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what I actually where to survive NYC winters ❄️
45
items Actually freezing, actually snowing, cold winter days in NYC need actual winter gear and this winter outfit is what I actually wear when it's ~15º or less outside. It took me a long time to be a convert to the Superpuff, and since getting one earlier...
❤️ Be sure to check out more looks and follow for more finds. ◡̈
You can shop my entire closet here: shopmy.us/shop/thatrebeccarae
❤️ Be sure to check out more looks and follow for more finds. ◡̈
You can shop my entire closet here: shopmy.us/shop/thatrebeccarae
Sections
5
boots + shoes
coats + puffers
accessories
hoodies + midlayers
socks + base layers
boots + shoes
boots + shoes The foundation of surviving NYC winters — waterproof, insulated, and actually comfortable for 10+ mile days. I effectively shut down if my toes are cold.
Serious winter boots that don't look like hiking boots. Waterproof, insulated, and they're *so* comfortable. I can walk 10+ miles in them and feel perfectly fine.
THE NORTH FACE | Women’s Yukiona Mid Boots
They also have a white version if you're brave enough to wear white boots in a slushy city. They clean up easier than you'd think, but it's always black or brown versions for me.
THE NORTH FACE | Women’s THERMOBALL™ Lace Up Waterproof Boots
The puffer jacket of boots. Warm, light, and the traction is legitimately good on icy sidewalks.
THE NORTH FACE | Nuptse Traction Chukkas
Yes, they're Moon Boots. Yes, I own them. They're genuinely warm and weirdly comfortable once you accept that you look like you're about to walk on the moon.
MOON BOOT| Luna suede snow boots
A slim profile when I'm running around the city and not going on a hike through the park. It's the sole that stopped my scroll a couple of years ago and I've already bought another pair 😂
SOREL | Kinetic Impact Short WP Boot
A waterproof sneaker that doesn't look like a waterproof sneaker. These are my go-to for cold but not snowy days when I don't need a whole boot situation.
SOREL | Callsign Horizon Low Gtx Waterproof Sneaker
coats + puffers
The outer layer that matters most. Long puffers, ski jackets, and the investment pieces that keep you warm when it's genuinely freezing.
My ‘dress up’ coat of the moment when it's too cold outside but you still need to throw a fit. My favorite part is the cashmere blend cuffs 💕
FAVORITE DAUGHTER | The City Coat
The one I've worn every day this week! I resisted the Superpuff hype for years and I was wrong. So so wrong. It's warm down to stupid-cold temperatures and doesn't make me look like a sleeping bag. The long length keeps your butt warm, which matters ...
SUPERPUFF | The Super Arctic Parka™ Long
The investment piece. Is it expensive? Yes. Will it last forever and keep you warm in actual arctic conditions? Also yes.
CANADA GOOSE | Clair Quilted Nylon Long Coa
High-fashion puffer energy. This is the one you wear when you want to look chic and also not freeze to death.
KRISJOY | Long Iconic Milano Down Coat
A women-founded ski brand that actually understands fit. This jacket layers perfectly under a puffer without adding bulk, and it's cute enough to wear on its own when you're inside. The navy is a nice break from all-black everything.
HALFDAYS | Lawrence Jacket
A Superpuff alternative, great if you don't want to be a black blob all winter like me!
LULULEMON | Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Long Jacket
accessories
❄️ Hats, scarves, gloves, and the little things that make the difference between "cold" and "miserable." Including the rechargeable hand warmers that changed my winter walks forever.
My daily winter hat, my ride or die. The face logo is subtle enough that it doesn't scream "look at my expensive beanie" but you know what it is if you know. Warm, fits well, doesn't give you hat hair (as much).
ACNE STUDIOS | Pansy-N-Face Wool Beanie
Merino wool means it actually regulates temperature instead of making your head sweaty. Simple, a little cheeky, and does the job.
PERFECT MOMENT | Merino Wool Beanie
Did you know that Alpaca wool is warmer than sheep's wool (and hypoallergenic if regular wool makes you itchy). The neutral colors means it goes with everything but isn't boring and it's *huge*
ALPACA LOCA | Neutral Colorblock Alpaca Wool Scarf
A women-founded ski brand that makes gear for people who actually want to look good on the slopes. The merino is temperature-regulating and the fit is flattering — no mushroom head.
HALFDAYS | Merino Beanie
If you want a color moment on your head instead of your neck, Stiksen has SO MANY COLORS. The red is rich, and fire-engine bright, and the merino keeps it breathable.
STIKSEN | Beanie 01 Merino
British countryside energy. The tartan reads heritage rather than costume, and Barbour scarves last forever. I wear mine with everything from puffers to peacoats.
BARBOUR | Hailes Tartan Scarf
A low profile knit that adds texture without overwhelming an outfit. This one feels classic without being predictable, and my husband has been known to ‘borrow’ it.
LA LIGNE | Ben Scarf
Oversized and cozy — the kind of scarf you can wrap around twice and still have ends hanging. The dark forest green is a nice break from black or grey.
