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My Montreal Winter Survival Guide for 9-to-5 Women

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Montreal winters are no joke, especially when you have to commute and still arrive at the office looking presentable. These are the winter essentials I genuinely use or recommend for staying warm, comfortable and put together—from practical boots and...
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Warm but Office-Appropriate Clothing

Warm layers that make a Montreal commute more manageable without leaving me feeling bulky or underdressed at work. These are practical pieces that can be layered easily and still look polished once the winter coat comes off.

 
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These are thin enough to wear under regular pants without making everything feel bulky. They add an extra layer of warmth for cold Montreal commutes, but you can still remove your coat at the office without immediately overheating. A simple winter ba...
Womens HEATTECH Ultra Warm Leggings | UNIQLO CA
 
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This is the kind of base layer that makes a noticeable difference on freezing mornings. It fits easily under a sweater or office outfit and gives you warmth without requiring several bulky layers. I would choose the black one because it is practical ...
Womens HEATTECH Ultra Warm Crew Neck T-Shirt | UNIQLO CA
 
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Wearing dresses to work during a Montreal winter becomes much more realistic with warm tights underneath. These have a sleek, non-bulky finish, so they can keep an outfit polished while offering more warmth than ordinary fashion tights.
Womens HEATTECH Knitted Tights | UNIQLO CA
 
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A simple merino sweater is one of the easiest pieces to style for work. It looks polished with trousers or a skirt, but it is still comfortable enough for a full day at the office. The fabric feels lighter and more refined than a heavy winter knit, w...
Womens Merino Crew Neck Sweater | UNIQLO CA
 
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Warm gloves are essential, but taking them off every time you need your phone is frustrating. These have a merino-wool lining and touchscreen-compatible fingers, making them a practical choice for checking directions, messages or transit information ...
Kombi Women's Divine Gloves

Commuting Through a Montreal Winter

Montreal winters can mean snow, slush, freezing wind and unexpectedly icy sidewalks. This section includes the practical essentials that can make travelling to and from work feel warmer, safer and a little less exhausting.

 
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Montreal winter does not always mean soft snow—sometimes it is wet, windy and unpleasant. This umbrella folds down small enough for everyday commuting and opens and closes automatically, which is helpful when your other hand is already occupied.
Samsonite Compact Auto Open/Close Umbrella Black
 
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These little rechargeable hand warmers are such a clever alternative to constantly buying disposable ones. The set includes two slim warmers, so you can keep one in each pocket while waiting for the bus or walking to work. They would also make a genu...
OCOOPA Dual-Sided Rechargeable Hand Warmers 2 Pack
 
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These are for the days when the sidewalks look more like skating rinks. They fit over different shoes and boots and add steel traction under the foot. They may not be glamorous, but feeling steadier on ice is much more important.
Korkers Ultra Adjustable Ice Cleat
 
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Cold feet can make an entire commute miserable. These merino-wool socks add warmth without being as bulky as many heavy winter socks, and the two-pack makes the price more reasonable. A useful option for boots, long outdoor waits and especially cold ...
Copper Sole Women's 2 pk Merino Wool Socks
 
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As a tea drinker, I appreciate having something warm with me during a cold commute. This is more expensive than an ordinary travel mug, but the sturdy insulated design makes it a product you can use every workday rather than replacing repeatedly.
YETI Rambler 20oz Travel Mug Stainless
 
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This fleece is a useful layering piece for cold commutes, especially when a sweater alone is not warm enough. It fits comfortably under a winter coat and the half-snap neckline makes it easy to adjust when moving between freezing outdoor temperatures...
Women's Benton Springs Half Snap Pullover Fleece II
 
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A practical option for cold Montreal commutes without the bulky look of a traditional snow boot. It is waterproof, insulated and lined with Columbia’s heat-reflective technology to help keep feet warm. The grippy sole is made for winter sidewalks, al...
Women's Fairbanks Cityscape Omni-Heat Boot

Little Things to Keep at the Office

A few thoughtfully chosen items can make a long office day much more comfortable. These are the things worth keeping at my desk, from indoor shoes and tea essentials to small products that help with dry air and unpredictable office temperatures.

 
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These are a great pair to keep at the office, especially during Montreal winters when I commute in heavy boots. I can change into them when I arrive and instantly feel more comfortable while still looking polished and work-appropriate. The knotted de...
Cleo Taylor - Love Me Knot
 
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A small organized case is much better than searching through an entire purse for lip balm or hand cream. This gives everyday beauty essentials a dedicated place and can move easily between a work tote and travel bag. It is especially useful for keepi...
The In Flight Cosmetic Set in Beige
 
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Office heating can make the air—and my skin—feel extremely dry during winter. A compact cool-mist humidifier can make a desk or small room feel much more comfortable. Just check your workplace policy first and remember that a humidifier needs regular...
Silicone Humidifier Mat for Levoit 160
 
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I like pieces that can serve more than one purpose. This adds warmth during the commute, but it can also work as a small wrap when the office air conditioning or heating system makes the temperature unpredictable. The simple design is easy to match w...
Unisex HEATTECH Scarf | Patterned | UNIQLO CA
 
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This belongs on my desk because I am much more of a tea person than a coffee person. It fits into most mugs, gives loose tea enough space to open properly and is easier to clean than many tiny tea balls. It makes preparing a genuinely good cup of tea...
Silver Perfect Tea Infuser