Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd, which means six more weeks of winter (luckily, we are already on the third week of those six). After a week or so of warmer temperatures in early February, it certainly has become cold again and is predicted to stay cold for several more weeks. With this in mind, I do not plan to put my winter wardrobe away anytime soon. Here are 10 necessities for your time spent both indoors and outdoors during cold spells:
1. Long Puffer with Hood
A knee-length or mid-calf puffer that will last you a long time is highly worth the investment. If you have one with a hood, it can double as a rain jacket that’s both water-resistant and warm. If the hood is warm (e.g. fleece-lined), you won’t have to wear a hat or earmuffs either. If you are willing to spend more money on a puffer, consider choosing a down or down alternative coat to keep you warm even at extremely cold, subzero temperatures.
2. Binge-Worthy TV Shows & Movies
Cozying up in bed to watch a good show or movie is a great way to beat boredom on those particularly chilly days when you can’t imagine leaving your room. Recent favourite shows of mine include Somebody (Netflix), From (Prime), Breaking Bad (Netflix), The Glory (Netflix), Unsolved Mysteries (Netflix), LuLa Rich (Prime), The Watcher (Netflix), Narco-Saints (Netflix), and The Good Place (Netflix). Some recent favourite movies of mine include Lou (Netflix), She Said (Peacock), This is 40 (Netflix), and Call Jane (Prime).
3. Rain Boots
Although not the most fashionable article of clothing, I would argue that rain boots are one of the best ways to stay dry in rainy winter weather. While walking, my feet are always the first thing to get cold and wet. You can pick between ankle-high Chelsea boots or slightly taller, wide boots. I tend to opt for wider boots to stick the hem of my yoga pants into to prevent them from dragging through the mud and leaves. If neither of the two prior options sound appealing, there are more fashionable (and slightly less practical) options for consumers this year, such as waterproof loafers, heels, and even ballet flats.
4. Warm Coffee at Home
Instant coffee like Nescafé or Trader Joes’ 100% Colombian Instant Coffee are a great way to enjoy a warm cup of coffee that is both affordable and convenient. If you have the budget and counter-space, a Keurig is another convenient option for coffee at home. If you plan to stay home often, and/or are a slow coffee drinker, a plug-in mug warmer is a cheap convenience to keep your drink warm for hours.
5.Cozy Scarf, Gloves, & Hand Warmers
Even with the warmest of coats, there is still a great possibility that your neck will get cold while spending time outdoors. Scarves can keep your neck warm and add a fashionable accent to any outfit. Gloves keep your hands (the often-cold and most used part of your body) warm – everything from running gloves, to touchscreen-friendly gloves, to waterproof gloves, to fleece gloves exist to keep your hands toasty in every situation. Hand warmers (both inside gloves, in your bare hands, or even on your feet) can keep you warmer when outdoors.
6. Vicks VapoRub
With the cold weather and tendency for people to gather indoors, you may catch at least a minor cold in February. If you find yourself with congested sinuses, strong-smelling Vicks VapoRub is likely to decongest you. It is most commonly known as a cough suppressant and can ease minor aches in joints and muscles. Walmart’s Equate Vaporizing Rub Ointment is a comparable and effective cheaper alternative.
7. Snow Pants
Whether you enjoy winter sports or simply live somewhere where it snows, snow pants can keep your legs warm and dry. They don’t have to be expensive, with Costco offering snow pants for <$30.
8. Thick Blanket
Huddling in a nice blanket is the simplest way to feel cozy and relaxed. A variety of warm blankets including wool, fleece, quilt, weighted, and heated are sure to keep you toasty. Again, Costco has thick blankets for some of the cheapest price points.
9. Long Socks
Unless it is above 75/80°F, I always wear long socks to keep my ankles warm. Hanes crew socks from Target and Walmart are my personal favourite, although for colder weather or outdoor winter activities you may want long wool socks.
10. Fleece-Lined Leggings and Tights
Fleece-lined anything makes frigid temperatures more bearable. Fleece-lined leggings make physical activity, like outdoor running, more endurable. On the other hand, fleece-lined tights keep you warm while wearing a dress or skirt on a night out.