I am definitely, absofreakinglutely an outdoor girl. I need fresh air on my face, I need to breathe it in, I need to walk and move and rearrange my thoughts in a way I’ve only ever been able to do when outside.

I also grew up in Marquette, MI, where below zero temps were the norm Dec – March, so I’ve never really been daunted by winter. While many people hibernate, I just…layer.

Layer Up: My Cold-Weather Outfit For Winter Walks

Granted, when the temps are really, seriously cold, my outfit for walking around outside (or winter hiking) is basically one giant snow suit. More on this topic later, but you can get an idea of what I’m talking about from my article on hiking to the Eben Ice Caves.

Most of the time, however (global warming, plus I no longer live in Marquette year-round), I’m wandering outside in the cold, but not, ya know, 18 below.

jacket (xs) – also at Nordstrom Rack | jeans (26) | leggings (under jeans) | boots | hat | similar mittens

And for these types of Winter Wanderings, in the cold and ice and snow, I almost always just throw a pair of fleece-lined tights or leggings under a pair of looser-fitting jeans.

jacket (xs) – also at Nordstrom Rack | jeans (26) | leggings (under jeans) | boots | hat | similar mittens

I’ve really been happy with UGG’s hiking-esque boots, the last few winters. They’re as warm (if not warmer) than traditional Sorels, yet are much lighter and easier to walk in. Because they’re lined in cozy sherpa, if I wear socks at all, it’s just a thin liner sock.(Running errands, I usually skip the socks, but for actual winter walks or hikes, then I always wear socks.)

Up top, I always wear some sort of base layer, a cashmere sweater, and a lightweight, moveable down puffer. This gives me enough freedom of movement, but still keeps me warm. And I never go out walking without a hat and mittens.

jacket (xs) – also at Nordstrom Rack | cashmere sweater (sm) | baselayer top (s) | jeans (26) | leggings (under jeans) | boots | hat | similar mittens

Shop My Favorite Outfit Layers For Winter Walks

My go-to pieces can be found below. I included multiple retailers for additional sizes where possible, as well as a few additional choices for base layers and mittens.

ps. Anything that’s not on sale at Backcountry might be available for our special code. Try THEMOMEDIT for 15% off.

Cheers to getting plenty of outdoor time in 2021.

xo,

S