I want to be warm but stylish - please help - I just look like a potato everyday at the moment.

[Sichsehnen]

I'm permanently freezing at the moment (every winter) and it makes me so miserable.

I saw the doctor last year about being so so cold the whole time, and I'm slightly anemic but other than that - nothing wrong.

I need to look smartish for work (not big 4 - but financial/legal).

I cycle to work.

Currently I'm doing

Underwear
Cami
Heattech body
Very high waisted thin technical tights with thicker black wool tights on top
Heattech roll neck thin cachemire mix thingy
The thickest winter dresses I have
Structured cardi or jumper or jacket or both
Socks
Leather bottines

(This is the most casual I can get away with at work and the wool tights are already pushing it but I don't really do trousers)

On my commute I add

• a warm link base layer (https://www.roxy.fr/warmlink---haut-de-sous-vetement-pour-femme-ERJLW03031.html) but I can't keep in on in the office.
• under gloves and mittens for cycling
• a woolen neck collar thing
• a massive scarf
• a big wool coat
• a thin beenie under my cycling helmet

We've just hit freezing temperatures where I am and honestly as ridiculous as it sounds I'm really really struggling with the thought of having 3 months of this.

Getting in and out of the door takes ages, I have to have a backpack to stock all my outside "add ons" in. And I'm still cold as soon as I stop moving. Office is adequate ish heated.

And ideas? Honestly thinking of changing careers just so I can wear a Selkbag to work (only half joking).

Thank you for any suggestions.

Do you are sweating from cycling then this makes you even colder? Can you change when you arrive?
I hate winter too, feeling cold makes me ache and feel depressed so I am obsessed with thermals but I have the opportunity to work from home, so oodie goes on!

Oh, I've just seen all your replies. Thank you for all the suggestions.

I'll post tomorrow morning as I have a deadline to catch.

Just to clarify I do change when I get to work! I wasn't very clear sorry. That said I don't shower because the water pressure is bad and the water is tepid at best.

I am pretty anemic and on iron supplements as well as folic acid . I'm still slightly anemic after taking the iron etc ... But I do know that there is a big anemia issue - I had an (unrelated) tonsillectomy in May and unfortunately had a sizable post op hemorrhage and then a cauterization etc ... and then spent nearly 5 weeks in hospital before they would let me out because my hemoglobin was stuck between 7 and 8 even after transfusions. It would rise and then my levels would just drop again. They checked and checked for internal bleeding -nope - I saw hematologists and even oncologists, they ran so many tests because they were stumped. Aside from the low HG and ferritin and being exhausted - I was fine. I saw so many specialists and they couldn't work out what was going on. And then when I was about to go stir crazy my HG rose enough for me to be discharged. I've had two hematology appointements and am none the wiser. But If not I'm totally fine, I have energy, I'm active etc I'm just freezing all the time.

Thank you again for all the suggestions. I will read through properly and reply tomorrow.

I'd keep an eye on your levels and push for an iron infusion if they're not getting back up to normal soon.

Just to clarify. I was anemic even before the tonsil palaver. I'm struggling with my English right now so sorry for the clumsy English but the issue seems to be (as far as I understand) that I just don't "fixer" (secure?) the iron. So I can supplement and infuse etc up to a point but it doesn't "stick". I might dig out my medical file to have a look tomorrow and see if there is an actual name or diagnosis. Honestly - doctors told me not to worry about it, and I trust them.

Just a heads up I've bought 2 pairs of those acai thermal trousers on vinted

Bargainous

@Sichsehnen absorb?

Do you take the iron with orange juice or something? Vitamin C can improve absorption. They might have told you not to worry about it, but if you're that cold at only 0 degrees C, something isn't right.

@GlassofRosePorfavor I find the Acai trousers run a little small and size up for comfort.

That is a lot of clothes and I would have thought would make movement difficult. I feel the cold terribly and have secondary Raynauds which makes staying warm important to avoid sores etc on my fingers.
Silk is good for keeping warm and thermals in that are thinner (and easier to put dresses over). I spend much of my life in practical environments so jeans with thermal leggings under, thermal base, brushed cotton shirt, big jumper. Slightly smarter is thermal leggings, base layer, chunky tunic, poncho/wrap and cashmere fingerless gloves. When I have to look formal which I hate in winter it is thermal tights and base layer, flattering jersey dress and a wool short jacket, luckily my formal is in an arty environment and outsize is in so I can get away with a statement type dress or tunic. I have changed to buying shoes a size larger to accommodate softer thicker socks.
If there turns out to be a medical reason for it you could ask your employer to waive the formal dress to allow you to keep warm.
It can be a bit problematic to make ethical choices if these clash with warm choices!
This summer was heavenly, I felt more normal and could wear dresses and thin tops without thinking about cardigans.

