How to Dress Warm on a Winter Trip: My Expert Layering Guide
If you’re anything like me, being cold is miserable. You may even avoid winter or ski trips out of fear of being freezing the whole time. I just got back from Northern Finland in the middle of winter, where temperatures dropped to 10°F (-12°C)—and I actually felt warm and comfortable! We were outdoors for most of the trip, and for the first time, I could truly enjoy it.I run cold—even in Miami—so this was a huge win. The hack to staying warm: LAYERING. There’s a science to it, so you don’t end up looking like a marshmallow.
Here’s the step-by-step layering system that kept me warm even in extreme cold!
My Layering System for Winter Travel 🏔️
If you run cold, investing in high-quality winter pieces will pay off—not just for one trip, but for years. Some of my winter staples have lasted over 10 years! The best way to build your wardrobe is to shop end-of-season sales for high-quality finds, it will be worh it.
🔹Pro Tip: Avoid cotton—it traps moisture and will make you colder. Instead, opt for wool, merino wool, and cashmere to stay warm and dry.
1️⃣ Foundation Layer (Base for Comfort)
This is your first layer—it sits directly on your skin and should feel like a second skin, offering both comfort and flexibility.
✔ Sports bra – Supportive and breathable
✔ Workout leggings – High-quality, well-fitted leggings that feel like a second skin and add a layer of warmth
2️⃣ Base Layer (Key to Staying Dry)
The base layer is the most important because it manages moisture and sweat. Staying dry = staying warm.
✔ Thin turtleneck – I wore nylon so it was well fitted
✔ Footed fleece tights – Keep legs warm AND add extra insulation for feet
3️⃣ Thermal Layer (Insulation Power)
The thermal layer traps heat to keep your body warm without feeling bulky.
✔ Thermal turtleneck – Fitted so it locks in warmth without adding bulk
✔ Thermal leggings – Lined for insulation while staying flexible
If you’re someone who always feels cold, go for midweight or heavyweight thermal layers.
4️⃣ Top Layer (Extra Warmth and Style)
This is your style moment since it’s the layer seen under your coat but still needs to keep you warm.
✔ Fleece sweater – Lightweight, breathable, and traps warmth
✔ Wool or cashmere sweater – A stylish layer, especially if you’ll be indoors or taking your coat off
If you need extra warmth stack the wool sweater over your fleece.
5️⃣ Outer Layer (Your Shield Against Wind & Snow)
This outer layer is your main barrier against the harsh weather.
✔ Ski pants – Even if you’re not skiing these are a great shield against cold, snow, and wind
✔ Warm insulated coat – You want it to be windproof, waterproof, and insulated
6️⃣✨Final Touches 🧤🧦🎩
Even with all these layers, if your head, hands, or feet are cold, you’ll be miserable.
✔ Warm Hat: this can be a fun fashion moment and keeps heat trapped, I’ll sometimes wear my coat hood for extra warmth.
✔ Neck gaiter: much more practical than a bulky scarf and it can cover your face when needed.
✔ Fleece lined gloves and/or mittens: gloves are more functional but mittens trap more heat, but —wear both for max warmth.
✔ Thermal socks wool is the best for warmth! Put these over the fleece lined tights
✔ Foot warmers: wouldn’t travel without these - the insole warmers made it feel like I was walking on a radiator. I brought toe warmers too but didn’t even need them!
✔ Hand warmers: are a LIFESAVER! If your hands get wet or exposed to the cold, they’ll go numb quickly. These keep your hands warm no matter what. You can get disposable or rechargeable ones—they both work great!
Enjoying Winter (Even If You Run Cold!)
This layering system kept me warm in Northern Finland in the middle of winter—if it worked there, it’ll work anywhere! I used to dread cold weather and miss out on so many activities because of it.
But with the right layers, I finally enjoyed a winter trip instead of just surviving it. If you’ve been avoiding snow trips out of fear of being cold, give this layering method a try—you might end up loving it ❄️✨