adorable snow bunny!! Happy Monday, stay warm!!

  4. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    January 9, 2017 / 11:31 am

    Great tips!! As a southerner, I would be as lost as you were when it comes to winter wear for up north. I love those boots!!!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  5. a little bit of emily
    January 9, 2017 / 11:38 am

    All great tips! I have never thought of using hand warmers when out walking – that's such a good idea!

  6. Rachel McCarthy
    January 9, 2017 / 11:41 am

    Look at all that snow! What a cozy and cute look for this cold weather! Totally agree about having a good pair of snow boots, they are essential! Happy Monday!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  7. Lindsay's Sweet World
    January 9, 2017 / 11:48 am

    You seriously look so cute in all of your winter gear! And I loooove that jacket! I wish I had an excuse to buy one, but I don't think I could justify that since I might would only need it once or twice a year down here in the south!

  8. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    January 9, 2017 / 11:52 am

    You rock the puffer jacket and look super adorable! Totally agree about Sorel–once you buy them you'll never want another brand! They're SO comfortable!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  9. Unknown
    January 9, 2017 / 12:08 pm

    I really want a pair of Sorel boots, but sadly in the South I would only wear them like 2x a year, maybe. I love all the winter looks and fun puffer jackets. You're a definitely a true Boston Girl, for sure!
    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  10. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    January 9, 2017 / 12:21 pm

    I LOVE these tips. Hand warmers, huh? Got to try them!

  11. Tess Felber_Sequins are the New Black
    January 9, 2017 / 12:23 pm

    Hand warmers and toe warmers are literally the only way I can get through a whole day of skiing! I love your boots, I can't believe I've made it through so many New England winters without them! Happy Monday pretty lady!!
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

  12. Lizzie @ This Happy Life
    January 9, 2017 / 12:39 pm

    So jealous of your snow! I love those boots and leggings under jeans is a great idea!

  13. Elle Sees
    January 9, 2017 / 12:49 pm

    fab tips! It was 15 here this weekend, which is cold for Atl! And it will be 70 by Friday! Crazy weather.

  14. Kelsey @ SoMuchLife
    January 9, 2017 / 12:56 pm

    First of all, you always manage to look so cute and classy in your winter wear, which is really impressive to me!
    Secondly, every time I read about layering leggings under jeans and wearing snow boots and tech gloves, it makes me thankful to live in Texas…haha! I love your beautiful state and the snow, and I really want to visit sometime soon, but I'm getting all of these cold weather memories of my 5 years in Chicago….I'm officially a warm-weather girl now! I'm so happy to be living somewhere warm!

    That being said, it got down to 19 degrees this weekend, and everyone was freaking out. I could have totally used some of your advice from this post!

    XO Happy Monday, Biana!

  15. Unknown
    January 9, 2017 / 1:20 pm

    Happy Monday loving all these wonderful winter tips! And I could not agree anymore about investing in your coats! That is seriously so true! Also you look so stinking cute! Happy Monday Love!
    xoxo,Victoria
    coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com

  16. laurie
    January 9, 2017 / 1:32 pm

    I can't imagine tackling a New England winter with nothing but a peacoat! I love that coat! I joke that I want one of those super long puffer coats that goes to my ankles. Super cute right? Right? Haha! Thanks for hosting!

  17. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    January 9, 2017 / 1:34 pm

    Oh my goodness, can you be any cuter all bundled up?! Now you're making me feel silly for wearing gloves this morning when it was 40! I LOVE those Sorels. I need a pair for visiting cold weather climates. I give you props for being a FL girl living up there, I know I'd freeze! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  18. kerri @ cheshire kat
    January 9, 2017 / 1:49 pm

    seriously great tips girl! from someone who went the other direction (north to south) i can say they are on point 🙂 i have sorel boots that i whip out when traveling to cold weather and they are perfection! and they last you sure are right. the key is investing in good pieces because it's so worth it! happy monday 🙂

    xoxo cheshire kat

  19. Hannah
    January 9, 2017 / 1:53 pm

    Love this post girl – I SO needed it with these Chicago winter temps! You are my new inspo for looking cute when I go out. Right now I kind of look like I am wearing a sleeping bag 😉

  20. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    January 9, 2017 / 1:55 pm

    I remember back in the day skiing and my mom would give us hand warmers for our ski gloves because it was so cold! I love those boots and can see why they are so useful! It got down into the 30's this weekend and you would think they would have called a state of emergency in Florida lol

  21. Brittany
    January 9, 2017 / 1:56 pm

    That snow looks so fun (or I'm just from the south) and I love all these tips! I literally don't have a pair of snow boots but these look amazing… Happy Monday!

