Because I’ve been splitting my time between New York and Austin the last couple of years, I was able to pick and choose which months to be in each place. I purposefully spent the winter months in Austin, since Texas winters are relatively mild. Now that I’m a full time New York resident, I’ll be in the city for the entire winter season, give or take a week or two – I’m hoping to plan a warm weather getaway at some point in February or March! While I’ve been in New York during a polar vortex, snow storms and other severe winter weather over the years, it’ll be another thing entirely to be actually living here for all of it. Even though I don’t have a daily commute to worry about as I work from home, in New York I walk everywhere, plus I walk my dog twice a day – you’ve got to have the right gear for it!
Back when I thought I was moving to Chicago in 2020, I purchased a heavy duty Canada Goose parka which has certainly come in handy – it keeps my top half warm in pretty much any temperature. I also bought an amazing pair of snow boots from J.Crew in 2020 that are shearling lined and zip up the sides. Perfect for snow and icy walks, but a bit clunky on dry days! While I had the heaviest layers covered, I only just recently purchased the necessary accessories. Living in Texas you simply don’t have a need for cashmere scarves, heavy duty gloves, warm hats, etc. I’m also not a big skier, so it’s not often I’m going to Colorado or other destinations where I might have needed such pieces.
This season has been pretty cold so far in New York, so I’ve already gotten a taste of what’s to come every day in January, February, March and likely beyond. While having a good puffer is key, it’s not enough – you need the accessories. I already owned this cashmere scarf in taupe heather, and it was put to use practically every morning I was there in November and December! It’s an oversized style, so it provides amazing coverage and truly blocks out the biting wind – I’m tempted to buy it in a couple of other colors since I’ll be using it every day. I bought a Guest in Residence cashmere beanie in 2024 that happens to match the scarf perfectly, so they’ve been a great combo – the scarf keeps my neck and the bottom of my face warm, while the beanie protects my ears and head. My beanie is sold out, but this one is similar!
I also purchased a bright cobalt scarf and beanie, also by Guest in Residence, but I mostly wear that look when I’m dressed for the day – not for my early morning dog walks. More recently I’ve purchased these colorful leather gloves (so fun with the cobalt cashmere pieces!!), these fingerless gloves, and this black cashmere balaclava for head + neck protection on my walks if I don’t want to wear a beanie – all three I snagged during the Shopbop Black Friday sale. I’ve got a couple other pairs of gloves and scarves from years past that I throw in the mix, but can’t link them here.
Something else I realized I needed was an evening coat – I have puffers and everyday wool coats covered, but I didn’t have anything more elevated for nice dinners, events and styling with evening wear… so for Christmas my mom bought me this Nour Hammour shearling coat! It is GORGEOUS and so so heavy and warm. She also got me this darling plush Prada bucket hat that does a fantastic job of blocking out the wind and keeping my ears warm! It’s a nice alternative to my beanies when I want a more polished look during the day.
Finally, last week I ordered this black Varley pullover, the matching wide leg pants and a fresh pair of tall black UGG boots. Because my morning routine consists of walking Reeses and then working out right after, I generally throw on whatever I plan to work out in for the walk and then layer up over that. While the coat + cashmere accessories keep my top half warm, I’ve noticed on walks I’m still pretty cold because my legs and feet felt too exposed – a single layer of Lululemon leggings and sneakers is just not cutting it. So my plan is to put my workout leggings on like I usually do, but throw on the Varley set over it and wear the UGGs for my walks before swapping to sneakers for my workout. There’s probably a better method (like buying a base layer or fleece-lined workout leggings), but I’m going to see how this goes! I’d prefer to be overly bundled up and look ridiculous rather than be cold… it’s just not worth it!
Anyway, I’m feeling pretty prepared to tackle my first full winter season in the city! I even got a pair of rechargeable handwarmers in our family White Elephant this year. And lest we forget, I also have the doggie treadmill – I figured it would be useful on extreme weather days so Reeses can still get her exercise! So glad I included that with all the items I moved up from Texas!
