Weekend Edition #41: The Big Five For Winter
Warm clothes and accessories for cold weather
Hi friends-
My original subject line for this weekend’s edition was the Scandinavian saying, “There is no bad weather, just bad clothes.” But after this week’s tragic fires in Los Angeles, I don’t agree with that. There can be really, really bad weather, and it’s awful and scary. If you’re looking for ways to help, compiled an evolving list of families with GoFundMe pages who have lost their homes, studios, and livelihoods and need our direct help. I also donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and Mandy Moore, who lost part of her own home and whose extended family lost their homes, is sharing many more resources on her Instagram page. My thoughts are with all the people in this community and beyond who have been affected. If you have more suggestions for ways to help, please leave a comment or message me directly. Thank you.
Right now it’s very cold in New York City, although I missed the worst of it because I was back in Amsterdam, where it was actually sunny. That is, when the sun was actually up. Sunrise is around 8:30 am, and waking up and heading to the office in the dark is a strange feeling that I can’t quite get used to. The Dutch though? Unfazed. They attach lights to their bikes, and off they go.
Before that, I was in Wyoming, where it snowed three feet in four days, and another eight(!) after we left.
While my instinct is to hibernate in winter like a mama bear, I’ve taken inspiration from the locals in Wyoming and Amsterdam who embrace the outdoors during the long winters. Many of them long for it. I’m not quite there, but I have realized that having the right physical gear frees up a lot of mental space.
I’ve learned to run in way below freezing temps, in the dark, in the rain, even in the snow. I walk to work in many of those elements, as well. (I haven’t yet conquered the bike commute). I’m far from an outdoor expert, but I’m trying. And it’s made me happier.
If you dress well, you can just get on with your day, regardless of what your weather app says.
When we lived in Wyoming, we learned that schools required kids to arrive in the Big Five. My boys had to show up in a winter coat, snow pants, boots, mittens, and a hat. They played outside in all weather, every day. The only time they were stuck indoors? When there was a moose at the playground.
So I thought I’d share my own Big Five to help us get through winter this year.
MY BIG FIVE
Base Layers. I highly recommend a pair of silk or wool base layers. Try to avoid having cotton next to your skin. It doesn’t regulate cold temperatures well. You need a long-sleeved top like this in silk (make sure you use the code DAYLIGHT for 40% off) or this in wool (15% off when you sign-up for email), at a minimum. Leggings optional.
A beanie. Any material is fine here. Go with what doesn’t make your forehead itch. You’ve all seen me in my red beanie (I’m not letting anyone claim red hats for themselves), which I got for six bucks on Amazon and wear non-stop. (Granted it’s acrylic from China, so not my most ethical purchase, but in terms of utility, it’s one of my workhorses (cc
), which I think is a measure of sustainability in and of itself!) The Carhartt beanie is a classic and comes in oodles of colors (I have quite a few of these, too). A cashmere beanie is an affordable luxury and a functional necessity. Two birds, one stone, and all that. This one is cashmere and the perfect poppy red. This Scottish one is on sale. This one is also on sale and comes in the perfect shade of pale pink (cc again). Can’t go wrong with Uniqlo. Or J.Crew (also on sale). If you’re open to a new trend based on an old classic (what trend isn’t), the balaclava (or bonnet) is gaining popularity this year. This one from Pien Studios is designed and knit by Pien Barendregt, who lives in Amsterdam and created this hat-scarf combo for the cold, damp winters there. I wish I’d had one last week.
Can’t lose me in a crowd. 
Also great for the guys Mittens. NOT GLOVES! I repeat, not gloves. Mittens are essential. You want your fingers to share heat like little peas in a pod. I use a convertible pair like these for running and commuting (you can sneak your fingers out as needed and then tuck them back in), but I love a pair of leather and shearling mittens that I inherited from my grandmother that may as well double as boxing gloves for how thick and cozy they are. I found these, which look like they are very similar. For a combo of the two, these look epic and for a fashion-y version, I love these in chocolate brown. And these are like the Platonic Ideal of the hippie mittens I used to buy from flea markets in New Hope, Pennsylvania as a teen.
A Scarf. Lucky us, scarves are trending again. Especially for men, so go ahead and buy your guy a scarf for an early Valentine’s Day present. His warm neck will thank you. I support any of these Alex Mill options c/o
for any of you. Sadly they didn’t recut my fave that I got last year: a cashmere neck gaiter. I have a short neck and scarves tend to overwhelm me. I find this to be a cleaner, snugglier option. This one is similar. I love this one from Kule. And for running or skiing or sledding, this looks great. I’m also into bandana scarves and this one or this looks very yummy. I’m thisclose to checkout on this one. For a Big Hitter, maybe this a la Lenny Kravitz speaks to you? Or this metallic wonder?
Men in scarves at last weekend's Golden Globes 
The OG man-in-scarf, Mr. Lenny Kravitz 
If you're not a scarf person either, the sweater-as-scarf works surprisingly well. And then you have another layer to put on when you get cold. 
Look at that glare! Sun in Amsterdam! I could hardly believe it. Boots. I bought a pair of Loewe Chelsea boots with a rubber lug sole in 2019, and then I bought a second pair. I’ve been wearing them from September to May every year since. They handle all weather, all conditions, all locations. From New York City to Wyoming to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Florence, and Milan. (All places they’ve traveled with me.) The high-quality leather combined with the durable rubber and sole are a match made in heaven. I don’t think Loewe makes them any more but there are a few on the resale sites like here in a size 7 and here
in a size 8 and here in a size 9. These look like their new version (a 2x the price), but could be worth a try if they’re in your budget. For a similar style, I love Labucq’s version. This is a small, female-owned and designed brand based in Los Angeles. (I am not sure of their current status, but I hope they are ok.) I’ve bought a few of their boots and have been super impressed with the quality, comfort, and style. For a more stylized yet functional version, check out these from Sorel. I love the plum. Here they are in black - I’m very into that honeywhite/gum combo, too.
(P.S. We’ll tackle coats another day, but to make a long story short, you need a sleeping bag puffer coat like this or this or this. I know, they’re not cute, but you won’t care one bit when you can walk down 5th Avenue as if you were strolling on a summer’s day. This was a winter weather game-changer for me when I finally bought one from Everlane (sadly, no longer available) a few years ago.)
I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite reads among the ‘stacks this week.
- shared how she “creative-directs” her life to make the most of the small moments.
- asked some of the best fashion writers here to share their favorite time-tested pieces.
- shared her approach to January, plus her favorite sweatshirts, and her go-to January outfit of…drumroll please…blue jeans and a black top. Looks fab, Sogole.
- wrote about living in LA and her personal experience during the last few days, including links to more ways to help.
- also wrote about her experience with the fires during the last few days, along with offering some distraction (rightly for herself, and us) with a few of her favorite basic building blocks.
- shared what life after Sambas might look like.
- went throught the Mr. Porter sale to find 16 great pieces - I highly respect the scroll.
Same time, same place1 next week. Thanks for being here.
x Lindsay
This newsletter is like an old cable drama getting the bump from Friday to a NEW TIMESLOT on Sunday. Pairs best with a very large cup of coffee.
Love this send! And thank you for the mention! 🖤
So much cold weather wisdom here Lindsay! Saving this for when the temperatures drop here in the UK! x