    Brittany 🙂
    kingdomofsequins.com

  22. Donna
    January 9, 2017 / 2:03 pm

    I'm all about a hat/headband! As long as my ears are warm I can tolerate the cold for a little bit.

  23. Jillian
    January 9, 2017 / 2:07 pm

    great tips! i really need to invest in a nice warm winter coat again! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  24. Katie Elizabeth
    January 9, 2017 / 2:08 pm

    We always stock up on hand/feet warmers at Costco every year! And Sorel boots – MUST have living up here!

  25. CubicleCouture
    January 9, 2017 / 2:11 pm

    Put these tips to use this weekend when Bagel INSISTED on a "feels like 4 degree" walk about in the snow and ice! Hope the wedding was great…looked gorg from what I could tell! XOXO, R

  26. Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders
    January 9, 2017 / 2:20 pm

    Oh my goodness, I'm pretty sure that I'd be falling over the place too if I lived where it snowed all the time! And layers is such a key when it's so cold, but I hate the bulky feeling too. I love that you just add some leggings under your jeans to help battle the cold and the bulky feeling! I hope that you stay warm today!

  27. sara [at] journey of doing
    January 9, 2017 / 2:27 pm

    That coat is FANTASTIC on you. I feel you on the multiple levels. When were in Europe, I was layering the cuddleduds under my clothes like it was nobody's business. I don't know what I would have done without them. And yes, I am familiar with the young naive business. The first year I went up to visit one of my girls who was a freshman in BC, she showed up wearing a North Face. I asked her where her coat was… she told me that was it. I subsequently called admissions and they took her shopping for a proper coat. LOL

  28. Jenn
    January 9, 2017 / 2:30 pm

    Youre the cutest snow bunny there ever was! 🙂

  29. Christina
    January 9, 2017 / 2:39 pm

    thank god for tech gloves!!

  30. A Dash of Pretty
    January 9, 2017 / 2:50 pm

    I am working on a post just like this for tomorrow. This weekend's weather was definitely a reminder of how to stay warm and big YES to Sorels!

  31. Kate at Green Fashionista
    January 9, 2017 / 2:51 pm

    I'm still amazed at how well you adjusted to the frigid temps up there, I left them behind and am such a wimp when it dips below 60 like it did here this weekend. That hat is super cute, and I love how those boots are not only cozy but functional! And yessss to tech gloves! I picked up a pair for our trip to CT last February and they were amazing <3
    Green Fashionista

  32. Nina Kobi
    January 9, 2017 / 3:01 pm

    Good snow boots and a real winter coat are must haves. You look amazing in this outfit.
    Nina
    Nina's Style Blog

  33. Jalisa
    January 9, 2017 / 3:13 pm

    I need to get a pair of Sorel boots! They're both stylish and practical, based off what you've mentioned here. Another thing I need to get are hand warmers, I've never worn or used them before, crazy, I know! Thanks for all these suggestions, girlie, you look so cute in this winter outfit, that lip color looks so pretty on you, too! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead, beauty!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  34. Christina Lea Loves
    January 9, 2017 / 3:33 pm

    Such a pretty winter outfit and perfect for today! Snow boots are so key – I ran out for a quick errand in sneakers yesterday and was quickly switching back to my snow boots for the afternoon errands – such a difference in warmth!

  35. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    January 9, 2017 / 3:33 pm

    You are just too cute! I had to schedule one of your photos to pin later!
    I love the cold weather, but I don't think I could make the change from Texas to somewhere like Boston where it's REALLY cold and layers are a must. You sure transitioned so well, girl! Love these tips and your cute beanie!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  36. Straight A Style
    January 9, 2017 / 3:35 pm

    You look so cute in all your winter gear! I'm sure after living in Boston you are an expert. I bet all of these are major essentials.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  37. Karly @ What Karly Said
    January 9, 2017 / 3:43 pm

    I literally just bought boots that are identical to yours, and I love them! They are Esprit brand, and I found them at TJMaxx. All these tips are must-haves if you live in a colder climate. I need to get some hand warmers, I love that idea!

  38. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    January 9, 2017 / 3:47 pm

    These are all great! I wear leggings under my jeans too! Having a good coat is essential for sure!

  39. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    January 9, 2017 / 3:51 pm

    SO many great tips! We want to take the kids to see snow next year, so I'm going to refer back to this post lol.

    Amanda Kids and Cabernet

  40. Rebecca Jo
    January 9, 2017 / 3:53 pm

    Your photos on your blog are just stepping up their game. So beautiful!!!

