Sponsored by Backcountry and ShopStyle Collective
Winter lasts so long here in Northern Michigan that I’m constantly trying to get creative in how to dress for it, and if we get a relatively normal amount of snow, I’m also trying to figure out how to get active in the fresh air.
While it is tempting to have my sights set on spring, there’s still plenty of chilly weather left. I found a handful of pieces that have not only been performing really well this winter, but many of them are even included in Backcountry’s epic end-of-season sale!
jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
Staying warm while not feeling bulky is the goal every single winter for me. While I haven’t made time for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing these past few years, I have craved simpler activities, like a long healthy walk or pulling my little man in the sled down the sidewalk to our local park.
Long Winter Coat, Sneaker Boots & More: The Outfit Keeping Me Warm In The Snow
I long to be outside year-round, and it truly helps combat those seasonal blues that seem to be increasingly present in the cold months for me. What I don’t want is to have to pull on my bulky snow boots or layer up three coats just to stay warm — especially as spring draws near (if only in my mind). I want functionality with warmth, I want to easily run after my toddler…and okay, I want to feel cute, too.
jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
The Columbia Winter Coat We Must Discuss
The Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket was aptly named. It’s incredibly soft with the most convenient and comfortable wrist gaiters built into the sleeves helping to lock in warmth even if you forget gloves (which I always do, usually on purpose). There’s a handful of colors to choose from, and some are even included in Backcountry’s semi-annual sale.
I can still really move in this thing. I can comfortably bend down to pick up my toddler, I can chase after him when he makes a swift move to follow the stranger that just snow-biked past us, and the sleeves (plus wrist gaiters) are long enough for all the motions, too.
jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
This Columbia Long Hooded Jacket is so modest in weight that it’s almost shocking how warm it keeps you (probably has something to do with that omni-heat reflector technology — I’ll take it). The hood is fleece-lined and the perfect size to pull up over my winter hats when it’s windy. Plus, with the jacket’s extra long length, it’s the perfect pairing with fleece leggings.
Fit Notes: I’m 5’9″ and go between a size medium and large for jackets. I’m wearing a size large in this coat and it’s fantastic. I opted for the large since by the photos online I could tell it was a more fitted style with a slightly cinched waist, and I am very broad in my upper body. I wouldn’t grab this coat for the negative wind chills that can occur (actually I just skip going outside entirely when that happens, let’s be honest here) but it’s been perfect when our temperatures have hovered in the 20-30 degree range.
jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
These Sneaker Boots, Tho
These Sorel Kinetic RNEGD Sport Boots are deserving of a post entirely on their own. I’m that over the moon about them. I spent the entire first half of winter on the hunt for a sneaker-boot hybrid, and while I came close with another Sorel pair, my feet weren’t staying as warm as I’d hoped. But then…these pretty babies.
It was the light peachy-pink hue of the sole that first caught my attention and had me clicking to know more about these shoes. To my delight, they were actually described online as a “half boot, half sneaker” for “year-round chilly weather use” — uhm, SCORE.

jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
While these look like sneakers, the rise covers your ankle like a boot. There’s squishy, soft insulation inside that’s not only wildly comfortable but keeps my feet warm in frigid temperatures. My feet also stay dry while trudging through snow with my son and his sled thanks to the waterproof material. They are light on the feet, much more so than a traditional boot, and while I haven’t gone for a full-out jog in these or anything, I always get the feeling while wearing them that they’d perform well for the task.
These Sorel Sport Boots were everything I’d been looking for this winter — my gem of a find for the season — and they’re now included in Backcountry’s semi-annual sale!
Fit Notes: I’m a true size 9 ½ but wear a 10 in boots. I grabbed a 10 in these and they’re spot-on, so I would consider these true to size. They’re easy to get into, the laces stay tied while you’re out being active, and they were comfy from day one (no breaking-in required). Honestly, I’m obsessed.
jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
Flattering Fleece Leggings Are A Must-Have
Don’t sleep on a pair of fleece leggings for winter, specifically if you live (or journey to) where it snows. This pair from Backcountry has the most flattering two-toned detailing: a slightly darker-toned black covers the entire back, creating a stripe down the side of your leg that is very slimming. AND, these are included in their end-of-season sale, making them a steal right now.
Fleece leggings are my go-to trick for staying warm outside while not having to put on bulky pants. You can run, skip, jump and not feel like you’re going to fall over in a marshmallow heap (or worse — feel stiff in denim that gets easily soaked in snow). Plus, that fleece lining keeps you cozy as can be.
jacket | shoes | leggings | sweater
These leggings have a large side pocket for keys and cards and an extra high rise with a great waistband. There’s even a drawstring on the inside of the waistband so you can tighten it to your liking — which is actually very convenient on thicker leggings like these. I’m rocking my true size medium!
A Super-Soft Sweater & Warm Beanie To Top It All Off
This waffle sweater is oversized, but the arms are actually a ¾ length rather than the full length shown online. It’s super soft and has a mock-neck that helps aid in warmth (also available in a stunning blue hue,) but even better? It’s included in the sale!
Top the outfit off with a warm beanie, and that’s the outfit keeping me going through this second stretch of winter. While my beanie sold out in an actual flash, there’s a bunch more cute ones included in the sale (actually, the accessories sale section in general is gold right now), here are a few of my favorites:
Psst – if you find yourself eyeing up some items not included in the sale, don’t forget to use promo code THEMOMEDIT for 15% off first full-priced purchase. Some exclusions apply.
Xx,
Amy
Thank you so much to Backcountry and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post! I can confidently say that I’ve found some of my most-used & well-loved pieces of gear for outdoor adventures from Backcountry, your selections are always top notch. And shout out to our sweet readers for all your support – I’m so thankful you’re here!
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl bing-athons, and endless cups of coffee – all with a good dose of adorable toddler content, too.
you have an oura ring, Amy? how do you like it??
I do, good eye! I really love it – I’ve never had an apple watch or anything else that does any sort of stat tracking to compare it to, but the ring has been amazing (and easy to wear, I’m not a watch person). The sleep stats have been the most fascinating and it’s reallllly motivating to keep my overall health at the forefront of my mind! It’s only been two months but I’ve made a lot of positive changes to get my sleep + activity scores better! Xx