The cold months have been upon the northern hemisphere for a while and before it gets warmer it will only get colder. As temperatures range from 19 degrees to 40 degrees, there is no doubt that everyone needs to bundle up. Your outerwear collection should include at least one pair of gloves or mittens (whichever you prefer) to ensure your hands stay nice and warm and don't crack from the cold dry weather, a hat lined with fur or fleece (90 percent of body heat is lost through the head), one or two coats- one that is waterproof and a casual/formal one if you want, and a scarf (the skin on the neck is very thin and fragile so protect it).
Here are the top ten places to shop for outerwear, so everyone can stay warm and toasty for the rest of winter:
1. REI- Not only do they specialize in outdoor equipment, but they have everything from coats to face masks. There are shelves and shelves that are filled with hats and gloves of every color and size, the coat section has coats that will keep you warm in Antarctica or warm for a night in Falls Church. The wide selection of brands and styles is sure to keep you happy and warm.
2. The North Face- Another store that specializes in outerwear, but only carries their brand. Known for their fleece jackets that come in an array of colors, they also offer many more kinds of jackets whether they are light or heavy they will keep you warm on the inside and outside.
3. Patagonia- Although it could be lumped into a category with the other two stores, one of the main differences is their inclination to help the earth. For the green inside of you, Patagonia is the store to shop at if you want to help the earth and be warm.
4. Nordstrom- With over two floors of clothing wonderfulness, check out the outerwear section that holds many choices. While Nordstrom does not specialize in outerwear, their wide selection of things to keep you warm will prepare you to go out into the wilderness.
5. J. Crew- If you want to look like the Obamas, J. Crew is the place to shop for outerwear. At the inauguration of President Obama, his two daughters wore custom J. Crew coats which are now sold in the actual stores. The store bases it's sales on the seasons, so right now there is still a lot of outwear in the store; but if you want to get your outerwear for a good bargain, wait until the end of January when most stores' winter collections goes on sale.
6. American Eagle- The store aimed at teenagers and college students has a variety of pea-coats and waterproof coats. Boys and girls will find it easy to find something that looks good and is in style. If you like an array of plaids, this store will certainly be worth your time and money.
7. Under Armour- They not only specialize in making warm things, but they also make things with little bulk and maximum movement. If you are an athlete or an active person Under Armour provides protection against wind and cold. The best thing about them is that they create things that are not bulky. A warm coat can be thin yet extremely warm and have interchangeable linings.
8. Pac Sun- The California style store may be targeted at younger children, but they sell brands such as Volcom, Roxy, Hurley, Burton, and Billabong. These brands specialize in boarding sports which includes snowboarding. They create outwear products that are warm, waterproof and stylish.
9. Unique- Yes the huge thrift store warehouse-- the rows and rows and rows of clothes offer a wide variety at a low price. They may be used, but unless there are noticeable holes or stains on the garment, it's fine. Wash it a couple of times once you bring it home and all that money you saved can go towards a pair of shoes or something.
10. Macy's- They aren't just famous for their Thanksgiving Day Parade, they sell a lot of clothes. The mannequins are usually outfitted in fun and stylish coats. Ask a clerk to help you find the right style and color for you.
