Winter: It’s cold. It’s snowy. It’s wet. So what.
It may not be the easiest season to pack for. But with a few chic essentials, it’s not as difficult as you think to stay warm and stylish, no matter how frosty it gets or how small your suitcase.
I should know. It’s been a nomadic year for my husband and me as we experiment in living abroad with extended stays in Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Peru, and professional and personal visits within Latin America, Europe and the United States.
As you may imagine, one of the biggest challenges of leading such a mobile lifestyle has been learning to pack smart. Here are four cold weather favorites from my suitcase that are currently seeing me comfortably, and stylishly, through the season.
Icebreaker Athena Wrap
Teamed with leggings, skinny jeans or my favorite little black travel dress, this snug and stylish wrap, made from New Zealand merino wool, layers easily, breathes well and is silky smooth without the itch of traditional wool. A new winter favorite that wears well indoors and out, dressed up or worn casually. Love it.
Available at www.Icebreaker.com. Suggested retail price: $250.00.
Keen Akita High Boot
As comfortable as they are stylish, these Keen Akita High Boots almost make me (a warm weather girl) look forward to heading off to a cold weather destination. I wear mine as much for the warmth as I do for staying dry when there’s snow on the ground. Better still, these tall leather boots, lined in a cozy microfiber with a convenient side zipper for easy on/easy off, pack surprisingly compact and look as good with jeans and they do with a skirt or dress. Well worth the suitcase space.
Available at www.KeenFootwear.com and The Travel Store at EllenBarone.com, powered by Amazon. Suggested retail price: $180.00
The NorthFace Metropolis Parka
Lightweight and easy to move in, this toasty 600 fill down jacket looks as good as it is warm. With a stylish urban look, enough internal room for layers and head-to-knees windproof protection, this coat is perfect for cold weather travel. Appreciated amenities include, a removable insulated hood, internal media pocket and two zippered hand-warmer pockets with convenient key clip.
Available at www.TheNorthFace.com and The Travel Store at EllenBarone.com, powered by Amazon. Suggested retail price: $320.00
Buff Sports Striplan Reversible Headband
I picked up this versatile reversible Buff during a visit to Zermatt, Switzerland, and it’s quickly become a winter staple. With microfiber on one side and cozy fleece on the other, this convenient headband keeps me warm with a clever design that can be worn as an earband, neck gator, or hat.
Available at www.BuffUsa.com and The Travel Store at EllenBarone.com, powered by Amazon. Suggested retail price: $25.00
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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".