I'm guessing you're somewhere in the EU. Have a look at Icepeak trousers for outdoor wear. They are thermally insulated and windproof, with some decent thermals underneath, you should be warm. Also, do you have a down filled, windproof coat? I can recommend the Landsend Expedition Parka. It has a double zip and side vents so you should be able to cycle in it.

Also, if you're going to wear cashmere, make sure it's 100% cashmere. I usually wear a long sleeved thermal top with a cashmere roll neck over the top.

Push to get the anaemia sorted though as that it likely the cause of your coldness.

You need to wear the Heat tech right next to your skin, not over a cami. Then a thin layer of wool - like a merino or cashmere light weight sweater.. then a thicker layer of wool, like a chunky knit - real wool. Then maybe something windproof, or a puffer layer, if that isn't too Michelin Man. If any layers are too tight or restrictive you will feel cold, so it's important to ensure you can more freely.

Is the beanie under your bike helmet pure wool? Avoid synthetic knit hats - they don't keep heat in.

I wear a massive scarf in winter, wrapped around my neck so many times it looks like a neck brace. I have seen people smile at it but I don't care if it looks a bit comical, as it makes a huge difference to how warm I am. It keeps all the cold air from keeping in under your clothes, and help keeps your head warm, which is one of the greatest areas of heat loss.

Excellent advice here. Yes, 100% silk and wool materials are amazing during cold weather. Not mixed materials.
May I recommend Icelandic wool garments. Not easy to find unless you go there. And you'd need to look for fitted cardigans. I'm guessing maybe you can find smart looking jackets as well, I haven't seen any myself. Very expensive but I swear it is the warmest wool on the planet. Even for thin garments.
Alternatively boiled wool is also warm.
Fitted skirt or trouser smart suits or separates made of wool do make a real difference.

If you can't get Icelandic, there are plenty of knitwear companies in Scotland that do great clothes. Have a look on the Shetland thread in Style and Beauty. There is also a company called Nearly New Cashmere which looks quite interesting too. Not tried it, but has some nice pieces if you want something reasonably priced. My DM also used to swear by silk thermals from Patra. They were never quite warm enough for me so I tend to stick with merino base layers, but silk is thin enough to go under work clothes.

The advantage of natural fibres is they wick away the sweat so you don't cool down, plus they don't hold smells so if you are cycling in them you won't get that post-cycle stale feeling, so they are worth the investment.

That's a lot of clothes!

Do you have to cycle in this very cold weather?

Most importantly, I would revisit the GP about the anaemia.

Oh you poor love. I hope they get to the bottom of it and can sort it out.

Just out of curiosity.. and only as they’ve said they don’t know what’s going on..did they test to see if you are a carrier of haemophilia? Iron deficiency anaemia shouldn’t be causing all this and could be completely co-incidental.

Haemophilia appears spontaneously in families and women can and do have symptoms, sometimes some very odd ones. The excessive bleeding after the tonsil operation was mainly (but not the only thing) that made me think of it.

Sorry, I'm MIA with work, probably till the end of the week...

I've taken on board everything that has been said. I have booked in with a hematologist for next week as I called my GP at lunch and she told me she was at a loss.

I've also planned to go and get a wool suit (with trousers) this weekend ( comptoir des contonniers and the kooples seem to have some).

This morning I cycled to work in my actual ski trousers and it was a bit better and then changed into a cachemire dress with a silk slip underneath and I was okayish ( as in I was cold but not feeling horrible) apart from my hands.

For those asking if I have to cycle ... I live in west paris. I work in central Paris. I could get the metro but line 1, if I remember correctly is the highest frequency European line - it is horrible at rush hour and does not set me up for a good day. And then very often (like 4 out of 5 days) I have meetings in other areas in Paris, if I don't have my bike 1) It takes so much longer 2) I have to get the metro of 3) God forbid I have to take a taxi ( often with other people who are going from my office) and get stuck in traffic. My time on my bike is my free brain time (even if I'm freezing) and I cherish it. It's one part of my day when I'm not being solicited and I'm not on a screen.

