10 Outfit Ideas for When It's Really, Really Cold.
Cozy + chic? It's possible, with some prep.
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Arguably, the most significant learning curve of moving to New York from Atlanta, Georgia, was adjusting to the city’s harsher winters. Even though we had a milder season in 2023/2024, I was unprepared.
Fortunately, I have friends who are seasoned residents who were happy to share how they stay warm while still looking pulled together. Insistence on layering is their number one tip, but some lessons you can only learn by living them — being caught outside without a pack of tissues come to mind for me — here’s what I wish I’d known.
Thermal layers are key, but they don’t have to be bulky like you’re on piste. Many recommended Uniqlo’s HEATTECH line, which offers inexpensive, insulated, tissue-thin layers. I like their tights, which I wear under trousers and jeans. SKIMS also makes great thermal leggings. These base layers extend my wardrobe by a mile this time of year, enabling me to wear my Cady and cotton pants throughout the cold season without retiring them.
I don’t like most puffer jackets. One of the most unintentionally funny things I saw last year was the ground floor of Bergdorfs at Christmas — just a sea of bumbling black puffers as far as the eye could see, all knocking into one another. That isn’t to say there aren’t good puffers. One of my favorites is FFORME’s incredibly chic, swingy hooded number from last season. Toteme makes a fabulous one, too. But by and large, I think we can do better. Employ one of the aforementioned thermal layers and invest in a good wool or faux fur coat instead.
Leather, suede, fur, wool, and cashmere! Your sweaters and jackets deserve a workout; this is the season you bought them for.
SOCKS! Woe be unto thee who wears a cotton sock in January. You only have to learn this lesson once, when your feet sweat in your boots and subsequently freeze your toes as the cotton fibers rub your ankles. Don’t do it! Invest in good wool socks. You can get them at just about every price point.
For the modern minimalist: Lie Studio earrings, Another Tomorrow coat, Toteme sweater, Toteme wool hat, Anderson’s Leather belt, Johnsons of Elgin gloves, Dries van Noten sneakers, Toteme socks, Toteme tote, THE PARK base layer, Toteme earrings, Nili Lotan jeans, SKIMS thermal leggings 
PURSE IS CAR. I’m renaming our “Bag Spill” vertical to “Purse is Car.” In Atlanta, I could throw everything in the trunk of my car and tote it around with me no problem. In New York, my bag has to function that way, packed and prepared for whatever lies ahead. It has to be roomy; it needs to carry all the necessities. The shoulder strap had better go over my coat without a wrestling match, and it still has to look good.
For dinner at that restaurant that blasts the heat (looking at you, Balthazar): THE PARK bodysuit, Rohe wool jacket, Alaia earrings, Balenciaga bag, Wolford tights, Cartier watch, Saint Laurent jeans, The Row boots 
In your bag, I suggest the following: a mini pack of tissues (the cold makes most people’s noses run), a thick lip balm, GOOD moisturizer/hand cream, and eye drops. I love getting my favorites in mini size to stash on the go.
For that bitter cold walk to Pilates: Lululemon sports bra, Lie Studio earrings, Allude sweater, The Row Balaclava, The Row padded anorak, The Row bag, Falke insulated leggings, Johnsons of Elgin fingerless gloves, Proenza x Sorel boots, SKIN socks 
Covering your head really does keep you warmer, but your hat doesn’t have to be a knit beanie. A scarf is a must on a windy day; you can bury your face in it so the breeze doesn’t beat you silly as it whips around building corners. Gloves are great, but if you’re a heavy phone user, get a pair with tech sensitivity so you don’t have to constantly remove them or stick hand warmers in your pockets instead.
Keeps it above 60th — complains about congestion pricing but dripping in The Row: The Row coat, The Row hooded scarf, Loulou de Saison (formerly Loulou Studio) sweater, Mizuki pearl necklace, Lucy Delius necklace, Alaia bag, Cartier watch, AGolde jeans, Toteme boots. 
Take your boots to the cobbler and ask for rubber tread on the bottom. Not only will this extend the life of your leather soles, but it will keep you from slipping on icy sidewalks. Don’t worry; it’s a very thin layer and won’t compromise your shoe’s good looks.
More looks below the jump…
I was hoping you’d publish one of these…sometimes we just need pretty things to look at to make us feel better- even if just for 5 minutes! ❤️🩹
This is so soothing and happy to look at; a welcome break from a horrible week!
Also, here to vouch for the Lisa Yang cashmere mittens, I get so happy everytime I put mine on!