My dad just walked in here and started piling clothes on me. When I asked him what he was doing he replied that they were for my trip to Boston, and then dropped a wool hat over my eyes. I’m not leaving for Boston until the end of December, so I found this a bit strange. But it turns out that Floridians aren’t exactly prepared for cold weather. So I have to go clothes shopping. What are the essentials of what I need to brave a New England winter (without spending a billion dollars)?
I suggest you invest in some pantyhose. Last time I was in Iceland, I found they make a very thin layer that is insulating underneath pants.
Pantyhose - Check, I can do that. I suppose fishnets won’t do.
Think layers. I wear a thin turtleneck, light pullover, and a jacket during the winter. If it’s really cold, I’ll put a heavier sweater on under the jacket. Then, I can take off layers if necessary. The layers will trap air which will insulate you. The wool hat is good too. And definitely the pantyhose. But bring the fishnets too - you won’t be outside all the time, right? 
Don’t forget gloves. I’m from Jersey, and the snow there is sorta “wet” and heavy. Find a decent pair of relatively waterproof gloves . . .
Tripler
If we Canadians are experts in anything it would be how to deal with cold and I wonder just how cold it gets is Mass. in December? I guess it would be like our Maritimes except a little warmer. I am thinking it is going to be a damp cold as well.
Dressing in layers is the way to go. Your coat should be windproof because windchill can be way worse to deal with than the actual outside temperature. I am guessing that Floridians have a faint idea of wind chill but if you’ve never been outside in sub - freezing temperatures with the wind howling you will be in for a shock.
I prefer to wear a fleece pullover under my jacket, not only is it stylish but it adds warmth, keeps you drier, and if the collar is high enough it will keep the cold from creeping down your neck.
Extremeties - keep them warm as this is where you will lose the most heat. Good waterproof / insulated boots and gloves plus that wool hat from your dad should do the trick. A scarf would be recomended in case you find yourself outside on a cold blustery day, the less you hae exposed to the elements the better. Frostbite sucks and is easy to get.
Can you say long underwear? I can.
Did I miss anything? Around these parts gearing up for winter is a yearly ritual, I make sure that my stuff will keep me warm at -40 as these are temperatures we can expect here. With wind chills taken into account the temps can get as low as -70. I just fitted a guy out with new winter gear and it cost about $400.00 Cdn. He will be warm and toasty at -50 C.
Ditto to Feynn. Get a good scarf. Nice and long. Make sure you like it, and its not too itchy for you. This will be your favorite item during the winter. Use it early, use it often. If I had only one winter accessory to choose from, it would be a scarf.
If you’re going to be outside a lot, the best gloves are leather with a wool/cotton/poly lining. Leather gloves by themselves cut the wind, but don’t keep your hands warm. Cloth gloves keep your fingers warm, but the wind goes right through the cloth. The combination is the trick - retains heat, cuts the wind.
And get proper boots - I’ve seen people all bundled up, but wearing runners! Makes no sense, especially in wet snow. If your feet are cold, you’re cold.
(BTW - my credentials - it was 20 below zero (Celsius) this morning when I woke up.)
Hehe, dressing in layers is always a good idea (e.g. your shirt, sweater, and jacket) so in case you go inside and gets too hot, you can take some off. I remember when I was kid living in Montreal I was just wearing tons of layers, including long-undies, pants, and pantalon-a-neige (snow pants).
BTW, touque, scarf and ear muffs conserve heat that’s radiating out of your head. The muffs would save your ears too.
Too bad in BC we don’t need these (then again it’s good), just a good waterproof jacket and umbrella in the winter (and many times in the summer too).
Cheers,
jovius
Everyone seems to be claiming that Boston is going to have a bad winter this year. The last few years, it hasn’t snowed until January, but we used to always get some snow in December. (We had one brief flurry in October, but none since).
Are you coming here permanently, or for vacation? If it’s the former, you may want to bring whatever layers you have, and then do your actual main shopping once you get here. My impression is that Florida shops don’t stock a whole lot of winter gear.
Most of the locals prefer a long wool coat as the basic winter item, and they sell them everywhere. You will also need gloves and a scarf (it sounds like you have a hat already).
No, I’m just going there for Winter Break. I have a USY convention and some friends to visit.
Thanks for the advice everyone, now I just have to get different things that I can layer. Since the majority of my clothes are short sleeve or sleeveless.
I find a good cardigan in a color that coordinates with most of your clothes essential. I leave one at work to wear there. You may find yourself cold even inside, my sisterinlaw from the southwest did.
I also have a panne velvet scarf that is black and grey. It looks sort of dressy so i wear it inside too if i feel cold.
Always have an extra pair of socks with you in a waterproof baggie. Dry socks can save the day and your life. Find a hat or head cover you will [bold]actually[/bold] wear outside. Don’t bother with a stocking cap if you won’t wear it. I find having two scarves can be nice, one under the coat around the neck and one on the outside to cover the face. This helps keep the cold air from getting in the coat. Scarves should be soft and preferably real wool.
Go for light wool items as much as possible. Wool continues to keep you warm even when wet. I particularly recommend wool socks and hats. There are some synthetics out now that are also very good.
Don’t forget hand lotion and Carmex. Winter means low humidity, and you need to protect your skin.