I've read through suggestions and have taken everything onboard. I have a lot of natural fibers ( I'm a big bompard fan and have a lot of their jumpers etc). I have a wool and cashmere coat. I have a lot of silk undershirts ( soieries-des-cevennes). I'm going to try and go less heavy on layers, I've being trying to "out technical" my coldness but may have been over doing it... So my plan for the next few days ( following all of your advice) is

• wear actual technical clothes for my cycle
• change at work on arrival ( have asked and office managment can let me use a different shower with an individual water heater so its not tepid water)
• Bite the bullet and accept wearing trousers ( I'm really a dress and skirt girl)
• Get a wool suit
• layer (but not over layer) natural fibers
• See hemato for anemia issues

I will let you all know how it goes.

Merci beaucoup a toutes ;-)

thankyou @BankfieldForever . We did think of hemophilia and got it checked. As we say in French "RAS" rien a signaler - nothing to say on that side...

yay to cycling! I have wrist warmers and a buff and very thick boots ( they're slightly high heeled Ralph Laurens just in case I have to dash to a meeting) and then I have shoes at work I change into.

I think the issue I have is that even if I've reached a point that if if I'm slightly scruffy no one is going to say anything I also need to be permanently more or less presentable just in case .... Sometimes even during my cycle my phone ping pings and I need to head "dardar" as we say in French to another Paris office....

So I don't want to sound like Andrew formally prince ... but I don't really sweat... even in summer in the south. Even at the gym. I did as a teenager (a lot) but since I hit 30ish (I'm 35) I just really don't.... ( a part from stressful meetings ... I can still get slightly panic fuck it sweaty hands.. lovely) I can go for a run in the summer and come back with dry armpits .... I can sit outside in full sun in peak Paris summer and not be too hot. Intimate friends have commented on the lack of sweating. The more I write, and read myself ... the more I think I should go back to doctors...

I'm awake because my email just pinged ... guess who is so anemic they've just been called in for transfusion tomorrow ?

So thank you all because I wouldn't have had a blood test if you hadn't all suggested it. Merci Merci.

They think I have pernicious anemia - given how low my levels are I reckon that my looking like a potato cycling issue is not going to be an issue for a while because cycling probably isn't the best idea.

If not, the wearing trousers and less layers but more natural fibers is working quite nicely. I'm still cold, my hands are still cold, my feet are still cold etc ... but I'm not miserable cold. It's an okay - Oh goodness once I arrive I need a warm drink - cold. In the office I've just got a hot water bottle to have against my back and one (I take my shoes off under my desk) to put my feet on. It's sort of okay. I'm not going to win any style prizes with my set up but I do feel less potato like....
Merci a toutes

Drive to work in the winter months, or find a way of getting there that doesn’t involve being outside in the cold wearing layers of clothing that don’t keep you warm. It’s your mode of transportation that’s the problem.

Low b12 makes you feel the cold more
( I won’t go into the science bit)

I was freezing for years, especially my back
Take a supplement ( the mouth spray is excellent )
or see your doctor for blood tests
to check

Just spotted this update OP
low b12 can also cause anemia

If wool tights are pushing it, look into those fake sheer fleece lined tights you (I) see on Instagram. I bought a few pairs last year and a few more this year. They are amazing. They look very professional, I've worn them in court. A friend even asked "aren't you cold?", not knowing my fleecy secret.
PSA get the ones with the single seam not the nappy style bum bit.
Example - https://amzn.eu/d/6TTuBzt

I just updated ... The issue doesn't really seem to be my mode of transport, rather my red blood cell transport... but thanks for your valuable support.
For reference - If I drove these are the cheapest per hour car parks near my office ... I'm often in the office 9 hours a day. If not street parking is 75€ per 6 hours minimum ... and I'd have to find a space Pas gagné :-)

I'm so glad that you got your iron levels checked and that you are getting a transfusion. I hope you feel much better afterwards and that you are back on your bike feeling warmer and more comfortable. I also hope going forward they get to the bottom of what caused the low iron. Take care of yourself and stay cozy!

Heated blanket on your chair? I keep seeing ads for a thing shaped to fit on the back of a chair. Called Stove? Sorry can’t properly recall.