How to dress stylishly for three outdoor winter activities

Things may feel a little bleak on the holiday party front, but if last year’s lockdown proved anything, we’re still able to make the most of the wintry season with the abundance of outdoor activities available to us. So in case you’re in need of an outerwear update, or if you’re looking to try a new sport this season, let us help you in the style department. We tapped a couple of stylish and seasoned outdoor adventurers to help us figure out how to dress for three winter outdoor activities — from snowboarding on the slopes to ice skating on the rink.

How to dress for hiking/runs: “Find a sleek jacket that provides a great distribution of heat for winter runs without feeling bulky,” advises style and beauty influencer Sasha Mei (@sasha.mei), who starts off every other morning with an outdoor hike or run no matter the season. As for leggings, Mei suggests a pair of wintry ones. “In the cold, it takes longer for your legs to warm up whether you’re running or hiking,” she says. “Look for a pair like these Alo Yoga pants with fleece-like material to keep your legs warm, which I find especially useful on windier days.” When it comes to hikes, the IG creator suggests investing in a great pair of boots that are versatile enough for any outdoor activity in any season and then adding woolly socks for maximum warmth. She reminds us not to forget about our ears. The outdoor runner says ear warmers serve multiple functions. “Not only do they keep you warm, but they also keep your headphones from falling out.”

The thermal jacket: Nike jacket, $152, nike.ca SHOP HERE

The running leggings: Alo Yoga leggings, $165, aloyoga.com SHOP HERE

The gold-standard hiking boots: Columbia boots, $140, mec.ca SHOP HERE

The multi-functional headband: Athleta headband, $35, athleta.gapcanada.ca SHOP HERE

How to dress for ice skating: Although my competitive skating days are behind me, you’ll still regularly find me spinning away at the nearest outdoor rink every winter. While skating outdoors is very different from skating indoors (read: no regulated heating), I’ve learned how to dress for the winter outdoor activity over the years. Basically, you want to find pieces that give you both mobility and warmth — and if they make you look good, then that’s bonus points. Start with an extra-warm base like a Uniqlo Heattech turtleneck to keep your neck and core warm and dry, so when you start to move around, you don’t get cold from the evaporated sweat. Throw on a light down jacket or quilted pullover for additional warmth. For bottoms, leggings are my personal favourite because they not only keep your legs warm, but they also ensure your blades never get caught in the hem of your pants when you do fall.

The chic down pullover: Luxton sweatshirt, $650, luxtonwoman.com SHOP HERE

The insulating turtleneck: Uniqlo turtleneck, $20, uniqlo.ca SHOP HERE

The statement leggings: Lululemon leggings, $128, lululemon.com SHOP HERE

The tech-friendly gloves: The North Face gloves, $50, thenorthface.com SHOP HERE

How to dress for snowboarding/skiing: “Jumpsuits are my personal go-to for snowboarding because they are comfy, great for layering and don’t let any snow in,” says financial analyst and OG Canadian blogger, Nelia Belkova (@styleblogca). “I find them the most practical and versatile for on and off the slopes.” The seasonal snowboarder, who’s been hitting the hills for the past 10 years, suggests layering a thermal turtleneck or this Perfect Moment jumpsuit in a stylish print underneath to not only keep you warm, but look super cute on its own après ski. As for accessories, Belkova loves a pair of supportive snowboarding boots with the Boa technology. “The Boa closure makes it easy to put on and take off — once you go with the Boa, you’ll never go back to tying laces ever again.” She also suggests topping off the look with a colourful balaclava under your helmet to keep your head warm.

The versatile snowsuit: Mackage snowsuit, $1,390, mackage.com SHOP HERE

The layering jumpsuit: Perfect Moment jumpsuit, $763, perfectmoment.com SHOP HERE

The cool snowboard boots: Vans snowboard boots, $370, vans.ca SHOP HERE

The warm headgear: Simons balaclava, $75, simons.ca SHOP HERE

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