If you suffer badly with the cold in winter, how do you dress to keep warm and still look put together and stylish?

[IHeartMyGirls]

I really suffer with the cold in the winter, I have Raynauds and regularly lose all feeling in my hands and feet (and nose!). I love the summer months, I can dress for style rather than for warmth but then winter comes around and I look like a bag lady again.
How do you dress to be warm and look decent? Today, I have on Ugg boots, woolly socks, knee high socks, jeans, long sleeve t-shirt and 2 hoodies. Its only September and I'm dreading another freezing winter.

[nellyjelly]

Thermal vests and leggings. From ski wear shops. I always wear a long sleeve thernal t shirt in winter. It really helps keep me warm. Tuck it in too. They are very tight fitting and you can layer on top.

[Spookey80]

Gosh you poor thing. I also suffer from the cold,,but to have raynauds must be different altogether.
The way I cope in the winter is just layers mainly. I will wear lots of dresses with a vest and a long sleeved top underneath, then a big scarf over the top and then long warm boots. I also wear skinny jeans,,or any other jeans,, but wear thermal long johns or wool tights underneath, the a vest, a long sleeved top and a jumper and always a scarf as I hat that part of me being cold. I love scarfs and think they can really brighten up an outfit. As well as scarves in neutrals, I try to buy them in bright colours and patterns so that I can brighten things up as winter clothes tend to be darker.
Hth

[ruby22]

thermal longh sleeve tops under everything, thermal tights. Tops from Uniqlo or M&s, tights from m&s.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Long sleeved thermal tops. M&S Autograph cashmere mix tights. M&S cashmere wrist warmers.

[IHeartMyGirls]

Sounds like long sleeve thermal tops and long johns are the way forward. Can you wear long johns under skinny jeans? I bet that wouldn't work, maybe I could put one or two pairs of woolly tights on underneath?
Maybe thermal leggings from a ski wear shop would be thin enough to wear under skinny or slim fitting jeans. I could try those.

Scarves are a great idea, I always put one on with hat and gloves if I go out but I've never thought of using one on top of outfits inside. I'm not good at accessorising so never wear fashion scarves, only woolly winter scarves. I'll get one in a neutral colour tone and put it over everything and see if it helps.

Wrist warmers sound like something I need I've had them or heard of them but they sound just up my street.

[IHeartMyGirls]

I've never had them or heard of them

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

They are lurvely - worth every penny!

[cybbo]

Wear thick tights with long socks artfully crumpled over your boot tops

Lots of thin layers

Wrist warmers

Oh, and have a hot bath or exercise/shower before you get dressed . Keeps me toasty all day

[cybbo]

And a hat essential

[chickydoo]

Heat-tec tops from uniglo.... Have at least 6 of them, great for layering

[LastMangoInParis]

Thermals.
And layers - lots of thin layers works out really nice and warm. Especially if some of them are made of silk.
Natural fibres, avoid acrylics - even an acrylic mix compromises warmth quite badly.
And make sure all thise vulnerable parts like lower back and midriff are covered really well (thermals and layers again).
Lastly, and obvious but often underestimated: hat, gloves, scarfs, good socks and shoes. It makes a huge difference to have your extremities kept nice and warm.
Good luck, you have my deepest (and warmest) sympathy!

[IHeartMyGirls]

A warm bath in the morning is a good idea, I'd happily get up earlier if it means I start the day off warmer. I usually start with a hot shower but I think a bath would warm me up much better.
My water and gas meters might disagree though, so maybe just in the really cold weather.

[IHeartMyGirls]

I hadn't realised that acrylic mixes would compromise warmth much. I struggle a bit to find non-synthetic natural fibre clothes for a decent price. I have a load of Primark cardigans because I found one for £6 that is 100% cotton and love them layered over everything, but most shops seems to be full of synthetic fibres. My budget is Dorothy Perkins, New Look and the odd treat from Zara, not sure if it will stretch to cashmere and silk

[GobblersKnob]

I bought Brora wristwarmers in the sale, they are gorgeous.

Merino thermals are exceedingly toasty and can sometimes be found in TK Maxx for a sensible price.

I love thin socks then thick wool sock under boots.

A good hat.

I love my haramaki too.

[CMOTDibbler]

Fleece lined tights are wonderful. I like the Heat Holder socks.

Wristwarmers work really well - I have Manbi microfleece ones in a number of colours. You can get fleece ones from the Raynauds society with a pocket for a handwarmer sachet. I buy a huge box of Little Hotties sachets from Amazon at the beginning of the winter so I have them around to use.

And a down coat makes a big difference. 25% off at Lands End today too

[fromheretomaternity]

Down coats are A Maz Ing. Like wearing a duvet. I got mine in last year's sale from Kathmandu. (The shop, not the place!). Go Outdoors might be worth a try.

[LastMangoInParis]

oooh, Gobblers - Brora wristwarmers!
Double if they're cashmere.
And tripple if cashmere Fairisle.

IHMG - if you're feeling flush or good at sale shopping, Brora and Celtic Sheepskin woolens are awesome winter wear. All wool, silk etc. and soooo warm.
Yeah, proper natural fibres unadulterated with synthetics are really, really properly warm. Seriously. Compare and you will be amazed.

[olliepolly]

Try merino baselayers by icebreaker , they come from new Zealand not cheap but fantastic .

[Teahouse]

I have Raynauds too but not so bad I lose feeling. I get cold even in the summer on cooler nights.
I bought a really warm cardi from a market; a cable knit cardi lined with a fleece...it is heaven.
I wear fingerless gloves at work and usually boots-Hush Puppies do some that are lined and wonderfully toasty. I always wear gloves when out (found some liner gloves too which are thin and I can pop under wolly mitts)' and I wear a hat too or ear muffs at the very least.
Good luck

[LastMangoInParis]

I'm getting a harimaki!
Gobblers you deserve a winter palace of style!
IHMG thank you for starting this thread.

I'm off to look at merino base layers too.

Roll on winter! (When do we get a sparkly snowflake emoticon?)

[moonstorm]

Does anyone know where you can buy low (scoop) necked thermal tops? I dod buy some from www.belladinotte.com but there sleevs weren't long enough for my long arms.

(Sorry for the hijack)

I would add, though that I don't have a big budget, but have bought a few really good items that have seen me through. i bought a celtic Sheepskin merino woll jumper that was warm. It was £75 but Iwore it so much itwas worth it (I alternated it with another top so it was off for washing, then on again - my clothes were limited , but warmand I didn't spend too much in the long run)

[moonstorm]

Ooh and knee high socks made a big difference tomy warmth (with knee high boots)