  41. Unknown
    January 9, 2017 / 4:56 pm

    Isn't it amazing how wearing the proper gear can keep you comfortable on bitter cold days? haha I'm like you and for the longest time would wear dinky cool weather jackets during the winter and would freeze my butt off. I finally invested in a puffy down coat two years ago when everything was going on sale and am thankful I did! I still don't have a pair of proper snow boots. It's one of those things I have been making due without for the longest time. I end up just wearing my waterproof hiking boots which work just fine when the snow isn't super deep and I'm wearing snow pants (this doesn't really work as well when I'm trying to go out running errands though). I bought duck boots last winter but they aren't actually all that great for snow – they have like no traction when it comes to ice and I didn't size up so I can't wear warm socks. So I ordered a pair back during Thanksgiving weekend but apparently they ran out of my size before they could fulfill my order. Now I'm doing my project, I'll just have to make due one more year. Love your cold weather style!!

    Erica
    pumpsandpushups.com

  42. KelseyB
    January 9, 2017 / 4:59 pm

    Yes to all of these tips!! After living in Alaska for four years, I feel like I could talk cold weather gear all day long. Ha! 😉

  43. Unknown
    January 9, 2017 / 5:17 pm

    YES, this post is a must for any cold weather state. I completely agree with the snow boots and coat for sure! Plus you look great! XO – Kim

  44. Nikki @ makeupHER
    January 9, 2017 / 6:42 pm

    Love this post, coming from cold to warm temps I guess I won't need this, but I do wish I had Sorel boots in Chicago. I depended on my Uggs, which lasted me quite some time, but they have zero traction for ice. Love that hat and coat too!

  45. Zelle B.
    January 9, 2017 / 6:48 pm

    So cute! Love your coat – I just bought a lightweight puffy one yesterday and love it, although yours looks a little bit warmer!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  46. Hena Tayeb
    January 9, 2017 / 7:04 pm

    great tips. i need some tech gloves

  47. Nadine
    January 9, 2017 / 7:04 pm

    Your outfit looks so cozy and winter perfect! Love those boots and that long coat. I have a few super heavy winter pieces that I have for just in case…you know…those like two days that we get here in Alabama which were this weekend too. We actually got snow and ice! Hope you have a great week and stay warm.

  48. Missy
    January 9, 2017 / 7:23 pm

    I sometimes wish we had "real" winters down here just so I could wear cute gear like that! So looks so cute and cozy! And I agree, tech gloves were such a great invention, just got my first pair and I wonder what i was thinking all these years!

  49. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    January 9, 2017 / 7:24 pm

    MFD has Sorels, I find them so heavy and I feel clumsy in them! I have a pair of shorter Sperrys that I like. I swear by long Lands End jackets. Super warm with some room to layer.

    I never think of hand warmers, and I could totally use them at the train station.

  50. Lisa @ Pork Chop and Possum
    January 9, 2017 / 7:28 pm

    Hey Biana! Love your winter wear! I finally invested a coat this year too and I'm thinking why didn't I do this so many years ago? Ha! Have a great rest of your day!

  51. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    January 9, 2017 / 9:15 pm

    i totally wear leggings under jeans lol. i don't have a pair of proper snow boots because they aren't really necessary here, thank goodness. your coat looks crazy warm!

  52. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    January 9, 2017 / 9:53 pm

    I have the same boots and love them! I wear them in 0 degree weather and they rock.

  53. Klein Dot Co
    January 9, 2017 / 9:57 pm

    I totally need every single bit of this info! I've only lived in CA and the Scottsdale DESERT, so these Alabama winters are throwing me for a loop! It was under 20 degrees here all this weekend and, yes, my thoughts were that my legs would freeze off!! Totally layering up with leggings next time – genius!

  54. The Girl who Loved to Write
    January 9, 2017 / 11:24 pm

    You look so adorable in your winter clothes!

  55. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    January 10, 2017 / 12:12 am

    I love the first pic of you so bundled up. As I told you, I will need to invest in some Sorel boots. Getting warm for Winter is seriously an activity for us Northerners 🙂

  56. Unknown
    January 10, 2017 / 12:58 am

    You look so cozy, loving your boots! Stay warm girl.

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  57. Shannon Jenkins
    January 10, 2017 / 1:40 am

    So many great tips! When we went skiing last year layers were my best friend! Obsessed with your coat! So cute!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  58. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    January 10, 2017 / 1:46 am

    You look gorgeous all bundled up in that Winter Wonderland. The coat looks so warm and those boots are probably perfect for venturing through the snow. I for one, do not know how to walk on snow or icy grounds. LOL Luckily it won't be snowing in May!

  59. Brandi Jo Little, Author
    January 10, 2017 / 1:53 am

    I'm so jealous of all the snow you got!! It looks beautiful there!

  60. chantal marie
    January 10, 2017 / 5:29 am

    We are going to visit the snow soon and these are some great tips. Thanks for sharing!!

  61. Flora Fallue
    January 10, 2017 / 6:21 am

    Great tips and such a lovely post!

