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The ULTIMATE cold weather layering guide—OUTER LAYERS (3/3)

The final installment of the cold weather layering guide; this time we’re focusing on outer layers (plus a few accessories and brands to look out for secondhand). Lots of links so will cut off in your email so please read in your browser or the app. Brand recs are for paid members only.

Growing up in sunny Queensland, I don’t remember ever wearing a single coat, even in the dead of winter. I remember a particular windy winter day leaving my Uni campus in my late teens. I wore high-denier black tights, a slightly sheer cotton dress with a mint-coloured jumper that I had taken from my mum’s wardrobe and would wear everywhere. I really loved that outfit, but I wouldn’t dare wear it in a Tokyo winter.

I know it sounds a little absurd, but dressing appropriately for the weather rarely crossed my mind back then. I was so focused on looking hot. Even though my perception of looking hot was tied up with a singular idea of beauty, entangled only with thinness. Who cared if I was comfortable?

Now days, comfort has become much more important to me. I’ll slide off my coat before entering a heated train. I almost always carry an umbrella in my backpack (believe me, the day you forget it is the day you need it!). I’ll check the temperature before leaving the house.

There’s a huge difference between keeping warm in 15°C/59°F vs. 5°C/41°F. It also depends on if it’s snowing, how windy it is, how much time you’re spending outside, and how your body tends to shift in different temperatures.

So when we’re talking about cold weather layering, a coat isn’t the only option!

Below you’ll find a bunch of outer layer options, based on style and also different weights, followed by a few accessories.