How does everyone keep warm outside?

[Pizzaalover]

I remember last year actually thinking I was going to die from being so cold. I got stuck on a London tube for 2 hours and the driver turned the train off so the heating went off too... then I still had another bus journey to work. The bus wasn’t due for ages and I remember back to that time dreading the cold winter. I go out in a coat, scarf and gloves... it’s not enough 😣 waiting for that second bus is torture at 6am. It’s so cold outside during winter and I’m genuinely thinking about taking a blanket out with me 😂

How do you all avoid freezing? Obviously in the minus region, that’s when it becomes unbearable.

Thanks bani - it feels like a huge gap I didn't even know existed has been filled!

I'm just glad to be able to introduce this middle-aged garment to the rest of Europe

@HBGKC

I'm quite tempted as well...

@SewingBeeAddict did you buy the one that bani linked? If so, could you give me a steer on sizing? I'm 5"1, petite, probs size 8-10 on the bottom (depending on the shop 8 in M&S probably).

No it was a different one sorry

Thermals and a North Face Arctic Parka

ugg earmuffs and they are headphones too, only 30 quid
Hat
2 pairs fluffy socks and warm boots

Both skirts have arrived size M .
Beautifully made- the waterproof skirt is actually thicker and warmer than the other one which is lightish so one for the city/ shopping and the other country walks/ snow.
Fit perfectly with room for leggings/ tights/ thermals underneath.
@banivani you have changed my life

Thin underlayers, proper socks/gloves/hat/scarf/good coat etc and crucially some cheap electric handwarmers off Amazon. Mine splits off into two (one for each pocket or hand and doubles as a phone charger, it's great.

@SewingBeeAddict could you post a link..?

Thick tights and trainer liners over them.
Polartech fleece under coat

Merino thermals from Icebreaker, Kari Traa etc. Including merino socks.
Jumpers with high necks. Makes a massive difference, I find, even when wearing a coat over the top.
Coats from Scandi labels who know about really cold weather (Ilse Jacobsen, Trespass, Didriksons).

M and S Heatgen thermals.

I used to tube into work and it was a bloody nightmare either too cold walking to the station or too hot when sardined into the train. Hat was great as can be taken off easily. I usually didn't dress as warmly and made sure I didnt hang about outside.

@SewingBeeAddict you are so welcome!
@LivingDeadGirlUK sounds like you needed a padded skirt

@banivani I am now the proud owner of a padded skirt - thank you again for this revelation!

Double socks, even at home. When your feet are warm, everything is more bearable.

I’ve bought us all sheepskin insoles for Christmas too.

@OOAOML I remain, as ever, your humble servant! So pleased for you!

Do all remember that these skirts are uncool. According to my young generation at home. Nobody try to say I didn't warn you.

Where I am, it's regularly - 20C and I walk everywhere. Realistically, it's the not moving that gets you, however warmly you're dressed. I end up much colder in my classroom than I do walking to work.

Anyway:

Double socks (knee socks and ankle socks under trousers, or thick tights and ankle socks with a skirt)
Uggs
Trousers/skirt. Usually knitted.
Heattech top from Uniqlo
Some kind of thick jumper
Down jacket
Knitted headband to cover ears
Glove liners
Gloves

Probably repeating what others have said, but I am a very chilly person and these work for me without adding too much bulk (I’m 5’2 and size 6, and prefer not to look like a weeble if I can help it 😂)

• sheepskin insoles in all shoes/boots. UGG leather boots are the best at keeping my toes warm
• UNIQLO ultra warm baselayers under everything
• lambswool or cashmere jumpers
• this compact down jacket as a layer under my normal coat. Absolute game changer (and can be squished up and fit in a bag if needed). I have both the jacket and coat version and they got me through a trip to NY in -11 degrees without feeling the cold once. www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/outerwear/down-coats-jackets-vests
• for windy days as well, layer up with a softshell jacket under your coat. Makes all the difference! Have been known to go out with baselayer, lambswool jumper, compact down jacket, softshell jacket and then coat. People may laugh but I’m the one who is toasty warm 😁