What's Keeping You Warm This Winter?

I know I'm stating the obvious here, but winter is cold. I mean, really bloody freezing. I love bright, clear and crisp November days but that sun and blue sky can be deceiving. At this time of year, clear days are the coldest of them all and if I could assume the role of Fashion Mother for a second (I stole that term from Elly - sure she won't mind), you really do need to wrap up warm to stave off the common cold/flu/hypothermia.


Jersey dress, ASOS | Leather jacket, Michael Kors via TK Maxx | Scarf, Zara | Tights, Calvin Klein via TK Maxx | Boots, c/o Zalando | Gloves, TK Maxx | Bag, Mulberry | Sunglasses, Jigsaw (prescription)

Keeping warm doesn't always mean bundling up in a sleeping bag-esque coat, though. My love of jackets is well-documented on this blog and with a few seriously snug additions, my favourite leather biker can see me right through winter. Here are a few recommendations...

• Find a great scarf. This tartan one is from Zara and can also be used to swaddle babies, cover the legs of OAPs and protect a small village from strong winds. In other words, it's bloody massive and I love it. None of this cotton business - go for something in wool or fleece, that's big enough to wrap around twice, and bask in its snuggly awesomeness. 
• Get yourself some gloves. TK Maxx is fab for gloves - the bigger stores have a huge selection of leather, wool and nylon styles to suit all tastes. I got these knitted fingerless ones so I can use my phone when I'm out and about, but I also have some leather Dents ones for smarter occasions. 
• Thick tights will save your life. Well, maybe just your legs. I've said it before but it's worth repeating - as soon as the temperature drops, it's 120+ denier or bust. Again, TK Maxx are good for quality tights on the cheap - these Calvin Klein beauties were £7.99 for two pairs and feel divine. 

• If it's sunny, wear sunglasses. Just because it's cold, doesn't mean the sun's any less damaging. If you wear glasses normally (like me), it's even more important to protect your weak and puny eyes. Mine are prescription from Vision Express. 
• Boots > ballet pumps. In the past I've been guilty of wearing ballet pumps in rain, snow and gale force winds. Don't do it - frostbite is a very real thing and your feet deserve better. Wear boots - they don't have to be knee high or have reinforced soles - but treat your feet to a pair of socks and a leather exterior. I love ankle boots and wear these studded ones constantly.
• Cheat your way to warmth. You'd never know it, but I'm actually wearing the modern equivalent of Long Johns in these photos. Uniqlo's HEATTECH range is superb for secret heat - I have a fair few long sleeve tees to wear under jumpers and dresses, and a couple of pairs of shorts and leggings to go under jeans and tights. There's all sorts of fancy technology going on under my clothing but basically, an extra layer of insulation means there's no need to go OTT to keep warm. So you can take off those snow pants, m'kay?

What's keeping you warm this winter?