~Wearing dresses in the winter~

Vogue IV

Awhile back I did a series of posts titled regarding "A week in dresses" (You can read the posts, starting here.) It was spring time, right around Easter. Since then, I have gotten several questions about what to wear in the winter, and I have also noticed that I get a few hits each week from people doing searches for "Wearing dresses and/or skirts in winter", so I thought I'd share some things I've done to keep myself warm during the winter!

Many dear ladies who like wearing dresses think that they cannot wear dresses in the winter time, because they would be too cold. Now, teenage girls in Michigan must not have that compunction. I have seen many teenagers wearing flimsy dresses with flip flops or fashionable sandals; bare-footed, bare-legged. I ask them if their feet don't get cold? "Well, yes, my toes do get cold when I walk through snow." (LOL)

So obviously teenagers are intent on fashion alone and oblivious to the danger of frostbite. What about those who might be a little more sensible?


Mother and Her Child Walking Through the Wintry Snow Pause to Look at a Robin

I am a California girl, transplanted to Michigan. I have weathered three snowy winters, all in dresses! How did I do it?

***I invested in Cuddl Duds. Seriously, you will get your money's worth from these! They are thin, so you can wear them under anything. I hemmed up one pair to just below my knees. I can wear them with dress clothes, when I'm not wearing boots. When I am wearing boots, and won't be removing them (such as when I go grocery shopping), I wear the full length ones. If your skirt is long enough, they do not show.

***Tights are also a good investment. Buy a size larger than you normally wear, and they will last longer. These keep your legs warmer, and you can wear them along with the Cuddl Duds on extremely cold days. Watch sales and clearance racks and you can stock up at the end of the winter. I've seen women with jeans or sweat on under their dresses, but really, if you have tights and Cuddl Duds on, I think it is warmer than pants would be, and it is a much more feminine look.

***A good pair of boots will also help. I only have one pair of boots, and when we bought them, I went for fashion vs. functionality. I wish I had gone for something a little warmer! I am going to be looking for a better pair of boots this winter! If you aren't taking your boots off, wear boot socks, sold in the sock department. These are very thick socks, and are worth the investment!

***In the car: I keep a fleece blanket in the car. I throw it over me to keep myself warm as my husband is apt to open the windows to cool down (I'm serious!).

***Warmer, thicker skirts. Materials like suede, corduroy, and other warm fabrics will trap the heat and help you stay comfortable.

***A long coat. Really, I am surprised at Michiganders. The majority wear waist-length coats most of the winter. I prefer a much longer coat. Again, you can get a coat on clearance at the end of the season, or watch sales. JC Penney is notorious for putting their coats on really good sales throughout the winter season.


An Elegant Hat for Winter Wear with Feathers and Lacy Bows

Also:

***Scarves go a long way in keeping you warm. Wrapped snugly around your neck, and even useful in pulling up over your face if the wind is biting, a nice scarf keeps those chills away.

***Hats also keep you warm. Most of your body heat escapes through your head, anyhow. You can wrap your scarf around your head, wear a coat with a hood, or wear some nice wool hats.

***Mittens and gloves! These are a must! Buy a pair that you can drive with, and always have a pair in your coat. I have a good pair in my church coat, and knit pairs in my other coats.

Here in Michigan, as soon as the thermometer comes back around to 40* after a long cold snap, people are walking around in shorts! I've even been known, on a sunny 30-40* day, to take my coat off because I'm getting hot. So you see, cold is relative!