How to dress vintage when it’s cold

How to dress vintage when it’s cold is a nagging question I’ve been trying to find an answer to, for the past few years and I believe I’ve finally got it!

It’s all fine and dandy to wear your favourite vintage suit or slacks underneath a lightweight coat if the temperature in  Autumn and Winter is mild. When it gets to – 5ºC however and you have a very low tolerance to cold, the idea of swapping your stylish boots for a pair of UGGs sounds better and better the colder it gets.

Staying warm without compromising vintage style can be rather tricky, but I have few ideas which might help my fellow vintage ladies. [Scroll down the page to find out more!]

How to dress vintage when it’s cold. In the picture, I’m wearing a 1940s wool houndstooth tweed skirt suit paired with a vintage purse, Lea Wolford tights and Megumi-O sunglasses.

Tips for how to dress vintage when it’s cold;

• Proper undergarments are definitely the key to staying warm in Winter. I usually buy my lightweight Merino wool top and leggings from an equestrian shop and believe me when I say that they are a real lifesaver on colder days. Being warm but thin enough to wear under fitted vintage garments, they definitely don’t cause any undesired bulkiness. I also recommend underwear for skiing, as it will insulate you while wicking away moisture from your body.

• I love to wear tights as much as stockings, especially when they have an interesting pattern, which is why Wolford is always my number one brand when it comes to hosiery. They keep my legs warm and are the perfect accessory for any vintage ensemble, giving it that slightly modern twist.

Lea Wolford tights

• I buy a lot of the 1940s and 1950s skirt suits and separates made of wool which, are simply irreplaceable in the colder months!

• Wearing a cape on top of a coat is an excellent idea. I’ve been collecting antique and vintage capes for years but a vintage-inspired will also do the trick. Winter gloves and muff are a must! I’m currently considering making one myself, so stay tuned!

• Finding Winter appropriate shoes that will go with my 1930s-1950s ensembles still feels like a mission impossible. The pretty ones are never warm enough and the warm ones are never pretty enough to pair with vintage garments. I  did, however, find what seems like the perfect solution for wearing beautiful shoes and not freezing to death. Sheepskin insoles! You can find them in any size and they will keep your feet toasty!

How to wear vintage when it’s cold! Sheepskin insoles and long undergarment will keep you warm and stylish in the cold days.

• Cover your ears! Earmuffs appear to be the prefered choice for cold weather, for many of the vintage ladies I know. I, however, look rather terrible wearing them, so they are definitely not an option for everyone.

• A faux or real fur stole is the perfect alternative or even a replacement for a hat and a scarf. A huge collar found in a lot of 1920s coats will protect the neck and head from a cold wind. I’m currently working on an idea, to make a giant, faux fur detachable collar.

Marlene Dietrich in “Shanghai Express”(1932)

When you still feel cold, despite following all my tips and suggestions, the last resort would be to buy a large piece of wool or fleece fabric and sew it into your coat. Alternatively, you can consider moving somewhere warm for the duration of colder months.

Whichever option you choose, remember that Spring is only a few months away.

In this cold Autumn day, I opted for;

A 1940s skirt suit made of burgundy and green wool houndstooth tweed I purchased from Bride Of The Fox. You can read more about that incredible vintage shop here!

A 1950s hair snood which is the perfect solution for keeping the vintage hairstyle intact during windy days.

Winter bejewelled gloves from Her Curious Nature.

Lea Wolford tights.

Warm undergarments from an equestrian shop.

Photography; Gregory Michael King

A 1950s hair snood keeps the vintage hairstyle intact regardless of the weather.

How to dress vintage when it’s cold

You might be also interested in my article WINTER ESSENTIALS FOR THE VINTAGE GIRL.

In the picture by Gregory Michael King, I’m wearing a faux fur Pillbox hat and Jet Faux Fur Vintage collar from Helen Moore.

Read about How to wear 1950s clothing in Autumn!