How to Look Good and Stay Warm

One inch of snow in the South? How about the perpetual possibility of a foot of snow (and counting!) in Minneapolis. From outdoor dining events and winter sports, to holiday festivals and scenery fit for a Hallmark seasonal movie - the months between December and March offer plenty of outings to change up your winter look. Fashions change year after year, but there are a few items that will always be a must in Minneapolis – because warmth and comfort are always in style.

1. THREE WORDS: COVER YOUR BUM (CYB)!

Buy a winter jacket that falls closer to your knees than your hips. Whether you’re waiting outside for the bus or your car to heat up, or just spending a few minutes walking to and fro outside, we can guarantee that you will never regret shelling out some money for the right winter coat. There is nothing better than a warm and bulky coat from a trusted brand that keeps your bum safe from the northern winds. The right jacket isn’t just a smart purchase, it’s an investment. Leave the fitted pea coats for fall and spring and snuggle into your lovely new coat (probably with a faux-fur rimmed hood).

2. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND FIND SOME FLEECE-LINED LEGGINGS - OR, JUST WEAR THAT LONG UNDERWEAR

These fleece-lined bad boys will keep you warm and fuzzy all day long! The casual appearance goes with any outfit just as normal leggings do, with the added bonus of an extra cozy inside layer. Throw on some wool socks and some boots and you’re almost ready to go! If the leggings suggestion is out of your comfort zone, then do what needs to be done and grab some long underwear. For time spent outside, throwing on long johns under a pair of casual pants can make all the difference. Plus, no one will know you’re wearing them! Win-win.

3. JUST WEAR A PAIR OF BOOTS … SERIOUSLY

Yeah, people might hate the idea of bulky winter boots, but at what cost? Cold toes are the absolute WORST, so why not just take care of those little guys? Plus, the combo of snow and salt on ice can and will ruin your favorite pair of shoes. Save the cute kicks for higher temps and slide your feet into a nice pair of faux-fur lined boots. Pair them with the right wool socks and you’re bound to be a happy camper. Why step through snow with caution when you can bound through it with joy?

4. KEEP THOSE EARS COZY

Remember that old myth about a majority of our body heat being released through our head? Maybe it’s true and maybe it’s false, but at the end of the day, you’ve just got to give your ears some love. Find a puffy set of ear muffs to match your personality or a splendid knit hat - with or without a pom-pom on top. Your ears will thank you.

5. EMBRACE YOUR INNER MINNESOTAN AND THROW ON A FLANNEL

I could tell you that wearing flannels here is a just an over exaggeration, but alas, that would be a lie. Pair an over-sized flannel with those fleece leggings or pair of jeans and your winter boots and BAM, you’ve got a good-looking and comfy outfit.

6. DON’T FORGET THOSE SCARVES AND MITTENS

Yes, mittens. Or okay fine, you can take the gloves route if you want. Either way, fur-lined gloves/mittens go a long way to keep your hands warm and prevent dry skin. Find a pair of gloves with touch-screen fingertips and you won’t have to keep taking them on and off whenever your phone buzzes. Scarves are your best bet to protect that exposed neck of yours from the cold that your jacket just can’t keep out. If you wrap a long, soft scarf with fringed ends around your neck a few times, the winter chill will never win.