Baby It’s Cold Outside

I live in Wisconsin, where below zero temperatures for days in a row are not uncommon. Many midwesterners suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I have discovered that SAD has an ugly cousin, FAD. FAD stands for Fashion Apathy Disorder. It’s a disease that strikes downtrodden souls during the winter months, encouraging them to just give up on the notion of looking good because no one will see what you’re wearing under that down parka and ski mask anyway. FAD can strike anyone at any time, and is most prevalent during the dark days of January and February. There is no need to be alarmed, though. There are ways to prevent FAD.  It is possible both to stay warm and look cute. Here’s  my prescription for vaccinating yourself against FAD–and the cold–this winter.

Tailored black down jacket. They key here is to be warm, but not look like you’re wearing your sleeping bag. A belted or cinched waist is essential. A hood is important, too, just in case the weather turns especially brutal.

Interesting, bright scarf in a fine fabric. This one is hand-knit from mohair. It’s got  a substantial width, so it can be wrapped in a lot of different ways, and pulled up to cover your mouth and nose if necessary.

Vintage fur hat. Nothing says you are serious about fighting the cold and FAD like a vintage fur hat. This one is made of shearling, but you can find them made from fox, mink, and rabbit. I’m kicking myself for not having bought a hat like this made from white alpaca when I was in Peru last fall.