stocking stuffer: tips for staying warm in dresses & skirts during the winter

You may have heard me mention this before, but I don't wear pants. I only own 3 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of "pixie pants" (which are basically glorified leggings from J.Crew) and a pair of faux denim polka dotted jeans. It's a rare occasion I actually wear any of these because I just don't feel comfortable or like myself when I wear pants. People often ask me how I survive the NYC winters wearing skirts and dresses everyday. I've even had a guy yell at me to "put some clothes on" because I was wearing a skirt on a day it was snowing, but little did he know I was actually plenty warm. Here are some tips for keeping warm while still looking stylish. 

start with your core:
I almost always wear a cami top underneath any dress or top during the winter months. I tuck the cami into my tights, so there's no bare skin anywhere exposed. I feel like if your core is covered, it will help keep your entire body warm. 

add a collared top:
I love layering collared shirts under my dresses and sweaters. Not only does this elevate the look and make it more interesting, but it's another layer to keep you warm!

layer tights and socks:
Another trick I do is layer tights with thigh high or knee high socks. Again, having two layers helps keep you warm while also elevating your outfit!

If you'd like to shop these knee high tights, you can find them here: 
https://www.viennemilano.com/luxury-hosiery/knee-highs/green-knee-highs  

find a vintage coat:
My favorite coat, which you've probably seen me wearing on Instagram, is a faux fur, leopard print coat. This coat is from the early 90's and I found it for $35 in Housing Works, a thrift store chain here in NYC. When I bought it, I had no idea how much use I would get out of it. Because it's (technically) vintage, it's super heavy duty and well made, so it keeps me so warm, but it was so inexpensive. Coats today just are not made with the same quality, even if they're expensive. 

don't forget your hat, gloves and scarf: 
Growing up in the suburbs, I rarely wore hats, gloves or scarves during the winter. We drove everywhere, so I was never outside for extended periods of time. Now I don't leave the house without gloves. Walking around outside so much, if I don't wear gloves, I often can't feel my hands. I also don't go anywhere without a hat (usually a beret) or my over the ear headphones to keep my ears covered. 

Dress: c/o Tallulah’s Threads 
if you'd like to also shop my dress, you can find it here:
https://www.tallulahsthreads.com/shop/green-tartan-dress-2/ 
Knee High Tights: c/o Vienne Millano
Polka dot tights: H&M; Shoes: Steve Madden; Bow: Claire's; Purse: Vintage; Locket: Vintage 
​Location: Hoboken, NJ