Winter Accessories

how to accessorise in winter

It was -18°C when these photos were taken

In case you live in a warm(er) country and have no idea what -18°C feels like, imagine standing inside your freezer. That’s the best analogy I can think of.

And because it’s cold, I wanted to talk about accessories, or accessories for cold weather, to be more specific.

For me, accessories are always functional. With the exception of jewellery, I only wear accessories that serve a purpose. I might wear a scarf loosely tied around my neck, but it is not for decoration or to add some colour to my outfit but to protect me from the wind. And let’s not forget that you hardly ever see my without a pair of sunglasses. Of course I always match my sunglasses (as well as my scarves) to my outfit, but the reason I wear them in the first place is that I have very sensitive eyes. And when we took these photos, it was not just cold but also very sunny.

But what about the other accessories here?

I’m wearing mittens because at -18°C gloves are useless, and I like to keep my fingers warm. And earmuffs are sometimes better than a hood.

cold weather accessorieswinter wear over 50

And now I have to make a confession: both the mittens and the earmuffs are made with real fur.

I know fur is a controversial issue, and these days people are very quick to judge. But, in case you feel the urge to tell me this is bad and I should be ashamed of myself, just do me (and yourself) a favour and go stand in your freezer for 45 minutes. After that, if you can suggest a better solution against frostbite, I’m willing to listen. If not, well, please keep your opinion to yourself.

Yes, I know, there’s always fake fur. But it’s hardly a better option; it’s basically just plastic (not very good for the environment).

Besides, I’ve had both the mittens and the earmuffs for at least 10 years. And now I feel like I’m trying to justify wearing them…

OK, here goes: if I have to go out in -18°C, I will wear whatever keeps me warm. And you would do the same.

accessories for cold weather

Tiina

Why are people so quick to judge?

Linking up with:

Elegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty Mom, Doused in Pink,  Not Dressed As LambLiving on Cloud NineElegance and Mommyhood, Nancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashAway from the BlueMummabstylish Mutton Years Style and I, Confessions of a Montreal Styling DivaIndependent Fashion Bloggers

16 Comments

  1. 12 February 2021 / 6:47 pm

    You rock these earmuffs, I love the way they match your bag and highlight the blue of your coat. Love some colourful accessories. And totally agree that comfort is first, particularly when it’s so damn cold!.
    I totally understand that sometimes fur is the best possible option. In the same way, I buy leather shoes and don’t feel guilty about it. I prefer to consider fur fashion on a case-by-case basis. For example, nobody can’t justify to wear fur coats in Spain or Italy (where they’re still popular, and ridiculous!). But I’m not going to accuse every woman in furs, as I don’t know if her furs were inherited from her grandma or second hand or whatever. It’s better to be cautious before judging someone (obviously, some people are total idiots anyway).
    Glad to see that you’re keeping yourself warm and elegant!
    besos

    • Tiina L
      Author
      15 February 2021 / 4:30 pm

      Thank you! Yes, I find that it’s a bit hypocritical to criticise people wearing fur when we wear leather shoes and clothes and eat meat. I admit that it’s not an easy subject; it’s certainly controversial, but far from such a black-and-white issue.

  2. mireilleftm
    12 February 2021 / 7:08 pm

    I completedly agree with wearing what is going to keep you warm and I don’t think I have been somewhere that cold! Those mitens look like they would do the job. Brr!
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • Tiina L
      Author
      15 February 2021 / 4:32 pm

      Fortunately, -18 is rather unusual in southern Finland, and it never lasts very long. Now it is around -4, which is OK.

  3. q
    12 February 2021 / 8:01 pm

    I choose fur, leather, wool and feathers any day over polyester. On contrary I’d feel guilty to use more polyester (you known micro plastic etc). And especially for winter clothing and assessories natural material are superb compared to polyester. But those ear muffs! they are fabulous and you really rock them! I’m such a sissy these days, that I wear a hood over my woollen beanie, when it is -18 degrees cold. -q

    • Tiina L
      Author
      15 February 2021 / 4:36 pm

      Absolutely! If you wear polyester, you might as well wear plastic, that’s what I think.
      Beanies look cool!

  4. Kathy Larson
    12 February 2021 / 8:34 pm

    Today in Iowa,USA,our high is -7 F.,predicted lows this weekend of -20 to -24 F.Good old Polar Vortex…
    You’ll get no criticism from me.Stay warm the best you can,and look toward spring!

    • Tiina L
      Author
      15 February 2021 / 4:40 pm

      Oh dear, that’s cold. Because of the Gulf Stream, we are quite protected from extreme cold here. Winters are usually rather mild, although we can get quite a lot of snow.

  5. 14 February 2021 / 1:38 am

    You are rocking this puffe coat girl! I also love the purple fur around the hood, so chic!!
    Happy Valentines Wknd!

    xo
    Valerie

  6. arlene gomes
    16 February 2021 / 11:39 pm

    If you wear leather like you said, and also eat meat,then what’s the problem with wearing fur? I don’t wear it because I don’t like it, not for any other reason. If I lived where you live, I’d probably wear it. I love your earmuffs! What a great color! Stay safe and warm! Arlene from NJ

    • Tiina L
      Author
      17 February 2021 / 3:28 pm

      Thanks, Arlene! Earmuffs have been very useful this winter, for sure.

  7. shelbeeontheedge1
    19 February 2021 / 2:38 pm

    Oh my word, Tiina, you crack me up! I love your furry mittens and earmuffs and living in a even colder climate than you, I will never judge that which keeps you warm! I don’t personally like real fur just because the feel of it kind of freaks me out, but you rock on with your warm self in all the furry things you desire!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  8. 20 February 2021 / 11:55 pm

    I like how you are still colourful with the navy and pink, and the burgundy bag! I can’t even imagine temperatures that cold! When we were in Europe the spring weather felt like winter to us, we were very very cold, even with all our layers! I’m not a fan of fur but I also as you said don’t have to deal with those temps and I love a good leather bag so there is definitely no judgement here! 🙂

    Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope that you are having a good weekend, it’s a hot day here today 🙂

    • Tiina L
      Author
      21 February 2021 / 2:25 pm

      Thanks, Mica. Fortunately, the very cold weather never lasts long here in the south. Usually it’s just below freezing most of the time (which is a nice winter weather when it’s sunny). That being said, I can’t wait for spring to arrive…

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