what jacket for midwest winter

<p>Regarding the turtleneck comment, my Ds sure wouldn’t be caught dead in one, but didn’t know it was yet another fashion faux pas. In my time, I’ve committed more than one, as we do in these parts. When very cold, fashion is less crucial than function, in my book. </p>

<p>However the point of the thread is keeping warm, and turtlenecks fit the bill nicely.</p>

<p>GLMom…I wasn’t making fun of anyone but MYSELF! Still break out those turtlenecks when we are caroling, skiing, playing in the snow…you’re right, “function over fashion”…just thought it was funny what the younger generation thought!</p>

<p>Winter Silks has some very nice silk <em>scrunch necks</em>. If you get the light weight ones, they are a tissue thin light layer. Mid weight can stand on its own under a vest. Silk is great. Scrunchnecks, especially in the light silk, don’t look quite as turtle-y!</p>

<p>One of the hottest items at the brand new H & M store here in South Florida is their lightweight jersey turtlenecks. My friend asked me to look for some when I was in Orlando last weekend and they were almost sold out there also. I asked a salesclerk and she said they sold through very quickly. I’m not sure who is buying them, but somebody is!</p>

<p>I live in turtlenecks in the winter…fashion faux pas or not !! At my age, I’ve earned the right to be not so fashion conscious some of the time.
Having your neck covered is a good way to keep warm. I wear scarves over my turtlenecks when I am out in the cold !!</p>

<p>Layering really is great, but given the hectic pace of college, sometimes it might not be practical to take the time to layer up and layer down going to/from class. There is something to be said for a coat that’s substantial enough to get the job done even if you just throw it on over a t-shirt.</p>

<p>You can laugh at turtlenecks all you want, but if your neck is cold, you’ll be cold. Same goes for your lower back (there’s a reason a lot of jackets are longer in the back than the front).</p>

<p>What the heck is wrong with turtlenecks? That must be because the younger generation wears scoop-neck and low-cut tops down to THERE, so it’s a fashion no-no now to cover up your neck. Poo. I have four lightweight Ralph Lauren scrunch-neck turtlenecks, two black and two gray, and I wear them all the time. I also have some silk ones from Nordstrom that are quite old, but they are really warm too. That showing off the chest area doesn’t have to happen in the winter. </p>

<p>(And I am apparently the only one who thought Kate Middleton’s engagement announcement dress was too low cut for the event!)</p>

<p>Turtle necks are classics. Like oxford shirts or polo shirts.</p>

<p>They never really go out of style, even if you can’t wear them to a nightclub.</p>

<p>LOVE the smart socks, live in them in the Chicago winters.</p>

<p>Your daughter will get used to the weather. My kids barely put on any thing I would consider a jacket until it is so cold I can’t understand why they are going outside. :eek:</p>

<p>^^Okay, don’t kill the turtle-neck messenger. The OP did not ask what WE wear in the winter, she asked what to buy her DAUGHTER. I am merely suggesting that if she includes those in a care package, don’t be suprised if she never takes the price tags off!</p>

<p>I don’t wear turtlenecks not out of a fashion-related conviction but simply because I find them uncomfortable, I don’t think they are worn often enough by the youngsters like myself these days to be used to the sensation of having something around your neck like that, closer fit than a wrapped scarf. Any time the issue of turtlenecks has come up with my friends the consensus has been that they are too uncomfortable. I have bought one or two before because they were pretty and never ended up taking the tags off.</p>

<p>I got bored and taught myself to crochet a scarf last week and I am a happy camper, all I need now are some long underwear, wool socks, and some mittens and I am good to go. I already have a knit hat and a thinsulate coat.</p>

<p>The infamous “mock” turtleneck is warm AND comfortable. </p>

<p>I have a thick neck and sometimes cut some of the elastic threads in a real turtleneck so that the neck isn’t as tight.</p>

<p>Emaheebu107, you make me feel so young! I can’t breathe in a turtleneck, it must be cause I’m a youngster.</p>

<p>The weather is so variable from now until spring she needs several options and paying attention to the weather reports the day before. Layers- as in long sleeves plus/minus sweaters for warmth and a wind/water impermeable jacket, covering the thighs is good. Also boots (no high heels!) for ice and snow, plus warmth. Head covering- not just ears. Scarf for some weather. Lined golves or even mittens to keep fingers from freezing. A parka may not be fashionable but works for the worst weather- a hooded jacket keeps the wind away from the neck. You do adapt to weather but you also need to dress for it. Frostbite is a real possibility. She should discuss options with her local friends- they will know what works and is fashionable, as well as where to buy it. This is the time of year to get winter wear- it won’t be available in January/February. Owning more than one pair of gloves, hat et al is a good idea.</p>

<p>Just as important as her clothing is her winter driving preparation. Be sure she has the proper windshield cleaning tools, a shovel (easy to find a cheap plastic one for her car trunk) and other gear and snow emergency supplies. She should also keep hat/gloves et al in her car along with a blanket (that will also help with needing to predict the days weather in advance). </p>

<p>Quiz her this weekend on how to drive in various winter conditions. Northern Indiana can get ice as well as wind blown snow- see what already hit Minnesota recently. She has a whole new skill set to acquire to stay safe.</p>

<p>The girls here in Michigan were REALLY into these coats last year: [The</a> North FaceWomen’sJackets & VestsWOMEN’S METROPOLIS PARKA](<a href=“http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=46880&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1]The”>http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=46880&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1)</p>

<p>At least here, a parka isn’t necessarily unfashionable. A NF parka and ugg boots was pretty much standard girl uniform.</p>

I grew up in Ohio, which, if you are familiar, is notorious for its drastic weather changes. We go from high 90’s in the summer to negative temperatures in the winter, so I’m used to all of it. What I would recommend to someone who is acclimating to an Indiana winter for the first time is to not try to make a north face and ugg-style boots work. Sure, a lot of her peers may be throwing them on and walking to class, but they also probably grew up in this weather and aren’t nearly as bother by it as she’ll be. She needs to invest in a GOOD winter coat. If she thinks she’ll make it through all of winter layering sweatshirts and a north face, she is oh so wrong. January is a monster here in the Midwest and she won’t make it two steps out the door wearing that. Columbia’s coats are relatively affordable and work well, make sure she gets something with a hood, otherwise you’re wasting your money. As far as boots, uggs will get drenched walking through a foot of snow all the way to class. I would recommend actual snow boots, and if she really doesn’t want those, traditional LL Bean boots are a good alternative. As others have been saying, heavy knitted scarves and a good pair of gloves are essential in the wind and bitter cold, cabin socks are also a worthwhile investment for keeping her feet warm in the snow. The first winter will be the hardest, some good snow gear and she’ll take blizzards with a grain of salt like the rest of the Midwest. Hope this was helpful!

Umm…this is 5 years old. :slight_smile:

MODERATOR’S NOTE: Please use old threads for reference only.