Courtesy photo
Just before the snow and frigid temperatures hit, I love wearing fall clothing and boots. And, these items can get you through the deep winter, as well.
Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoody
It’s no wonder Patagonia calls this a “daily” hoodie — it’s so light and soft, it feels like you could wear day and night. It’s the perfect hoody to hang around the house, wear hiking, or use as a base layer. I forget that I’m technically wearing a hoody because the light fabric makes it hardly perceivable. As a base layer, it wicks moisture and dries quickly. The company’s Capilene is made to keep you warm in freezing conditions, and it does just that when I’m at the ice rink. Its fabric and overall construction moves with me, giving me that feeling of freedom I want from my athletic clothing. Plus, it looks good with jeans — and the Jungmaven Ocean Pant. $59, patagonia.com.
Jungmaven Ocean Pant
Jungmaven’s Ocean Pant is the perfect all-season pant. I wore the slouchy wide-legged pants throughout the summer, and the hemp-and-organic-cotton pants were cool enough when it got a little warm, yet warm enough for mountain nights. And now, in the fall and winter, they provide enough weight and warmth. When you take them off the shelf, they’re surprisingly heavier than they seem while wearing on the legs. The fabric, made of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton, is soft and lays very nicely without the pockets or stomach areas pouching out; a hidden adjustable drawcord also makes the stomach line flatter. The high waist adds to the flattering shape, and I love the two front patch pockets and the two back pockets. $211, jungmaven.com.
Chaco Women’s Paonia Chelsea
Chaco hails these as an everyday essential, and that’s quite accurate. The Paonia Chelsea blends fashion with function. Available in four shades of neutral tans, these go great with just about any pants while providing excellent grip in winter’s icier conditions. And, they keep feet toasty. Their LUVSEAT arch support is comfortable and supports the arches, and the waterproof suede prevents snow from seeping in and chilling feet. The only downside: These don’t come in half sizes. I have a very narrow 7 ½-size foot and crazy narrow heel, so without a heel grip they rub, but if you have a typical width or somewhat wide foot, these will probably fit quite well. While Chaco tends to recommend going a half size up if you’re between sizes, for me, the 8 was much too large, but the 7 fit the length of my foot perfectly. $140, chacos.com.
Chaco Women’s Ramble Puff Clog
I love these: They make taking quick trips to let my dog out easy and warm. And these puff clogs are so comfy I sometimes continue to wear them indoors as slippers to keep my feet warm. The water-resistant, custom-quilted nylon comes in five different color schemes, so you can get a little wild with purple with orange trim or take a more subdued approach like cloudy blue, all black, or pine green. The soft fleece lining inside and molded, podiatrist-accepted LUVSEAT footbed translates to extreme comfort on the feet. And, the 3 mm lug outsole provides nice grip in snow or slippery conditions. These clogs combine functional support, warmth and treads with a snuggly-looking design. I especially appreciate that these come in half sizes, so they fit my 7 ½ foot great. $75, chacos.com.
Icebreaker Women’s Merino Quantum III Long Sleeve Zip Jacket
Made of merino fibers, this jacket is extremely soft, lighter-weight, and comfortable. I’m a sucker for thumb loops to keep my wrists and hands warm (especially on super cold days typing by a window). I like the two-way zip, the zippered hand and chest pockets, and the internal pocket. And, I really like merino wool, which naturally resists odors and regulates body temperature in both hot and cold weather. But, unfortunately, unlike other merino wool, this jacket does attract dog hair, and my dog and I are attached at the hip. But, for non-pet owners, this is a nice jacket. $200, icebreaker.com.