So. . . I'm moving to Manhattan in early January (wheeee!!!). I have never had to walk more than a 1/2 mile in cold/sleet/snow to get to class or work. And for those times, I bundled up with my parka and L.L. Bean boots to stay toasty. Not so cute. My question is:
What do you typically wear for your commute?
I'll be working in a school, so my attire can be pretty casual, but I want to look somewhat cute coming and going. Do you wear a dressier wool coat, a parka, waterproof boots, etc.? Any ideas will be appreciated. I'm clueless about city living and cold weather!
__________________
Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus
No advice from a first hand experience (although I grew up in Ohio and walked to school, but then I wore whatever my mom made me ), I mainly just wanted to congratulate you! How exciting! Here's my 2 cents: I would have waterproof boots for days when it is snowy/wet/slushy and then on days when it's just cold I'd wear whatever you want as long as they're warm (and cute). And I'd also base coats on the weather, parka for snowy conditions and warm, wool coat (like JCrew thinsulate ones) when it's just cold. And cute scarfs, gloves, etc are a must! Good luck!
Well, since it really doesn't get all that cold here, I have no idea what you should wear. But, I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS! I bet you'll loving living in NYC.
leather boots nice gloves warm coat to match weather (I have a nice tweed mid-weight, a wool insulated pea coat, and a watreproof down filled coat with hood that hits mid-thigh)
Congratulations! I hope you love, love, love living here.
On my cold weather commute, I wear a down coat, nice scarf, hat, and gloves, and on slushy days, cute waterproof boots. Boots in general will come in handy for you -- leather for non-wet days, and waterproof for otherwise.
i bought a huge cashmere scarf at the Inhabit sample sale- so glad now! scarves are my number one- i also like those furry ear muff headbands because i don't like hat hair. longer gloves are also great- i want to find a nice pair of cashmere ones sometimes too. Dark colors are a plus- cream will look so dirty in this city so fast! I wear a wool coat usually- but i typically have at least a few layers underneath- thermal, then sweater of sorts at least. I have waterproof snow boots (just $20 ones from kohl's) for wet days, like scarlett suggested, and nice leather riding boots for other cold days, among other boots. On REALLY cold days, i may layer some leggings or tights under my pants, but this is rare because often i'll be burning hot as soon as I end up inside. I also like to tuck skinny jeans into thick knee high boot socks for added warmth when wearing my boots. oh and sometimes i layer those fingerless gloves over regular gloves. Haha, i guess i like to be warm!
Thanks everyone--for the advice and well-wishes! I hope I love it too! Am now on the lookout for down coat that doesn't make me feel like a marshmallow. . .
__________________
Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus
I live and walk and take public transportation in Chicago and I have been known to wear two pairs of wool knee high socks, because I don't like leggings, thermals or tights under pants. I just get too warm once I'm inside. Like Lynnie, I'll wear two pairs of gloves, too. Scarves are muy importante. Layering is key. Even though it is unbearably cold here at times (like -50 windshields), I am learning that thinner layers are better than thick. A really thick sweater under a coat makes me feel like I can't move, whereas a thinner sweater with a long sleeve tshirt or thermal underneath is equally warm and I don't have that kid in a snowsuit feeling.
The most important thing for me are shoes I won't break my ass in. I am clumsy and when you add precipitation into the mix, it can be tragic. I like Reaction boots, but they aren't all that warm. They have good traction and are comfy for long hikes. Sometimes if I'm not sure whether it will snow or not, I will wear my Reactions to be on the safe side. They are not waterproof, but I feel confident in them. I like Uggs for warmth, but I don't think they have the best traction, at least not the one's I own. I wear wellies on really messy days to keep my pants dry and for the traction. They are not as warm as Uggs, but then I can just wear two pairs of socks! I either take shoes with me to wear at work or I keep a pair or two of dressier shoes at the office during the winter months.
I never owned snow boots or rain boots in my LIFE until I had to live and work in NYC. I second everything the girls say (I bought a full-length down coat my first winter here). I was just going to add to make sure you get at least one pair of boots that have really good treads. I had some "cute" boots that I thought I could wear on icey snowy days but I almost slipped and busted my butt quite a few times...
Layers are great. If I wear leggings under pants I'll just take them off in the bathroom once I get to work.
I think that the aforementioned down coat and boots (including a waterproof pair) are essential. Other than those items, you can probably make do for a while and figure it out -- like the other girls, I sometimes will just throw on a pair of tights underneath my pants to stay extra warm.
I think that I posted this coat before but I thought I would just show it to you:
I tried it on in a store where it was on a big sale and it was *so cute*. Plus, since it's from Eddie Bauer, it's actually very functional as a winter coat. If only I had a reason to buy a new coat, I would have totally snapped it up.
I think that I posted this coat before but I thought I would just show it to you:
I tried it on in a store where it was on a big sale and it was *so cute*. Plus, since it's from Eddie Bauer, it's actually very functional as a winter coat. If only I had a reason to buy a new coat, I would have totally snapped it up.
Ooh, thanks for posting that. I will have to stalk it for a sale!
__________________
Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus
I have a coat almost exactly like the one littlebean posted, and I love it. It's been like 12 degrees for the past week, and I can't say enough about having a down coat with a hood. Sure, I have no peripheral vision, but at least I'm warm :) Hoods are great. Like everyone else, I wear functional waterproof boots to work and then change into dressy pumps once I get there.