ARCTIC FOX & CO | The Reykjavik Scarf With Wool - Dark Forest Green
The pop of blue that makes an all-black winter outfit actually interesting. Mohair is warm without being heavy, and the check pattern feels classic rather than trendy. This is the scarf in the outfit collage ✨
ACNE STUDIOS | Blue Mohair Checked Scarf
A budget-friendly option if you want to add some color without spending $200+ on a scarf. It's warm, it's fun, and if you lose it on the subway it won't ruin your week.
WONDER AIGO | Warm Colorful Scarf
The under-$10 hero. I keep one of these in my coat pocket for when the wind picks up and I need to cover my face. They're thin enough to breathe through but actually block the wind. Stock up.
TICONN Neck Gaiter Face Cover Scarf
Full face coverage for the truly brutal days. This one's fleece-lined and covers everything — I wear it on morning walks when it's single digits and I don't care what I look like.
BUTKLNYTS | Balaclava Ski Mask for Men & Women
The practical choice (and my daily) — the fleece is cozy, they're touchscreen compatible, and they actually grip things. These are my everyday gloves when I need to use my hands.
THE NORTH FACE | Women’s Osito Etip™ Gloves
These match the Wunder Puff jacket if you're going full matching set. Warm, puffy, and actually allow you to use your phone (sort of).
LULULEMON | Women's Wunder Puff Gloves
When it's cold enough that finger dexterity doesn't matter anymore. These are ridiculous and cozy and I don't care how they look.
UGG | Fluff Mitten With Logo Tape
An absolute game changer for long walks in the cold. These are rechargeable, fit in your pockets and leaves room for other stuff, and actually put out enough heat to make a difference. I use mine on every day in the winter.
OCOOPA Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers 2 Pack
The splurge beanie. The date night beanie. Warm without the itch, and the brushed texture gives it that effortless, slightly fuzzy look. This is the one you wear when you want to look polished, not like you're about to go skiing.
LISA YANG | Brushed-cashmere beanie
This balaclava is a moment. Yes, you might look like a bank robber. No, you won't care when it's 10º.
MANGO | Balaclava Knit Buttons
hoodies + midlayers
The layer between your base and your coat that traps the heat. Fleece hoodies, insulated vests, and technical midlayers that work without adding bulk.
The hoodie I layer under my puffer. Fleece-lined, not too bulky, and the hood actually fits under a coat hood without being annoying. I have it in multiple colors at this point.
ARITZIA | Cozy Sweatfleece Perfect Hoodie
The vest I didn't know I needed. Adds core warmth without restricting arm movement, which matters when you're holding a leash and a coffee and trying to pick up after your dog. The mockneck keeps drafts out.
ROLARTEC® | Thermal Pro™ Mockneck Vest
Lightweight insulation that packs down small. I layer this under my midlay shell under my puffer on the coldest days or wear it alone during that weird in-between weather when a full coat is too much but a sweater isn't enough.
THE NORTH FACE | Junction Insulated Vest
Norwegian brand that knows cold weather. The quarter-zip is easy to vent when you warm up, and the fit is slim enough to layer without feeling like the Michelin man. Plus the colors are actually fun.
KARI TRAA | Rothe Midlayer Jacket - Women's
Sailing brand warmth for city winters. The hood fits under a coat hood, it's moisture-wicking if you work up a sweat, and the zip pockets actually secure your stuff. This is my go-to midlayer for longer walks.
HELLY HANSEN | 2.0 Crew Hooded Midlayer Jacket
Technical base layer that doesn't look like you're about to summit Everest. The thermal knit traps heat, the quarter zip lets you regulate, and it's streamlined enough to wear under literally anything.
THE NORTH FACE | Dotknit Thermal 1/4-Zip Pullover Sweatshirt
socks + base layers
The secret to actually staying warm starts closest to your skin. Thermal leggings, merino wool socks, and the base layers that make everything else work harder.
Luxurious and warm without being bulky. These are my "nice" winter socks for when I'm not trudging through slush.
ALO | Unisex Wool Cashmere Light Frosted Sock
The thin liner that goes under your heavier socks on the coldest days. Moisture-wicking and prevents blisters when you're logging serious miles.
SMARTWOOL | Hike Classic Edition Liner Crew Socks
SMARTWOOL | Women's Ski Over The Calf Socks
Thick enough to wear as pants under a long coat, which is exactly what I do. The 27" length is perfect for my height and they don't slide down.
MONDAY | Acadia Legging 27" - Black
Actual thermal leggings for when regular leggings aren't cutting it. These go under everything when it drops below 20º.
PERFECT MOMENT | Seamless Thermal Legging
If you're actually running in the cold (respect), these are the ones. Fleece-lined, high rise stays put, and the pocket situation is actually functional.
LULULEMON | Thermal High-Rise Running Tight 25"
A proper base layer that traps heat without bulk. This goes under everything when I'm serious about staying warm — it's the top that matches the thermal leggings.
PERFECT MOMENT | Seamless Thermal Top
German engineering for your torso. This is the warmest base layer I own — I wear it on the coldest days and nothing else compares.
FALKE | Turtleneck Ski Top
I feel like Halfdays came onto the scene with a force this year, and this base-layer does not disappoint.
HALFDAYS | Johnson Top