How Do I Winter?
January 11, 2016 10:32 AM Subscribe
In November I moved from Houston to Amsterdam. I was okay in the beginning, but now I feel like winter is *really* setting in and I need some new clothes.
I love hot weather. I have absolutely zero cold-weather clothes save for one really nice coat. I have no sensible shoes. I am looking for ideas for warm, fashionable clothing along the lines of a Mod/1960s or modern avant garde/artsy/health goth aesthetic and advice on how to look chic while staying warm at the same time. Difficulty level is that I am quite curvy and so "layers" can make me look fat and/or frumpy. Preference is for stores in the Netherlands that aren't sweatshop factories (so, I prefer not to shop at H&M or Topshop, for example.)
I am actually looking for more secret tips than links to cool clothes though. I like to wear dresses — I already know stuff like wear smartwool tights, wear undershirts, etc.
Pinterest link in profile if you want an idea of my style.
I love hot weather. I have absolutely zero cold-weather clothes save for one really nice coat. I have no sensible shoes. I am looking for ideas for warm, fashionable clothing along the lines of a Mod/1960s or modern avant garde/artsy/health goth aesthetic and advice on how to look chic while staying warm at the same time. Difficulty level is that I am quite curvy and so "layers" can make me look fat and/or frumpy. Preference is for stores in the Netherlands that aren't sweatshop factories (so, I prefer not to shop at H&M or Topshop, for example.)
I am actually looking for more secret tips than links to cool clothes though. I like to wear dresses — I already know stuff like wear smartwool tights, wear undershirts, etc.
Pinterest link in profile if you want an idea of my style.
I woke up to a one degree day here in Chicago today. That's not even plural degrees. While it wasn't the most fun I've ever had, I wasn't cold on my walk to the train today. Here is what I'm wearing:
-two pairs of leggings (this is key)
-very thick smartwool socks
-heavy snow boots (there's ice covering all surfaces right now)
-tank top tucked into the leggings
-long sleeved cotton shirt
-short denim skirt
-hoodie
-long (to my calves), heavy wool coat
-two scarves (one for neck warmth, one for face warmth)
-wool hat
[Note that this is the nuclear option for me--just checked the current weather in Amsterdam and this would be way overkill for a day in the 40s, but should give you some ideas.]
Since you like to wear dresses, I think you'll get a lot of mileage out of the double leggings tip. (#twopants) To mix it up and have fun with it, you may enjoy pairing a pair of patterned tights over brightly colored ones. Warm socks are also very important, as is a very good quality coat that COVERS YOUR BUTT. Wool is great because it cuts the wind and wet while also looking very nice.
posted by phunniemee at 10:49 AM on January 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
-two pairs of leggings (this is key)
-very thick smartwool socks
-heavy snow boots (there's ice covering all surfaces right now)
-tank top tucked into the leggings
-long sleeved cotton shirt
-short denim skirt
-hoodie
-long (to my calves), heavy wool coat
-two scarves (one for neck warmth, one for face warmth)
-wool hat
[Note that this is the nuclear option for me--just checked the current weather in Amsterdam and this would be way overkill for a day in the 40s, but should give you some ideas.]
Since you like to wear dresses, I think you'll get a lot of mileage out of the double leggings tip. (#twopants) To mix it up and have fun with it, you may enjoy pairing a pair of patterned tights over brightly colored ones. Warm socks are also very important, as is a very good quality coat that COVERS YOUR BUTT. Wool is great because it cuts the wind and wet while also looking very nice.
posted by phunniemee at 10:49 AM on January 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
Curvy lady from Canada here. Wool is your friend.
"Pea coat"-type longer coats with a belt look nice - dressy, classy, and depending on the leanings of the style, can be very modern or classic. The belt is key to cinch in the waist and look curvy. Wool will keep you warmest - thicker fabrics will maintain their shape better and not look frumpy after a few months. Pick the size that gives you some room in the arms/shoulders so you can fit a sweater underneath if it gets cold. Again, the belt will make you look curvy instead of boxy, and the roomier fit will make it look like it fits well instead of being too tight with layers underneath.
