HELP Please What the hell do I take to Ukraine that looks smart and is warm?

[Viviennethebeautiful]

Hi
Just got notice I need to go to Ukraine next month for 8 days and again another 8 days in April. Its related to their elections so formal dress needed and a fair bit of travelling around.
Never even been to a cold country so I haven’t a clue. Though it’s working for an international organisation I am a freelancer and my contacts are all male so no help there. What are the tricks to being warm and looking smart?
Very excited but totally flummoxed by what to take.
Thanks in advance

Get a long down coat from Lands End, warm formal gloves, and sheepskin inserts for knee length leather boots. With those in place, you'll be fine wearing a normal business suit underneath.

Wow that is so helpful. Thank you. Could you point me to where I might get sheepskin inserts? Just realised the coldest place I have ever been to is Wales🙈

I used to go to Oslo for work in January/February. I didn’t have to be formal-formal, but I did have to be smart. I wore Uniqlo heat-tech base layers (mainly the scoop neck long-sleeved tops) under cashmere polo necks, and fleece lined opaque tights with skirts and boots. I bought sheepskin insoles, which I think is probably what dibbler means - I use them now in all my shoes over winter, total game-changer! This year I got them from Amazon.

I borrowed a long down puffa coat from my colleague when I went, as it wasn’t something I would wear here.

I’ve never been to the Ukraine, but what I found in Oslo was although it was very snowy, the infrastructure is set up for it. There was no need to worry about slipping or falling like you do in this country when it snows. The first time I went I borrowed hiking boots, but there was absolutely need.

No need!

Lucky you. Am hearing good things about Lviv. I am thinking good boots, woolly tights , leather gloves in a nice colour and a warm and stylish shawl.

Just to give you a heads up (having been to the Ukraine in March/April time for a week, albeit 8 years ago) it isn’t actually that cold.

We were in Donetsk though, so quite far south. But honestly no colder than here.

Check out electronic sheep! Jealous. Would love to be an international observer.

A friend did it in Bosnia but got sent home.Not sure what he did, something about wearing an inappropriate tshirt (honestly!) and having too much fun.

Enjoy and stay warm.

Just re-read and saw you are in Lviv which is obviously a long way from where I was!

Not sure what the fashion is like in the northern cities but where we were, the women were very dressed up. They couldn’t understand why we were wearing flat shoes, even though we were traipsing around different buildings all day. They thought we were very odd

I dont' think it will be that cold in Ukraine in March -April to need sheepskin inserts or fur-lined boots, or indeed thermal layers. Depending on when in March you go, and where in Ukraine (it's about the size of France, so different weather in, say, Odessa and Kiev), you are likely to have between +5 and +20C, so not that different from London weather now.

I would focus on wearing well-fitting suits and looking groomed. Women in Ukraine tend to overdress in a "bellla figura" style - too fashionable, quite a lot of make up, sometimes verging on tarty, especially in smaller towns. So what passes as normal office gear in the UK may come across as frumpy granny style or as if one just threw things on without thinking (sorry OP, I have no idea what your style is, but when I go to Kiev or Moscow I always make sure I look my smartest and most polished).

One thing to consider for your trip in March is footwear. While the temperature may be fairly warm and pleasant, there may still be a lot of puddles and slush in the street (which does not stop Ukrainian women from wearing splendid high-heeled boots...) So thick-soled ankle boots and apply a lot of protective cream.

Hope you enjoy your trip, it is truly a beautiful country with amazing people (and horrible government...).

Exactly how cold is it? Do we know?

Don't dress too warm, everywhere indoor will be (over)heated

You just need a really warm coat, gloves, hat, and maybe insoles for shoes (sheepskin or those foil-heat-tech ones Scandi's use)

Very invested in this trip now. Do you need any assistants?

Would love to tell work I've been called away to international elections!

You've got me thinking now...

I'd go for layers, a pair of tights under trousers can make a huge difference and if you get warm you can take them off in the ladies.

Thanks for all the advice. Really appreciate it. My work dress style is quite formal, but might be frumpy to them. Good point about everywhere inside being warm. Don’t want to overheat.
If you really want to be an election observer DM me. It’s tedious to qualify but not rocket science. Does help if you have done uk elections.

Thank you Vivienne, that's very good of you, appreciated.