70-degree California winters could have never prepared me for this.
If moving up from SoCal to Washington has taught me anything, it’s that seasons are real and my body was not ready for them. I have spent over 20 years being able to go to the beach in December and sweating in knits that are “too thick.” I now wake up to below freezing temperatures and on most days, the pitter patter of rain. Needless to say, I’m cold, and here’s what I have learned while adjusting to wintery Washington:
1. Having extra blankets around is key
I brought this big fuzzy green blanket as a throw for my bed, but I actually use it EVERYWHERE! I sleep with it, I get comfy on the couch with it, and I even walk around with it draped over my shoulders. Having an extra blanket around has been super convenient, and it’s definitely an essential as the temperatures drop.
2. Carpets insulate the floor and make the space warmer
I have almost always had hardwood floors, and in California that ain’t no thing in the winter months! But here, cold weather means cold floors and cold living spaces. I laid down this fluffy carpet in the living room, and not only does it keep the area warmer, but it feels so cozy on my toes!
3. Layering is actually EVERYTHING
Okay, people always say that you should layer in the fall/winter months, but I never really had to do much of that in endless-summer California. Now, you will almost always find a long sleeve shirt and a pair of leggings underneath my outfits. I’ll add my sweaters, t-shirts, coats, and jeans on top and stay toasty warm!
4. The time to invest in good quality coat is NOW
For some reason, I thought my jean jackets would suffice, but oh how wrong I was. With abundant rainy days, warmth escapes from my body fast. I knew a coat would keep all the heat in, protect me from the elements, and ensure I don’t turn into a human glacier. I chose this Tommy Hilfiger puffer (on sale!) because it protects me down to -2 degrees Fahrenheit, it has a hood, and it’s long enough to cover my thighs—very necessary when there’s a chilly breeze!
5. Cold weather accessories make a difference
Cold weather accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves have always been more of a fashion statement to me, but now I feel like I actually need them to keep my limbs from freezing off. Lately, I have been super into berets, and the added bonus is that they keep the heat from escaping my head. This blue one is my favorite!
6. I WANT socks to cover my ankles
I’m a no-show socks kind of girl, but these days, a chilly breeze on my ankles has me down for the count. I have been living in long socks, especially fuzzy ones.
7. Soft and fluffy house slippers are a must
Like I said before, the floor has been super cold in my apartment, but walking around in these soft slippers keep my toes from turning into icicles.
8. Cozy pajamas are more than worth it
When I go to bed, I usually wear shorts and a t-shirt because I run so hot while sleeping, but not anymore! I will take all the cozy warmth I can get, and a comfy pair of pajama pants is perfect for me! I got these ones last year, but any Aerie pajamas and loungewear are my absolute favorite.
9. Tea is 10x better when it’s cold outside
I drink tea year-round, but my goodness, there really is something about having it on a chilly, cloudy day. It makes my insides feel warm and fuzzy—pure joy if you ask me. I have been loving Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green Tea. Super delicious and festive for the season!
10. My skin is going to freak out, (and that’s okay)
The colder weather has definitely impacted my skin, and it makes it drier than it already is. I’ve been adding the Versed Hydration Station Booster with Hyaluronic Acid to my moisturizer, and it has helped tremendously. While my skincare routine still has some tweaking to do, I find it important to be patient with myself as my body changes and adapts to my new situation.
Despite the infrequent sunny days, I am still so grateful and excited to be in Washington and experiencing this newfangled thing called “seasons.” I love getting to try out winter clothes that would be relatively unnecessary and obsolete in California. Even more so, I love getting to watch the weather and the leaves change—of course with my warm cup of tea, snuggly blanket, and fuzzy socks in tow.
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