A few tips on dressing for very cold winters!

Hello everybody!

Living myself in a very cold country (average of -15°C to 20°C and down to -35°C in January), I thought I'd collect a few tips on how to stay warm for the winter. Sure, some of them might not apply to everyone and every weather, these are however good ideas to try out if you're courageous enough to wear Lolita despite the cold! :) I hope they come in handy to some of you. ^^

Lolita brand coats most of the time happen to be way too thin for our winters. Offbrand coats (from Taobao or Bodyline for example) also happen to be too light. What to keep in mind though isn't where you look, but what the coat you like is made of. In the list of the warmest materials, you have angora wool and classic thick wool. The more they have, the warmer they'll keep you (70% can barely hold up to -10°C and must be worn with a warm cardigan under, but 90% and up is just fine). You also need to take into account the lining of said coat. Look for the warmest you can, and you can even get it altered to change the lining if it isn't thick enough. Caplets and hoods might also be a good idea. If money is an issue, I would recommend taking a look at F+F's collections made out of thicker materials. If you really can't afford a coat (even secondhand), I'd suggest you keep your regular coat with Lolita. If it's a long coat and it squishes your petticoat, you could always carry it in a bag and put it on once you've reached your destination. Lolita isn't worth catching a cold for.

If you're not wearing a wig, it's still important that you protect your head (especially the ears and neck) because it's one of the areas of the body that loses its heat the quickest. Worried about your hairdo? Get a cute pair of earmuff and a coat with a hood that'll protect you from the wind. Otherwise a hat is just the simplest solution and there are many cute models that I'm sure will suit you. Berets might not cover enough, especially if they're made of a light materials such as the ones brands make.

Under your coat, if you're still freezing, try adding some layers under it. We don't care how long you have to fight with them once you get inside. One or two cardigans never made someone look as ridiculous as someone coming from outside shaking from the cold. Wearing a tank top under your blouses is also a great idea and if you happen to wear Classic, sleeveless jackets might also be a nice touch to your outfits.

Some of you just don't like wearing tights or want to wear the matching socks to the print they are wearing. I've also been told that some people think that socks over tights look ridiculous. Let me tell you a secret: it's not ridiculous as long as you wear tights of neutral tones (white, ivory, tan or black). So don't be afraid to layer on your legs as well with some thick cotton or wool tights. One thing that also does the trick is to wear nylon tights under your socks. While they're not all that warm on their own because they leave your legs really exposed to the wind, they keep the heat of the human body very well (that's why you're supposed to wear some under your pants when you go skiing). If you're afraid that your socks will slide on the nylon tights, get some nice sock gathers or use some sock glue to keep them in place.

The wind is an insidious creature... It will easily slip under your skirt and make your thighs and back freeze. What you've got to do is to get some bloomers warmer than usual. Which means: fleece, flannel or wool bloomers. Bloomers are easy to hand make and I'm sure you'll find someone willing to commission them for you. Get them as long as possible for them not to be showing under your skirts, and don't be afraid to add a lining or double the layers. This is the time to switch from old shorts to real bloomers because shorts are nowhere near as warm as some flannel bloomers. You could also reuse an old pajama's fabric if you don't want to buy some (as long as it's still in good condition).

That's the only time you'll hear me recommending to get bad quality petticoats. Get a bunch of them and layer them. This will be warmer than any fluffy one you have, and if you wear enough petticoats, you could even achieve the same amount of poof as your regular petticoat. Go for Bodyline or Anna House. Their petticoats are cheap and lose their fluff after one or two wears, but their shape and lenght is appropriate for Lolita. Two or three of them might be enough. You could also buy them used from the comm_sales, that'll save you the trouble of wearing them to make them deflate first.

Get a warm scarf and some thick mittens or gloves. There are really cute ones and they're easy to find. That stuff is pretty basic anyway so you probably already have neutral ones that can be worn with Lolita without clashing too much.

When doing outdoor activities, don't be afraid to get some thick leg warmers. They might be a no-no in some situations, but no one will tell you you look silly when wearing them for the use they were made for: warming your legs up when doing stuff outside. Ice skating with leg warmers is classy as hell. Just take them off once you get inside.

Your lips stay exposed to the cold and become cracked very fast. That's why it's a good idea to keep some lip balm in your pocket and apply generously every time you feel like it. Cracked lips are not cute. Wounds are even less cute, so you'd better take care of your lips.

Even if you don't have a cold, if the temperature is low enough, it's most likely that your nose will end up running anyway. There's nothing as un-classy as constant sniffing. You'd be better carrying some face tissues in your pocket just in case. And it might happen that not everyone thought about bringing some and you'll be able to give them one or two if they need it.

It's no longer time for your booties. Get some neutral boots that will keep your feet and the bottom of your legs warm. Lolita boots might not be a good idea if your country gets a lot of snow, as the rock salt and the sand will destroy them in no time. Plain black or brown round-toe and low-heeled boots will probably be your best bet. Leather or pleather, it doesn't change much of a thing (other than the price) if the colour is dark. You could also add a pair of woolen socks (not knee-high ones, just regular socks) to make them warmer if the lining isn't thick enough.

Fleece and wool might be warm, but you'll soon figure out (and you probably already have) that they are the perfect tools to create static electricity. To vanquish it, put some hair spray on your hairbrush and carry a sheet of fabric softener that you gently rub inside your hats and hoods before putting them on. During winter, using a shampoo conceived for dry hair will help it a bit. Try also making minimal use of hair-styling tools using heat. In the winter, because of the wind, cold and hot shocks and just the simple fact that the rooms are heated, the hair becomes dryer (as well as the skin) and it makes it easier for the static electricity to appear and travel.

Remember, the silliest one will always be the one who didn't dress and prepare according to the weather. These are mostly tips and tricks that can be applied outside of Lolita as well and if you live in a cold country, you probably already know some of them. I think you wouldn't like to end up with a cold or a flu, so keep warm, and enjoy your winter!

(Please note that this applies mostly to Canada and countries in the north of Europe, but some tips might also help people living in slightly less cold areas. ;) )