I wear skirts and impractical shoes all winter. Unfortunately, I don’t drive from one heated garage to another to get from home to work. I take the bus. On the best of days, that means a cold walk and wait. On the worst, I’m slogging through ice and snow while ducking the overgrown branches that threaten to push me off of the sidewalk and into traffic. I maintain my warmth and footing with strategic bundling.

Here I am, dressed in my plaidtastic best for another business casual day. While the office is a toasty 68 degrees, it’s a windy 29 outside and the streets and walks are covered in ice.

First, I lose the shoes and grab a pair of thick socks. These are actually a pair I used to wear with my military boots. The thicker, the warmer, the better.


I have two pairs of polyester fleece pants. These are better than your typical cotton sweatpants because they don’t absorb water and will keep one warm, even when damp. I put them on under my skirt. If I’m already wearing trousers, I pull the fleece pants on top.


Fleece pants, Moda International. Sexy, no?
Galoshes get me through the winter. Most people think of them as rain boots, but they work well in ice and snow. They are waterproof and have good traction. The thick socks beneath make them warm, too.


Star print galoshes from Target.
Finally, I add what most cold weather commuters wear: a coat and hat. I also usually don a scarf and gloves, but I was getting kind of hot doing these pictures indoors. The fancy shoes are slipped into my work bag, ready to be put back on after I’ve removed the pants, socks, and boots in the office cloakroom. (Coat, Guess. Hat, World Market.)

And, tah-da! I haven’t let the cold weather cramp my style. (Jacket, Odds ‘n Evens [thrifted]. Dress, Bitten. Pumps, Charlotte Russe. Clutch, gift. Headband, Forever 21.)