    Love, Janine
    florafallue.com

  62. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style Blog
    January 10, 2017 / 12:35 pm

    Investing in a good pair of snow boots and warm coat is a must. My tip for layering is always tuck in the bottom layer!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  63. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
    January 10, 2017 / 1:33 pm

    These are great tips and I love those boots. I just got new Sorel ones for Christmas but these might be more adorable 🙂
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  64. Sierra @ Beautifully Candid
    January 10, 2017 / 2:25 pm

    You are adorable, and I am loving your pictures!!! Would you believe this was the first year I got a pair of winter boots?! I don't know what my problem was but I always just wore my rain boots or my old pair of Tim's. I can't believe I resisted for so long and for what-I really have no clue. You are so right, boots make such a difference and tech gloves are a must! xo Beautifully Candid

  65. Lindsay @ Lovely Life Styling
    January 10, 2017 / 2:46 pm

    You look so cozy!! I have wanted a pair of Sorel boots for a while! You are making me want to splurge on a pair!

  66. awhite
    January 10, 2017 / 4:43 pm

    So many great tips- people don't realize how important light layers and real winter coats are! 🙂

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  67. Sparkles and Lattes
    January 10, 2017 / 5:35 pm

    I love my Sorrell boots. I have the same ones you do in the last picture. Love that beanie too. It is a must for cold winters!

  68. caschelldorf
    January 10, 2017 / 5:49 pm

    Don't forget to put the warmers in your boots! It's a Godsend! Also, I know you're wearing them in this photo but a hat and scarf is a MUST. I am particular and only like hats that cover my ears – that wind can REALLY hurt, if not. Also, those headbands that cover your ears are really good too. I wear fleece leggings under my pants all winter long because as a former Floridian too, you just gotta! OH – AND thick winter socks. I have a ton that are specific for "winter" – anything with wool or fleece that are a bit longer. So necessary in this weather! AND – I love Gold Bond Hand Healing Cream to keep my hands moisturized during this bitter weather. Thanks for sharing these 🙂

  69. Trista @ The Classy Chaos
    January 10, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    I have been meaning to invest in some tech gloves!! Thanks for sharing such an awesome list! Stay warm!

  70. Carly
    January 10, 2017 / 9:45 pm

    You totally make the cold weather not look bad at all! Leggings under pants are such a good idea– it's always that little part of your leg where your coat and boots don't reach that get cold first! The hand warmers are the best– we discovered foot warmers too a few weeks ago at a football game and they saved the day!

  71. cielofronteras
    January 10, 2017 / 9:58 pm

    These tips are great for staying warm! Awesome look you put together!

    – Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

  72. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    January 10, 2017 / 11:04 pm

    You look super cute and ready to tackle on winter!! Haha. These are great tips and I agree with all of them. Especially having a super warm coat. Boo to those Canada Goose coats being so expensive too haha.. I'll have to try tech gloves some time though!! Thanks for sharing and stay warm!!!

  73. Elise Von E
    January 12, 2017 / 6:26 pm

    You look cozy and chic! Love your coat, the color is gorgeous!

    xx, Elise
    sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

  74. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    January 12, 2017 / 6:43 pm

    You make winter layering look gorgeous! I look like a big pufffy non fashionable bear! Haha! I have to agree with the sorel boots! I've had mine for almost 10 years and they hold up so well and are SO warm! I have to say a good hat (or a wardrobe of hats) is a must for me because I highly dislike if my ears get cold!

  75. Unknown
    January 13, 2017 / 3:39 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  76. Unknown
    January 13, 2017 / 3:40 am

    That looks like a lot of snow. These are awesome tips Biana 🙂 And I love your layering, that boots and coat looks amazing on you.

  77. Meghan @ I'm Fixin' To
    January 14, 2017 / 12:32 am

    Girl! I invested in a Tahari coat a couple of years ago because even though I live in the South, we have some negative degree days, and my dang pea coat didn't do it justice! Love your tips! xx, I'm Fixin' To

  78. Corie @ Life in the Mitten
    January 15, 2017 / 6:03 pm

    Hand warmers are KEY! I need to find a cute hat, that's next on my list 🙂

  79. Unknown
    January 17, 2017 / 4:14 pm

    This winter outfit is so cute!! It's so hard to be warm AND cute, but you've mastered it! I'm trying to find a good, warm winter coat and keep coming up short! All the ones I like are SO expensive (like Canada Goose you mentioned) so it's hard to decide on what to get! I love your hand warmers idea, I might have to buy some of those in the meantime!

    -Kelsie
    designlifediaires.com

  80. Tips Capsule
    February 10, 2017 / 3:10 pm

    Defo needed these tips, it's so cold here in the UK!! Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend 🙂

    tipscapsule.blogspot.com