Cold, yet Cute!

This post is meant to be an addendum to my previous article about traveling in style. As the temperature begins to drop in NYC (we had SNOW in October...) and I start the process of bringing out all the bulky sweaters and wool coats, I've had to do some serious thinking about packing for cold weather travel. Are you familiar with this scenario? It's the first really cold day of fall, and you decide to bust out the coat and put on your pretty boots. Aside from being steamy hot before you actually head outdoors, all that extra clothing really begins to weigh you down. The first staircase after I put on my winter boots almost kills me every year. Until I become accustomed to the extra heft, I always feel like a sluggish wad of wool. This is definitely a sensation I want to avoid while traveling. A heavy coat is normally fine for the brief outdoor moments between home and work, but when you're traveling you're constantly on the move, and need greater flexibility.

On my upcoming trip to Paris, I can plan on temperatures in the mid 40's-50's during the day, but much colder temps at night and along the Seine. So how can I maintain my flexibility, movability and comfort without being weighed down? And what about the range of temperatures I'm likely to experience every day? From walking outside during the day/night, stopping in shops and museums, running up stairs and in and out of the Metro? And for Pete's sake, how can I still look GOOD? For all these variables, the answer is, of course, layering.

Unless you're going to someplace that is genuinely cold, where practicality outweighs appearance, you should be fine layering some simple yet effective pieces that can be whipped on and off at the slightest deviation in temperature and won't make you feel like you've added 10 extra pounds.

Below are some well-reviewed examples of layering pieces. You might hear some suggestions for cashmere other places, but it's always made me slightly itchy. Plus, it's not easily washable while traveling and although very light, can sometimes be bulkier than I like. So for my suggestions, I've chosen synthetic fabrics that are lightweight, incredibly packable and easily washable while traveling.

My first suggestions are base layers. An excellent company is WinterSilks, and they make silk base layers in different warmth levels. Since it's harder to take off a base layer if you happen to walk into a over-heated locale, try to use these only when you know you'll be outside a lot, or when a cold front moves through for the day.

For other times, I find lightweight zip jackets do the trick just as well, and I'm able to take them off quickly and stuff it in my bag if I get too warm. Below is an example from REI. Click the picture for links. 

Another excellent layering option are packable puff jackets, like this one from TravelSmith. I think they actually call this a sweater, and look how small it gets! 

And my favorite option for an outer shell is a chic A-line raincoat in a fun color with a hood and additional zip-out liner. Raincoats are so much lighter than wool or cashmere winter coats, and since you'll have a couple of options for layering underneath, it will be plenty warm. Plus, having an optional liner means you can quickly adjust the warmth of the coat, and stuff the liner in your bag. I find rain coats are easy to take off and drape through my cross body bag for hands-free carrying. Another plus is protection from rain and snow that might overtake you suddenly. Being cold is no fun. Being cold and wet is the pits.

Top off your look with a fun scarf and you should be all set to keep yourself toasty up top. Place a pretty pin on your lapel and you'll be downright stylish. You could also bring a hat if you feel it's necessary, but for the most part, hats, gloves and scarves are fairly inexpensive and I purchase them only if needed while I'm there.

Now for your legs....

My mom always told me I had antifreeze in my legs, so I'm not the best at giving leg warmth advice. Wintersilks does make leg layers for underneath pants, and I highly recommend leggings if you're going to be wearing skirts or dresses. On my next trip, I'll be bringing a pair of tall boots. I'm planning on packing them in my suitcase on the way there, and then wearing them on the ride home and using that extra packing space for things I'll pick up along the way. And here's a tip from my Olive Garden days - since warm socks take up space and aren't easy to wash and dry in a hotel room, I usually only bring a few pairs, but layer them over trouser socks, which are much thinner and will dry very quickly after washing in a hotel sink. You'll get more use out of the warmer socks without having to wash them as often.

So there they are, my tips for staying the perfect temperature while traveling. Post comments below with your suggestions or any questions!