So, I finally bought a new winter coat…
It was well overdue, too, given that the last time I bought a winter coat must have been at least 10 years ago.
Perhaps I should specify what I mean by a winter coat in this context, though… Obviously, what you consider a proper winter coat depends on your definition of winter. I mean, do you need a coat for rainy, cold weather? Or for a slightly cooler but not really cold weather? Or do you need a coat that keeps you warm in sub-zero temperatures?
I live in southern Finland, and the winters here can be cold. Most of the time, it’s around -5°C (23°F), maybe -10 °C (14°F), but the temperature can get as low as -20 °C (-4 °F) for a while. It can also be very windy, which makes it feel even colder.
So, what I need is a big down parka. The bigger the better.
I also need a big, puffy coat because I don’t do layering. For starters, I hate layering. It’s just uncomfortable. For me, a cold-weather outfit means a cashmere sweater and trousers under a big coat. The coat is all the insulation I need when I go outdoors.
The way I see it, getting dressed in winter (in Finland, that is) means dressing for two different climates: the (almost) arctic cold when you go outdoors, whereas indoors it’s a balmy 20 °C (68 °F).
That’s why I would never wear a thermal vest under my cashmere sweater. Well, maybe if I was going skiing. As it happens, the last time I went skiing I was 12 (at school, it was mandatory, and I hated it).
By the way, I also never wear tights (or pantyhose, for my American readers) under trousers (yep, too much layering again). So, in these pictures, I was wearing just ankle socks and ankle boots.
OK, it wasn’t really that cold: just -3 °C (26°F). But what about when it gets really cold? Surely I’ll wear tights, then? Well, maybe. Although I’ll try to avoid it for as long as I can. I might wear knee-high socks and boots instead, for example.
Anyway… I found my winter coat, and I couldn’t be happier. Be warned: this is the coat you’ll be seeing in all my posts till March.
Maybe I need to start shooting outfits indoors…
Outfit details:
coat: Joutsen / scarf: A + more / bag: Furla / gloves: Sauso
shoes: Nero Giardini (old) / trousers: Marks and Spencer (old)
Tiina
What do you wear in winter when it gets cold?
Linking up with:
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Also blue suits you well. The coat also has such a lovely colour. And I can imagine how that coat feels like, so soft and light as …er… feather (sorry).
I have not gotten my down coat out yet. It has not been cold enough for more that one day at a time and I have been too lazy to get it from upstairs closet to the hall for the occasion. But when the time comes, I’ll use wool to keep warm. Wool cardigan and straight trouser being the staples. And knee-high wool-silk blend socks, which are perfect to keep one warm but cool enough. And a long enough down coat is a must. Only if it -20 or so (celsius grades) I’ll add another layer, which would be silk leggings and scarf. I’ve also dared to use trousers, that have a light insulation, over my regular trousers, if it is arctic cold. Not at all fashionable, I know, but handy as I don’t need to have many layers indoors. -q
Author
Thanks! Yes, the coat is soft and light, as a feather 😉
In other words, just perfect for the months to come.
That’s a great coat, it looks so cosy and warm – thanks for sharing on the #linkup. Jacqui x
Author
Thanks, Jacqui. Yes, cosy and warm, just what I need for the really cold period ahead.
Lovely coat, it looks cosy and elegant too, as it has clean lines and well-designed seams. Great job picking a fabulous coat which fits you so nicely!. Looking forward to see it a lot of times!. And loving your red bag too!
Totally agree that ‘winter coat’ can mean such different things depending on the climate of the place where you live. And I also agree on having (at least) a quality winter coat, the best you can afford!. I own two ‘winter coats’ which are suitable for the usual 0º-5ºC (when I walk to work in the early morning). Temperatures are not lower than -5ºC usually.
I totally understand that you hate layering, as it is usually made adding knits over knits which makes anybody feel like a teletubbie. Awful!. However, I do layers for visual interest and fun, don’t do them for warmth as I prefer to wear a winter coat for warmth! ;D
I like tights and wear them under flowy summer trousers and sundresses in the winter. Probably not the best idea for colder climates!.
besos
Author
Thanks! It’s usually quite cold in January and February, so I think I got this coat just on time.
I miss flowy summer dresses! But not, I probably would not wear them in winter, even with tights. When it’s really cold, I think something closer to body works better. I usually resort to corduroy trousers and cashmere sweaters. And come April, I can’t stand the sight of them anymore…
We used to go skiing with school too: I grew up in a small village close to the Pyreenees. Looks like your coat will fit the bill for the cold weather. I like your choice of color and the length will keep you nice and warm.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thanks, Mireille. Yes, the coat will certainly keep me warm, and I will probably wear it every day in January and February.
When you say you used to go skiing, you probably mean downhill skiing? That sounds fun. We did cross-country skiing. Although we can go downhill skiing here, too, but I’ve never done that. I’m not a winter person, and I’m certainly not a winter sports person…
Yes, defining what we mean by a “winter coat” is crucial.
Saying warm in a cold climate is just as important as looking great–and it looks as if you’ve managed to accomplish both!
Author
Thanks, Michele! Looking good in a cold climate is a bit of a challenge as winter coats tend to be huge (if they’re any good, that is). And I have to admit that when it gets cold enough, I tend to stop caring about the looks and just go for whatever is warm.
I really love your coat. That blue is a great color on you. Yes, I definitely know what you mean about different coats for different temperatures during the winter. I have a couple of down filled jackets that are my warmest coats and a couple of other coats that can be worn when it’s not frigid outside. It’s been very cold (for here in NJ) this week so I’ve been wearing the down filled jackets. I don’t like to layer either. I’m sure your cashmere sweaters keep you warm under the new coat. Thanks for showing us your new purchase. Keep warm! Arlene from NJ
Author
Thanks, Arlene. Yes, it’s amazing how many different coats you need, living in a place with 4 seasons. I think I need at least 4-5 just for winter! And then a few more to accommodate spring and autumn. No wonder my closets are bursting, in spite of all my decluttering.
I grew up in COLD weather and actually miss it so much. I would love to have a backdrop like this. I love the colors in this post. So nice. Have a great holiday!! xo
Author
Thanks! Have a great holiday!
Great coat, it looks lovely and warm. I love the combination of navy and burgundy. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Thanks, Emma!
It’s a lovely coat on you and I like the red with it! So practical for your cold winters. It never gets that cold here in Brisbane so winter coats are not a necessity at all!
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! A new link up is live on my blog now, I’d love you to join again.
Hope you had a merry Christmas 🙂 We had a great time with family and so much good food! Have a happy new year 🙂
Author
Thanks, Mica! And happy new year!
Very pretty!!! Looks lovely and very comfortable! 🙂 Happy New Year!
Author
Thanks! Happy New Year!
It is a lovely coat, Tiina! I finally invested in a giant down parka a few years ago and it was so necessary. Where I live in the very Northern reaches of New York State on Lake Ontario, temperatures dipping to -40F are not uncommon. If you have any hope of leaving your house, you need a super warm coat. I love this navy blue one you chose (mine is also navy with a furry hood). It is super versatile and it looks cute, too! Thanks for joining us at Your own Twist. Wishing you all the best in 2020!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Oh yes, a good parka (or two, or five) is a necessity when you live in a cold climate. Happy New Year!