Boots
Cold feet make for a miserable day. You need something sturdy which is water-resistant and insulated and, if there is likely to be ice and snow around, also gives you proper grip. It’s no fun falling flat every time you step out the door, so either buy some boots with thick rubber soles, or add Ice Spikes to your regular footwear.
Women: Bogs Sidney Plaid (www.bogsfootwear.com; RRP $120)
Men: Baffin Ice Breaker (www.baffin.com; RRP CA$199.99)
Accessory: Snowline Chainsen Pro Ice Spikes (www.kochalpin.at; RRP £45)
Socks
Keep your feet warm without being sweaty by opting for a natural fibre sock, and preferably one swhich comes some way up your leg so you don’t get drafts around the ankle. Ski socks are ideal, and at the end of the day you can always wear them to bed.
Women: Rohan Climate Socks – Cool and Cold (www.rohan.co.uk; RRP £16)
Men: Icebreaker Merino Skier+ Mid OTC (www.icebreaker.com; RRP $25.95)
Trousers
Your legs are often overlooked when dressing for the cold, but if the temperatures have truly plummeted, your favourite jeans really won’t cut the ice. You need to choose trousers with a thicker fabric, and that have ample room for your base layers to fit underneath. Skinny styles are out.
Women: Fjall Raven Vidda Pro (www.fjallraven.co.uk; RRP £160)
Men: Rohan Men’s Striders (www.rohan.co.uk; RRP £90)
Base layers
Layering is key in cold climates. Good base layers will keep you properly insulated (without getting too sweaty) whilst you’re out and about, but you won’t overheat when you get indoors. If the heating is turned up high, you can also strip down to your base layer top and wear it on its own. They also make perfect pyjamas.
Women: Paramo Grid Technic and Long Janes (www.paramo-clothing.com; RRP £55 and £40)
Men: Jack Wolfskin Merino LS Shirt (www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk; RRP £70)
Jacket
Are you going to be somewhere dry and cold, or wet and cold? In both cases you’ll need an insulated jacket, but if it is likely to be hammering with rain, you’ll also need to pack a waterproof as the down (or synthetic equivalent) which makes an insulated jacket so warm doesn’t do well in the rain. A hood will keep your ears and neck out of the cold.
Women: Jack Wolfskin Argo (www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk; RRP £250)
Men: Fjall Raven Kyl Parka (www.fjallraven.co.uk; RRP £424)
Accessories
Don’t underestimate the impact of wearing a hat, chute and gloves. A bobble hat and knitted scarf may transport you back to childhood, but there are also stylish, more contemporary alternatives made from a variety of fabrics.
Headwear: Outdoor Research Sonic Balaclava (www.outdoorresearch.com; $45)
Neckwear: Icebreaker Merino Flexi Chute (www.icebreaker.com; £25)
Gloves: Baffin Polar Mitt (www.baffin.com; CA$89.99)
