What To Wear On Those 40-Degree-Weather Days

Ah, winter! Tis the season to be jolly, but alas, it's also the season of 40-degree-weather days where outfits with winter layering take center stage. With freezing temperatures like these, all you feel like doing is wrapping a blanket around yourself and chilling (sans the cold) on the sofa watching Netflix. After all, with snow and wind, who wants to step outside their home into a frosty wonderland? However, enter the realities of life, and we do have to eventually step outside our homes. So, when the temperature drops to these unwelcome levels, what do you wear to stay stylish and comfortably warm? Apart from the obvious jacket, you must wear winter garments that protect other parts of your body that are exposed to the cold. For instance, you need to wear gloves (protect those hands!), a hat (keep your head warm!) and scarves (cover that neck!). 

Pulling a stylish ensemble when you have to take all these into account can be challenging. And, truth be told, sometimes you might step out the door, forgetting to fully shield yourself from the chilly temperatures. That's why it's great to have a cheat list of what to wear during those 40-degree days; you'll need an entire ensemble to keep you protected from the cold, from head to toe (literally). 

Aside from the obvious benefits of easy accessorizing, there are more important reasons why you should consider wearing a scarf during the cold weather. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposing our skin to extreme cold conditions can cause frostbite. Since our neck, nose, and ears are exposed to the cold wind and freezing temperatures, a woolen scarf wrapped around these sensitive areas will offer a protective layer. Moreover, this stylish garment can add a splash of color to our otherwise darker-shaded or monochromatic winter ensembles, keeping us fashionably warm.

It's vital to keep our ears warm during cold weather because they get cold more quickly than other body parts, due to the fact that they don't have as much "insulating fat," according to MedExpress. To avoid frostbite to your ears, keep them warm with a cute hat. After all, beanies made of soft wool material can keep your head and ears warm, and thankfully, there are several ways to style them for a cool everyday look. This way, you won't be compromising style to stay safe during those 40-degree days.

Cold weather can be particularly unkind to our hands, leading to uncomfortable dryness and skin cracks. According to Skin Care Physicians, the moisture in our skin evaporates in the winter, in part, because of the chilly weather outside. This is made worse by warm, dry air inside. So, besides frequently moisturizing to combat the dryness, we must also protect our hands with gloves. Gloves exist in a variety of colors, materials, styles, and lengths, making them the winter accessory that will instantly upgrade your looks. 

Fuzzy fabrics are all over 2023 runways and the fuzzy appeal is segwaying into spring 2024 as well, since they are not only very fashion-forward but also super comfy and extra warm. Embrace the faux-fur coat silhouette for a dramatic appeal that will bring the vogue element into your "staying warm" ensembles. Experiment with different lengths, textures, and colors to add the wow factor to your cold day attire.

Puffer jackets are superb at keeping you warm, and with a few styling tips, you can take them from comfy to chic in a breeze. Puffer jackets can complement any style, and they come in an assortment of colors, including those we can't wait to wear this winter. Apparel design manager for Columbia Sportswear Dorothy Hopkins says, "You can find puffer jackets that are cropped, mid-length, extra long, with or without hoods, zip front, snap front, pullovers, printed, solids, and color-blocked in a large variety of puffer insulation fills, from super lightweight to heavyweight, in every quilting pattern imaginable."

Embrace the cozy allure of knit sweaters, offering a perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and versatility. Elevate your winter wardrobe by choosing pure wool knitwear for those exceptionally cold days. This ultra-warm option eliminates the necessity for layering, allowing you to stay stylish without the discomfort of multiple layers. Plus, it allows you more wiggle space to wear your favorite slim-fitting coat on top. Looking to add the wow factor to your knitwear? Opt for intricate patterns, subtle textures, or bold colors to infuse a touch of personality into your 40-degree-weather collection.

According to New Jersey-based podiatry clinic Caruso Foot & Ankle, keeping your feet dry is imperative in winter because moisture will attract "fungal organisms" and increase the likelihood of infections and blisters. As such, it's crucial to look for boots that are waterproof. No need to worry about style because rain boots are getting a major fashionable upgrade, so you can keep your feet dry in a very fashion-forward way. Plus, you can easily add edge to your winter outfits with combat boots, and embrace the season's must-have footwear in style.

This winter, invest in one of the absolute best black legging varieties and make them a staple garment in your winter capsule wardrobe. Find a thermal legging that has added insulation on the inside to keep your legs super warm during those cold days. The lightweight and slim-fit appeal of these leggings makes them a perfect choice to pair with high-knee boots or even mid-thigh ones. Versatile to wear at work or at a casual coffee date with friends, warm leggings will become your go-to option when the weather is chilly.