New to "Winter" Concept
 

I haven't lived in snow since I was about 8 years old. I was raised in sunny Florida and then moved to sunny Southern California. Now, I am back in the north (DC) and I know this fall and winter are going to be a shock to my little body-- any advice on what to wear when it gets cold and still look professional?

Also, what are good brands to invest in for a long peacoat? What kind of jackets do I need?

Thanks!
brrrr

I got my peacoat from a military surplus store.

DC winters are never all THAT bad.....the past couple winters have been pretty mild in terms of temperature. There has been snow, but only about once during the season does it ever accumulate enough to close schools.

If you're new to the Virginia/DC climate, I'd recommend a peacoat (I don't have any particular brand recommendations) , certainly one that covers the rear. Ideally, you'd have two--a mid-length one for everyday and a longer one for more formal wear... Stock up on cute scarfs to go with! :D Also I'd get a snow jacket of some kind for rainy days and/or weekends. North Face, Columbia, something like that.

I also have a lot of cardigans for the inbetween times. But that's because I have a cardigan fetish LOL.

I am the queen of the twin set, so I am all stocked up on cardigans! (Meet my twin sister, Ann Taylor!)

I have a poofy blue snow-ski jacket from Old Navy. Will people laugh at me if I wear it?

Thanks for the tips! I'll go check out Filene's Basement for some good deals :)

Come on over to Wisconsin. We'll show you the true meaning of "winter concept." No lie.

One of the salespeople at Ann Taylor in Tyson's Corner Galleria is a Theta friend, Lindsay C.

And at LL Bean's, my own little sister, Kathy S. ! (PM me if you need their last names). :)

(in case you need a discount!)

you rock! :)

Buffalo, NY is pretty damn cold, compare to DC.

You could also try your local Eddie Bauer store.They usually have functional but tasteful clothing also.

So yer movin' to DC? Be prepared for total panic and siege mentality when the weather-guessers predict snow in the forecast. It could snow 1/2 inch or it could be an 18-24" monster, and for whatever reason it falls faster than sanding trucks can handle!

If you work for the gub'mint, they institute a 'liberal leave' policy (read: you can take a snow day off, but it comes outta your leave days). Private industry varies.

True that.

Now to be helpful, I have two different North Faces - I wear the Denali in winter and it's normally fine over a sweater and a l/s tee, complete with scarf and mittens! For dressier coats I have a great red knee-length from GAP and an Abercrombie peacoat from years ago that is awesome.

Buffalo, NY is pretty damn cold, compared to Antartica.