Buying a winter wardrobe for the first time in years.

[mamamia2020]

We moved abroad in 2009 to a location where it is pretty hot all year around. As a result, it has been years since I've needed a winter wardrobe. I rarely wear jeans, I don't own a coat and have zero knitwear!

We're returning to the UK in November and I'm going to need to buy a winter wardrobe on arrival. I won't be able to spend a fortune as all four of us will need to buy warm winter clothes at the same time - its going to be expensive. I'm not massively into fashion but like to look tidy and classic.

If you were in my situation, what would you but as a 'starter' winter wardrobe. I like the idea of perhaps sticking to certain colours so that they go with more things. I'm brunette with dark eyes so pastels look awful. I'm also 5ft 10 so when it comes to trousers, I have to buy from shops that do longer length. I'm 43 and a size 14.

Any advice from you fashionistas would be much appreciated.

I dont know if your12 yr old would get caught, but the first day we had a heavy frost, mine were ecstatic, and thought it has snowed.
Can you get a waterproof coat locally without breaking the bank? Even a thin, unpadded one makes a big difference over a jumper because its stops the wind cutting through you.
Sounds like you've got the logistics sorted. Happy packing!

Are you rural or in a town? I’m rural and my key pieces include:

• proper boots
• warm & waterproof coat
• merino underlayers (both long sleeves and vests)
• merino leggings for under jeans
• skinny jeans to go with boots
• cashmere jumper
• long cardigan
• warm socks
• hat
• wool tights
• warm wool or velvet skirt
• pyjamas & dressing gown
• glerups slippers

I feel like there are days/outings that are just soooo cold! It's been worth it getting a few seriously warm pieces. Coming from a hot country you might feel the need even more.

I recently bought a proper winter coat from NorthFace (Artic 2, I think). Expensive but super good!

Also got a really thick whooly jumper from Superdry (actually from men's section)

And gloves!! Leather and lined.

Welcome back!

@LaPampa
Thanks for that, its semi-rural where we will be living - a new development but with countryside on our doorstep. Thanks for the brilliant list.

@grey12
Thanks for that. I really like the North Face Jackets. We're quite outdoorsy and get out as much as we can so I think it will be money well spent to get a decent coat.

I think you need 2 coats, 1 casual 1 smart.
I live in my parka in the winter, its waterproof, covers my bum so my legs don't get wet and has a massive hood. It has a fur lining that zips off so can be worn all year round. I got mine from Whistles.
Leather gloves great for driving and much warmer than wool ones. M&S do nice ones.
Primark is good for hat and scarf sets.
I would look at a knee length wool coat for wearing over smarter outfits, I've had the same red one for nearly 10 years from Next and its still in great nick. I love wearing it round Christmas time!
Get some nice jumpers in colours you love, along with jeans and a faux leather skirt. Some t shirts, vests and a dressy top and that's loads of options.
You definitely need ankle boots and trainers that are leather not mesh for winter.
If you're outdoorsy I'd get a fleece too nithing fancy just from somewhere like mountain warehouse.
I live in the North East and really its only 2 months when the weather is very bad the rest of the tine you can wear a t-shirt and you're fine!

Highly recommend the sea salt longline winter raincoats. Every mum has one around here. Fully waterproof, nice to wear and flattering

I know this thread is a couple of months old but really recommend heatgen tops from marks and spencer. They are very warn but ultra thin so very wearable under anything such as blouse, jumper or dresses as a base layer.