I hate the cold. And I mean really hate it. Even in the summer I’m cold — I wear woollies all year round and it’s usually not until the end of May that the weather starts to warm up enough for me to ditch my winter coat and come out of hibernation.
On holiday, you will not find me carelessly frolicking in the sea. It takes me the best part of an hour to inch my way in, whimpering and squealing like a piglet. “It’s fine once you’re in!” shout my husband and kids. “No, it’s not!” I’ll shout back.
When deepest, darkest winter kicks in, my wardrobe goes into SOS mode. I gather my emergency kit of Arcticready staples to help stop the frostbitelike pain I suffer in my fingers and toes (I also get split fingertips inherited from my dad). So, it’s safe to say, I know a thing or two about keeping warm.
As Good Housekeeping’s Fashion Director, I’m often on photo shoots outdoors in all weathers. The topsyturvy magazine world means I’m shooting our spring fashion shoots in subzero temperatures in January and February so, not only do I have to keep myself warm, I also have to make sure the model and the rest of my team are comfortable in the cold.
With in mind, I thought I’d share some of my top tips on how I keep toasty in bitterly cold temperatures that doesn’t involve carrying a hot water bottle in your backpack (which I have done)…
Doublepuff
When December comes around, I doublepuff. That means I wear 2 puffer coats at once! My number one recommendation is to buy an ultrathin, lightweight puffer or gilet, which can be worn underneath as your “base” coat. Other stores do them, but Uniqlo is unrivalled in my opinion.
Ask anyone who’s ever braved the great outdoors during London Fashion Week in February and you’ll find they’ve got a Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket hidden underneath their chic, streetstyle worthy coat, trust me!
Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket, UNIQLO, £49.90 SHOP NOW
Invest in glove liners
My fatherinlaw is a keen cyclist and often goes for early morning bike rides. Cycling gloves are not very insulating so he wears silk gloves inside which he recommended I try. They are so fabulously thin, they fit inside my regular gloves. And guess what? They really help!
As another top tip — mittens are warmer than gloves. They tend to be the warmer choice — keeping your fingers together generates more heat than when they are separated from each other by fabric.
Faux fur insoles
This is a trick I picked up from a photographer who needed to insulate her wellies on a photo shoot on a farm midwinter. She recommended Hunter Shearling Insoles but you can buy them from many retailers as well as your local shoe repair shop. You can slip these furry insoles inside any boots, loafers, trainers or wellies. She said they felt like they were giving her feet a warm hug.
Hunter Luxury Shearling Insoles
Hunter Luxury Shearling Insoles
Now 78% Off
Cashmere wrap
There’s nothing quite like the sheer snuggliness of my cashmere wrap. This is no ordinary scarf, this is a luxurious Rise & Fall oversized cashmere wrap. I’ll be honest, if I ever lost mine, I think I would cry. It’s wide, it’s long and you can wrap it around your neck several times (no drafty gaps) and then have some extra cashmere to cover your shoulders like a blanket. With over 250 5star reviews, I’m not the only one who loves it.
Thermal layers
Not the most glamorous or the sexiest of fashion items, but they’re a coldweather gamechanger. Thermal ranges have moved on a lot from grandad Long John’s. Damart and Marks & Spencer have great affordable choices and colours, but my ultimate favourite is the clever and trendy Japanese HEATTECH range at Uniqlo. Their clever, thermal clothing technology has innovative fabric which absorbs and retains body heat to keep you warm. I own one of everything!
HEATTECH Fleece Turtleneck Long Sleeve Thermal Top, UNIQLO, £19.90 SHOP NOW
Double up on socks
Our extremities often suffer the most when temperatures plummet because the body prioritises keeping our core and vital organs warm. To counteract the effect, pop on two pairs of socks and make sure there’s no gap at the ankle for cold air to creep in. Choose wool over cotton for extra toastiness.
The White Company Fine Ribbed Wool Socks, £12
The White Company Fine Ribbed Wool Socks, £12
Tights under trousers and jeans
Yes, it’s an oldie, but an absolute goodie. The higher the denier, the warmer you’ll feel. I have even worn my Spanx control cycling shorts as well – every little helps!
M&S Collection 200 Denier Thermal Fleece Lined Tights
M&S Collection 200 Denier Thermal Fleece Lined Tights
Ditch the oversized jumpers
Tightfitting clothing will help prevent wind chill. Jumpers, no matter how thick and chunky, if they’re oversized and gapey, you’re going to feel the chilly draft. Swap baggy Tshirts layered underneath for fitted vests or longsleeve Tshirts that feel supersnug, almost like a second skin. Also think about switching wideleg jeans for skinny jeans to keep the warm air trapped (or wear tights underneath like I do).
Hush Simmy Fitted Long Sleeve Top
Hush Simmy Fitted Long Sleeve Top
Now 57% Off
Wear a long coat
You may love your little cropped wool pea coat, but it’s time to embrace the maxi coat — the longer the better. They look incredibly chic, too.
Jigsaw Wool Maxi City Coat, £385
