You are far away from home as a new immigrant and you are not yet acclimatised to the chilly weather. This is the season when you want to remain warm, and most times remain indoors.
A trendy belief most people share is the need to layer up so much that you end up looking like a blown-up balloon, but that’s a lie: there are a couple of outfits made from wool, cotton, cashmere, etc. that will serve your knight in shining armour.
As a new immigrant, you may be stuck between what to get during this period, where to get them, and if it fits into your budget.
In today’s blog, I will be sharing with you a couple of tricks up my sleeve, and hopefully, it can help you when you make your next purchase decision, and also help you look stylish and remain warm during this period.
One evergreen trick is purchasing clothing items in neutral colours first and building up in other colours later, think of black, white, beige, ash, and brown.
This is because these colours are versatile and can be paired with other colours.
Starting strong is the H&M black turtleneck top.
Looking for a staple that will serve you as a new immigrant in a chilly country, this H&M turtle neck top shouldn’t be missing in your wardrobe. Always remember you want to keep every part of your body warm and secured from the cold.
This one from H&M is a great fit in your wardrobe as it’s easy to style. Pair this with a tailored pant, a blue mum jean or a skinny jean, it’s all about versatility. You can layer this up with a trench coat or a puffer jacket depending on your preference.
2. Knit Wear Sweater
Something as thick as a sweater will save you a lot of stress layering up. A knitwear cardigan or sweater is a winter essential, as it’s warm when worn alone.
When deciding on making a purchase you want to ensure it is thick enough and a bit bigger, so here is another trick, when buying a knitwear sweater, you want to size up a bit to give room for layering on days when the weather gets extremely cold. This one from SHEIN is the perfect fit for that extra warmth and cosiness.
3. Puffer Jacket
I think everyone should have a long puffer jacket and a short puffer jacket in their wardrobe. During fall, you can wear the short one and when it’s officially winter season, you can bring out the longer one; a couple of brands that have the best and you can get at a discounted price are Sports Direct and Asos.
They come in assorted colours, but having one in black or nude makes styling easier.
4. Thermal Wear
Your winter wardrobe is not complete without a thermal wear, this will save you from looking voluminous and bouncy, M&S and Uniqlo have a couple that are budget-friendly and practical enough for the weather. Thermal wear should be underneath your outfit to give that extra warmth, especially on days when you don’t want to go over with a puffer jacket, or you want to look stylish.
5. Chunky Ankle Boot
These are versatile because they would serve you all year round, you should get one in black and nude as these colours can be easily paired with any colour of outfit. Here is one that will fit perfectly on snowy days.
6. Earmuffs
Your ears should not be left unattended, getting an earmuff will protect your ear during this period, and this one from Amazon will serve you for a long time.
7. Cashmere Scarves
What is a winter outfit without scarves to secure your neck from the jarring weather? This one will not only stop the cold from seeping in but also elevate your outfit. It’s quite affordable and practical.
8. Trench Coat
You will have days when you want to look stylish and classy and this classy black coat from Zara is essential for winter, think of days when going on a date night or a classy dinner, a black coat will save the day.
9. Hot Water Bottle
The colder it gets the longer you need to keep your heating on, and this also translates to an increase in your light bill, having this Hot water bottle from Amazon can keep you warm, fill this up with hot water and pop it under your duvet or throw blanket.
10. Head Warmer
For days when you don’t want to accessorize but look put together, a head warmer is your go-to best friend, she will keep your head warm and also uplift your look. Pair this one from Asos with a knitwear sweater, blue jeans, and an ankle boot with a scarf over your neck and you are good to strut that runway.
11. Joggers
These are an everyday staple, and you will never go wrong wearing them on days you are looking for a chicer and more laid-back look, this Jogger from M&S is the best fit. You can wear this with a pair of sneakers, and a bodysuit with a black coat over it. Usually when wearing this, you want to wear a thermal legging underneath for some extra warmth.
Even though you are far away from home as a new immigrant and not accustomed to a chilly climate, having the essentials will keep you warm on days when you miss what you’ve known as home and help you find home and solace in a new climate.
Here is a checklist of your winter essentials as a new immigrant in a chilly climate.