Wool cardigans layered over a slim-fitting camisole/dress shirt will keep you warm and still show off your curves. I wore my cashmere one every day. Adding a beautiful scarf gives an extra layer to the outfit, adds to your warmth, but doesn't hide your mid-section so you still look curvy.
posted by lizbunny at 10:53 AM on January 11, 2016
"Pea coat"-type longer coats with a belt look nice - dressy, classy, and depending on the leanings of the style, can be very modern or classic. The belt is key to cinch in the waist and look curvy. Wool will keep you warmest - thicker fabrics will maintain their shape better and not look frumpy after a few months. Pick the size that gives you some room in the arms/shoulders so you can fit a sweater underneath if it gets cold. Again, the belt will make you look curvy instead of boxy, and the roomier fit will make it look like it fits well instead of being too tight with layers underneath.
Wool cardigans layered over a slim-fitting camisole/dress shirt will keep you warm and still show off your curves. I wore my cashmere one every day. Adding a beautiful scarf gives an extra layer to the outfit, adds to your warmth, but doesn't hide your mid-section so you still look curvy.
posted by lizbunny at 10:53 AM on January 11, 2016
I have a love affair with my fleece lined tights. Since I mostly wear them under pants I get them in bright and garish colors. I pick whichever colors are least costly in Amazon at the end of winter sales.
Besides being warm, the fuzzy fabric against my skin is so pleasant. I find they're less bulky Han leggings and also warmer.
posted by bilabial at 10:59 AM on January 11, 2016
Besides being warm, the fuzzy fabric against my skin is so pleasant. I find they're less bulky Han leggings and also warmer.
posted by bilabial at 10:59 AM on January 11, 2016
I noticed lately that Adele really nails the whole curvy winter thing - the scarf tucked into the belt is gorgeous (and would work for a coat as well as a dress), and I also love the shape of this coat and how she's paired it with an also-black scarf.
posted by ukdanae at 11:02 AM on January 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by ukdanae at 11:02 AM on January 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
I've found that I've needed to invest a lot in my winter wear here in Europe. This year I've invested in a norrona down lyngen jacket and a waterproof shell by regatta. Then a gray hat and gloves.... For trousers I wear lululemons with a thin marks and Spencer thermal bottom. I've got several wool technical layer shirts I wear often- wool socks and either helehansen snow boots or leather trainers depending on how cold it is... I've given up trying to do it all with one jacket! Now I have the correct gear for all sorts of weather- cold and snow, cold and dry, cold and rain, rainy but not toooo cold. I'm very happy with the Cragghoppers Peyton jacket by the way- and the large sizes are still available. (Just google it) These outfit choices aren't stylish at all, but you'll find they should be on trend. I just got tired of being cold and for the first time in years I finally feel like I cracked my winter style!
posted by flink at 11:17 AM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by flink at 11:17 AM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Ps- the down and shell combo is great, you wear the shell as a rain jacket in the spring and the down alone on dry cold days- but on the freezing cold days you wear the 2 together- with a fleece layer of needed. I learned that after a lot of research since the big expensive jacket I got was too hot in the underground and all but the coldest days.
posted by flink at 11:20 AM on January 11, 2016
posted by flink at 11:20 AM on January 11, 2016
I also live in the Netherlands, and my #1 tip is to check out German websites and/or to take a day trip to Düsseldorf to shop. German sites/shops tend to carry a wider range of sizes than Dutch ones.
Treat your shoes with a waterproofing spray. You can get it at pretty much any shoe store. I buy most of my shoes at Ecco and I can recommend their sprays.
When it dips down below 0°C, you might want to try wearing two scarves. I sometimes wear a thin jersey scarf tight around my neck for warmth, and a looser wool or acrylic scarf that I can pull up over my chin while cycling.
posted by neushoorn at 2:07 PM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Treat your shoes with a waterproofing spray. You can get it at pretty much any shoe store. I buy most of my shoes at Ecco and I can recommend their sprays.
