If this is your first time in New England during the fall and winter season, you may be in for a rude awakening. It gets cold here, really, really cold here. Before I came to Clark this spring, I was in Mumbai in India for 5 years where there was no concept of winters. So for a person like me, even the slightest of cold is extreme.
Sure, cold weather is cold and winter clothes are relatively expensive, but with a few basic purchases you'll be well on your way to staying warm on a budget. As the saying goes, "there's no such thing as bad weather - only inadequate clothing”. So here I am to give you some tips to survive this winter.
1. Buy a really good winter coat. Here are five brands to look into. You can order them online or find a store that sales them.
The North Face: Price range $150-up
Colombia: Price range $100-up
L.L Bean: Price range $150-up
Patagonia: Price range: $200-up
Eddie Bauer: Prince range $160-up
The prices may seem a little steep, but it is worth your while to buy a really good coat now, because it will last for a while.
You can also go to department stores such as Macy’s, JcPenney’s or The Burlington Coat Factory. These stores may have fall/winter coats at reasonable prices.
2. Buy winter accessories. Some types of materials best to brave the winter are; wool, leather, faux fur, and cotton to name a few.
Gloves or mittens
Hats or ear muffs or head warmers
Long-johns or heat keepers or long underwear
Scarves
Warm socks
Sweaters
3. Buy a pair of warm boots. Here are three brands to look into. You can order them online or find a store that sales them.
Uggs: Price range: $150-up
L.L Bean: Price range: $140-up
The North Face: Price range: $140-up
A website that has great winter boots at reasonable prices is Sierra Trading Post. This link takes you directly to the winter boots section of the online store.
4. Buy medicine. You may get sick this winter, and it is common for most people. If you do you can always head to the nearby CVS or Walgreens to get some cold medicine such as; Dayquil/Nyquil, Zicam, Mucinex or Sudafed, just to name a few. Airborne is a product that many people use that help build up your immune systems during this runny nose season. Definitely look in to it.
5. The secret to staying warm on a budget is that it's all about layering. There are three basic layers: (1) baselayer, (2) midlayer, (3) outerwear.The good news is that you probably already own plenty of baselayers and midlayers!
Base Layer: worn directly against the skin. In winter, this layer often includes long underwear. The best base layers are made of polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, silk or other materials that wick moisture and dry quickly. In more moderate weather, this layer may simply include a lightweight T-shirt.
Mid layer: typically includes a long-sleeved shirt. Button-up shirts are a good choice, because they are easy to take off and put back on, as needed.
Insulating Layer: acts as your primary source of warmth. Examples include a fleece pullover, fleece vest or wool sweater. In very cold weather, a down vest or jacket may be used as an insulating layer.
Outerwear: This would be the awesome winter coat that you brought.
Hope these tips help you survive your first fall/winter here in Worcester. Don’t be afraid - you can get through it. Have fun!
Regardless of the cold, winter is still beautiful. (Photo source)
