Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every few weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!
Table of Contents
Ask CF Question
Dear CF,
The snow has already started falling where I live so everyone is getting on with winter-y activities early, and I’m planning on going ice skating with my boyfriend. What’s a good way to dress cute while staying warm outside for a few hours — AND still be comfortable enough to skate around freely?
Sincerely,
Stiff and Shivering in Skates
Our Response
Dear Stiff and Shivering,
While it may not feel like winter yet here in Los Angeles, across most of the rest of the country, it’s a very different story. Winter is here, and finding ways to navigate the cold and stay fashionable can be challenging. When you throw in an outdoor activity like ice skating, sledding, or building a snowman (or let’s be honest, walking to and from your car), there’s an extra fashion conundrum to consider.
If I’ve learned anything from following my favorite Scandinavian fashion bloggers, it’s that fashion in the winter is all about investing in good undergarments. Thick thermals and fleece-lined leggings are essential to keep warm. Then, just pile on your favorite items, as well as some winter accessories, like hats, scarves, and mittens, and you’ll look great and feel toasty!
I’ve put together three different looks to wear while going ice skating, but they could work equally well for other winter activities. The shoes I chose are for traveling to and from the rink accordingly (or once you get to your destination if you’ll be inside) but when it comes down to it, your best all-purpose winter boot will get the job done. I hope you find these looks inspiring and helpful this winter!
Keep warm,
Jessica
Outfit 1
Product Information: Jacket, Sweater, Scarf, Pants, Hat, Shoes
A turtleneck, puffer jacket, and fur trapper hat are the quintessential winter items, so throwing them together in one look just made sense. Add on a leopard print scarf, gray denim and some high top sneakers. Don’t forget to wear your layers underneath, too!
Outfit 2
Product Information: Shirt, Sweater, Leggings, Boots, Mittens, Hat
For this outfit, layer a chambray button-up under a rose-pink oversized knit. Then add on some red crushed velvet leggings. These are a comfy pant choice that will give you the flexibility you need for all the turns, spins, and arabesques you’ll be showing off on the rink (ha! I wish!). Add on your mittens and pom-pom beanie. This getup may be better suited for an indoor rink where the elements are controlled, but adding on a coat can easily transition the look to the outdoors.
Outfit 3
Product Information: Gloves, Jacket, Ear Muffs, Pants, Shoes, Bracelet, Scarf
This final ensemble is the ultimate in femininity on the rink. Layer on your warmest thermals and sweaters, then top them off with a statement-making belted coat. The A-line silhouette is great because it won’t hinder skating. Next add on green corduroy pants. Finish the look with winter-ready accessories to brave the chill – faux fur ear muffs, a thick knit infinity scarf, and gloves are perfect!
Do you have a fashion question? Send it our way!
Is there something in your closet that you can’t seem to figure out how to wear? Do you have an event coming up and need an outfit idea? Do you have a specific fashion conundrum you need help with?
If you have a question you want to see answered in this column, just send it on over via email to askcf @ collegefashion.net and one day you might see your question answered right here on the site!
Please note: We get A LOT of email and unfortunately we will not be able to respond to every single question. However, we will read through each question and then decide which ones will be most helpful to the most readers. Thank you for your understanding.
What do you think?
Will you be going ice skating this season? What will you wear there? What other winter activities will you be doing this year? What do you plan to wear? Do you like these outfits? Which one is your favorite? What advice do you have for keeping warm and fashionable in the winter? Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
I like outfit 2 warm and comfortable
This article would have been five times better if there had been a section on what the right undergarments are. Things like fleece lined leggings and moisture wicking shirts/socks are great. Like the comments above said, make sure the clothes are stretchy, you layer, and the socks are thin. Have fun!
Don’t wear really tight skinny jeans! Not only can it be harder to move around in, but skates are like very tight ankle/mid-calf boots… if you can’t roll up your jeans to that height you’re going to have problems.
How about nice winter-appropriate leggings under a (what else?) skating skirt?
The outfit 3 is my favourite, looks great.
The leggings are fine but I wouldn’t go with jeans, especially not skinny jeans because the denim gets wet which will make you feel colder quicker, and tight jeans are more difficult to move in. I’ve been skating for over 15 years and typically wear a long sleeve shirt with a tank top underneath, thick socks, and a pair of leggings sometimes with leg warmers, I’ll toss on a beanie, gloves and a sweater or vest but within a half an hour on the ice I strip down to just the tank top and leggings. Skating is exercise so you will heat up even if all you are doing is laps around the rink so there is no need to bundle up as if you are headed out to play in the snow.
As another figure skater, contrary to a previous poster, I would recommend against wearing thick socks as most skates (figure skates anyways, I’m not as well versed in hockey skates/speed skates) are not made to be worn with thick socks. Your feet will be better off in thinner socks or tights as the skates will fit better and be more comfortable. You are also more likely to get blisters wearing thick socks. If you’re worried about your feet being cold there are some great foot warmers that stick to the bottoms of your feet that are great for taking the edge off the cold. They also work great for skiing, winter hiking or basically any activity where your feet might get cold.
As a figure skater, I can’t recommend layers enough! Particularly if you’re not used to ice arenas or if you’re skating outside. Wearing tights under your jeans won’t interfere with the cuteness of your outfit (and you can take them off after) but it’ll help keep the cold at bay.
As for the outfits, I really like #3; it’s both my personal style and the most practical, I think, for actual skating. The long coat will keep the cold from creeping in where your shirt might ride up from your pants, especially if you slip and fall!
THOU SHALT WEAR GOOD SOCKS
I can’t emphasize this enough. I still have scars from when I ice skated without adequate socks in May at a rink. Make sure they are long and thick. Volleyball socks work well.