When it dips down below 0°C, you might want to try wearing two scarves. I sometimes wear a thin jersey scarf tight around my neck for warmth, and a looser wool or acrylic scarf that I can pull up over my chin while cycling.
posted by neushoorn at 2:07 PM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
On factor for coats is how well it protects in the wind. I have separate protocols for below -10C and above -10C.
Below -10C I wear a parka that is wind proof and long. Extra layer for my legs, so longjohns or fleece leggings with more pants, etc.
Above -10C I wear a short jacket and might limit myself to one layer below the belt.
Both coats have a furry hood that I wear over a toque AND one or two scarves. You may need one to cinch your hood closed and protect your face.
Over the winter, I transition my accessories too, I have heavy knitted wool scarves, pashminas of various fabrics, silk scarves, cotton scarves, etc. I also have leather gloves for driving in all weather or mild winter weather (above freezing) but mittens are much warmer and I wear them exclusively when it's very cold. I have a fur trapper hat that I only wear if I don't have a hood because it's too warm otherwise (and no would be able to admire it!)
A belt over your coat is a great way to feel like a person rather than a bundle. However, I'm more Ottawa than Montreal - I mean, I care more about being warm and looking ok INSIDE and I couldn't care much what I look like when outside. YMMV
posted by Gor-ella at 2:18 PM on January 11, 2016
Below -10C I wear a parka that is wind proof and long. Extra layer for my legs, so longjohns or fleece leggings with more pants, etc.
Above -10C I wear a short jacket and might limit myself to one layer below the belt.
Both coats have a furry hood that I wear over a toque AND one or two scarves. You may need one to cinch your hood closed and protect your face.
Over the winter, I transition my accessories too, I have heavy knitted wool scarves, pashminas of various fabrics, silk scarves, cotton scarves, etc. I also have leather gloves for driving in all weather or mild winter weather (above freezing) but mittens are much warmer and I wear them exclusively when it's very cold. I have a fur trapper hat that I only wear if I don't have a hood because it's too warm otherwise (and no would be able to admire it!)
A belt over your coat is a great way to feel like a person rather than a bundle. However, I'm more Ottawa than Montreal - I mean, I care more about being warm and looking ok INSIDE and I couldn't care much what I look like when outside. YMMV
posted by Gor-ella at 2:18 PM on January 11, 2016
For shoes that are both stylish but appropriate for winter look for good, (black) leather, (no heel) boots with a rubber sole (grippy bottom). Even if the rest of you is warm, you'll be sad with cold feet.
posted by raccoon409 at 5:57 PM on January 11, 2016
posted by raccoon409 at 5:57 PM on January 11, 2016
Two more things:
If you hate bulky stuff on your neck, or struggle with scarves- try neck warmers instead... And also, be very wary of boots that are fashion boots- I've got a pair that is by fly London, that all the girls were wearing... It turns out that they let water in... So virtually useless... I was looking at another pair recently by a different make and it had great reviews- the one bad review it had was for letting water in so I didn't get it and I'm glad I carefully read reviews.
posted by flink at 12:23 AM on January 12, 2016
If you hate bulky stuff on your neck, or struggle with scarves- try neck warmers instead... And also, be very wary of boots that are fashion boots- I've got a pair that is by fly London, that all the girls were wearing... It turns out that they let water in... So virtually useless... I was looking at another pair recently by a different make and it had great reviews- the one bad review it had was for letting water in so I didn't get it and I'm glad I carefully read reviews.
posted by flink at 12:23 AM on January 12, 2016
OK, I'm at a computer now so I can provide some more details. I also moved here from Texas years ago, but I only started treating Dutch winters as a Serious Matter recently, and I think I have a pretty good system down.
First up, I agree that a coat with a zip-out fleece lining is great; you can wear it without the liner during the fall and spring, and with the liner when it's around 5C and wet (like now) . I have this one; I'm guessing it's not your style, but throwing it out there anyway.
After years of wearing a waist-length peacoat, I now prefer a coat that's just long enough to cover my butt, but if you wear a lot of skirts/dresses you might prefer something that's mid-thigh length or longer. That also kind of depends on how you feel about cycling in a long coat.
