Of all the concerns that come with this year’s weather bomb – 80mph winds, -9C, power cuts and uprooted trees – one of the most pressing is how to stay warm without looking completely rubbish. Here are seven ways to stay warm when that moment comes.
Toe-warming tights
Given the popularity of sheer tights, why M&S have only rolled these out now is inexplicable, but anyway. There you go and here they are. These are 10-denier tights, which are secretly fitted with merino wool toes and soles so you can wear a skirt without damaging extremities. Pretty life-changing.
Blankets indoors
From Burberry to Ikea, blankets are the trend that keeps on giving – and possibly the only thing that unites Cara Delevingne and Lenny Kravitz (both fans). Touted as this season’s “coat”, perhaps the greatest USP of these “coats” is they can be worn indoors if your heater’s broken. Or even if it’s not, tbh.
Handwarmers-as-feetwarmers
Little terrace trick this: pop those little disposable handwarmers which last 10 hours, into your boots, or under the balls of your feet. Obviously this only works if you stand still (otherwise it’s like having a stone in your shoe) but if you’re at the football, singing carols outside or, hell, simply outside, this is a natty little trick to keep your extremities toasty.
The super-tuck
There are moments when fashion and warmth collide. Then there’s this trend, which does so on a Large Hadron Collider scale. Tucking stuff in seals in warmth. Acne have nailed this trick by showcasing tucked in cardigans for Resortwear2015. The key is to only tuck an inch to avoid the deeply uncool nappy look.
Multi-belting
Another tip from Acne, belting knitwear and coats has the dual effect of forging shape from bulk (not easy when you’re wearing massive jumpers and padded coats) and preventing draughts. There’s no science behind this, but we did notice the difference en route to Pret at lunchtime.
Double coats
Gown-coats, which look a little like dressing gowns but are actually lightweight coats, have been on the high street since early November. COS, for example, rolled out an excellent tie waist-jacket in navy. It doesn’t quite size up warmth-wise so at the time we all scoffed. Then we realised it was to be worn under your coat, and didn’t need to come off indoors, and, well, we all ate our words.
The overspill coat
Of all the trends proffered this season, secret warmers are fast becoming the new fleece-lined jackets. We’re investing in Uniqlo’s ultra-lined down jackets which fit under most coats without adding bulk and screw up into a ball if you get too warm. Genius.
