How To Be A Stylish Commuter in the Winter

Hello, again babes! If you follow me on social, you may have heard me mentioning/saying/bitching about how cold it’s been this past week. Something about the holidays being over, having to go back to work, and arctic temperatures on top of it all just made the first week of the year so ew.

But go back to work we must!

All winter long I’ve been struggling to find a perfect balance of dressing appropriately for work while still having some semblance of style and being warm. It’s been a surprisingly difficult balance to find but I think I’ve just about mastered it.

Now I should preface this: I commute to work on public transit. This means I have to brave the elements and go stand outside and wait for the bus then walk several blocks to my office. These are style tips for all you gorgeous gals who aren’t just headed from house to car to office. If you also need help balancing winter style with winter weather, just keep reading!

Have the Right Add Ons

Who likes loosing fingers to frostbite? Not I! Gloves or mittens are a must have (in every coat pocket) during the winter months and especially if you ever have to go outside. Another must have add on: a warm hat. I’m not normally a hat person (#hathairfordays) but I’ve found a knit cap helps a bunch without totally destroying your ‘do. You loose the most heat through your head after all!

Under Layers are a MUST

While you should layer your clothes (blouse, sweater, blazer, etc), also wear a base layer for added warmth. These thin added layers are the best at keeping you warm under it all but without added bulk (because nobody feels stylish when looking like the Mechlin Man). My favorites are the ones I’ve found at Costco, if you can believe it but I also own several pairs of these long johns and they even fit under my skinny jeans!

A Good Winter Coat Doesn’t Have to be Marshmallow-like

And on the topic of the Mechlin Man, no, your winter coat doesn’t have to be a giant down marshmallow coat. A heavy duty wool peacoat is normally heavy enough for our Seattle winters. However if you live in areas of serious cold, look for a down jacket that can pack the warmth without the bulk. I wore this down coat in Montana and wasn’t cold once but could still find my waistline with it on.
StyleTip: You can also wear a belt over our winter jacket for extra definition

Two Tactics on Shoes

Having an on point shoe game in mid-winter is rough. Whether you’re fighting rain, snow, or just cold temperatures, I’ve found that there are two roads for a decent show game, even as a commuter in the winter.

One. Find a pair of boots that aren’t rain/snow boots but will protect you from most elements. I’ve been wearing these (ancient) Nine West wedges almost daily. They have all the things I need from a great pair of shoes for winter. They are rain resistent, appropriate for the office, are comfortable to walk in, and are roomy enough for a thick pair of socks plus they look good with most of my work clothes.

Two. Go ahead and wear your Hunter/Uggs/Sorels/heavy duty winter shoes but have a spare pair of flats in your bag. I currently have two pairs of flats in a drawer at my desk (black and camel because options) for those days when boots are a must.

What are your commuter style tips and tricks? I haven’t been able to find any good articles on the subject online so help a girl out!

Until next time,
Ana Luiza