Definitely look for a coat with a hood. When it's really cold or raining hard, I wear a beanie similar to this under my hood. Helps with not looking too windblown when I get to my destination.
Invest in a good umbrella ("paraplu"); I like Senz. They're wind-resistant, and even their purse-sized models are good quality.
I agree that shoes with good, grippy soles are important. Fashion shoes with thin, smooth soles are okay if you're just cycling or if it's dry out, but if you have to navigate through puddles or stand waiting for a train, your feet will freeze, even with good socks. That's why I mainly shop at Ecco; you can usually even get pumps with rubber soles there. I've found that they usually have a better selection in their shops than on their Dutch website.
Be sure to wear gloves often; it will save the skin on your hands. I have a thin pair for when it's like 5C-10C, and a thicker fleece pair for temperatures below 5C.
Finally, I usually carry a large, rain-resistant (waxed canvas) handbag or just wear a backpack during the winter. I find trains and most Dutch buildings to be over-heated, and it's nice to be able to stuff all of my fleece/hat/scarf/gloves/umbrella out of the way if I need to (especially in a crowded restaurant or theater).
posted by neushoorn at 1:16 AM on January 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
First up, I agree that a coat with a zip-out fleece lining is great; you can wear it without the liner during the fall and spring, and with the liner when it's around 5C and wet (like now) . I have this one; I'm guessing it's not your style, but throwing it out there anyway.
After years of wearing a waist-length peacoat, I now prefer a coat that's just long enough to cover my butt, but if you wear a lot of skirts/dresses you might prefer something that's mid-thigh length or longer. That also kind of depends on how you feel about cycling in a long coat.
Definitely look for a coat with a hood. When it's really cold or raining hard, I wear a beanie similar to this under my hood. Helps with not looking too windblown when I get to my destination.
Invest in a good umbrella ("paraplu"); I like Senz. They're wind-resistant, and even their purse-sized models are good quality.
I agree that shoes with good, grippy soles are important. Fashion shoes with thin, smooth soles are okay if you're just cycling or if it's dry out, but if you have to navigate through puddles or stand waiting for a train, your feet will freeze, even with good socks. That's why I mainly shop at Ecco; you can usually even get pumps with rubber soles there. I've found that they usually have a better selection in their shops than on their Dutch website.
Be sure to wear gloves often; it will save the skin on your hands. I have a thin pair for when it's like 5C-10C, and a thicker fleece pair for temperatures below 5C.
Finally, I usually carry a large, rain-resistant (waxed canvas) handbag or just wear a backpack during the winter. I find trains and most Dutch buildings to be over-heated, and it's nice to be able to stuff all of my fleece/hat/scarf/gloves/umbrella out of the way if I need to (especially in a crowded restaurant or theater).
posted by neushoorn at 1:16 AM on January 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
Go to your nearest Hema and buy yourself a 20eur rain suit, the one that comes in a drawstring bag. Actually, buy two. Keep one in your desk drawer and one at home.
When it rains, pull the pants on over your regular pants and the jacket on over your regular jacket. You'll smell like a condom and look like you're wearing a hazmat suit but you'll be miraculously bone dry on your cycle home. You will feel like the Queen of Weather. There's nothing like warm, dry thighs after biking home in the rain.
posted by nerdfish at 2:27 AM on January 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
When it rains, pull the pants on over your regular pants and the jacket on over your regular jacket. You'll smell like a condom and look like you're wearing a hazmat suit but you'll be miraculously bone dry on your cycle home. You will feel like the Queen of Weather. There's nothing like warm, dry thighs after biking home in the rain.
posted by nerdfish at 2:27 AM on January 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
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Otherwise, yes, layers. And buy at least one pair of warm and WATERPROOF boots (not water-resistant) with sturdy, grippy soles and some warm gloves with some sort of insulation, like Thinsulate.
Big scarves and pashminas can also keep you warm while being stylish. In the end, however, function tends to win over comfort in places that have a real winter, like the Netherlands.
Good luck to you!
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy at 10:48 AM on January 11, 2016