What to Pack for a Vermont Winter
📍 Stowe, Vermont
Sweater (Similar) || Jeans || Boots ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Similar Beanie || Earrings || Bracelet || Coat (Similar)
One last post from my stint in Vermont! I’ve been to Stowe several times in the winter and each time I learn more about what to pack. For this Floridian, it’s an ever-developing process! Because I want to share what I learn along the way, here’s my latest guide in what to pack for a Vermont Winter.
Warmest Possible Jacket
The jacket is the number one pick on my list for obvious reasons. As I write this, Vermont is currently -20° F. That’s not for the faint of heart or even the toughest of souls. While NYC didn’t get to anything close to those numbers, I swear by my LL Bean Ultra Warm Parka. It’s measured for -40° temperatures and comes in several colors. The best perk of all is it will keep you just as warm as the ever-popular Canada Goose jacket but at a fraction of the cost!
Classic Bean Boots
This piece of footwear is a New England staple for a reason! No Vermont home is complete without several pairs. While there are several different heights and styles to choose from, I’m partial to the original 8-inch Bean Boots. They pair perfectly with your favorite skinny jeans and truly keep my feet dry. Consider adding a pair of the shearling insoles for even extra warmth on the coldest Vermont day.
All Winter Accessories
Vermont is the destination to pack all of the winter accessories. The top staples to include are definitely the beanie, gloves, and scarf. Especially for the gloves and beanie, bring multiples in case an extra snow day leaves them too damp. Nothing’s worse than slipping into a pair of wet mittens. Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, or camel for a safe bet. That way, you can mix and match to fit any outfit you pack.
Layering Turtleneck
Because these J. Crew tissue turtlenecks are so thin, you can pack several in your suitcase and take up minimal space. While I love wearing them by themselves, you’ll want to layer them under a cozy, oversized sweater. Wearing these pieces is also the easiest way to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. I especially love this icy pastel pink, even for a cold Florida day.
Cozy Oversized Cardigan
An oversized cardigan sweater will work double-time for you in Vermont. Start the day by slipping it on over your layered shirts. You’ll be so happy to have an extra layer with the temperatures dip below zero. At the end of a long day of being out in the snow, I like to wear mine with my pajamas. It’s the perfect addition while sitting next to the fire. It’s the kind of piece that you may just wear 24/7.
Flannel PJ Set
The right pair of pajamas may be just as crucial as the parka that you pack. Especially if the weather is nasty, you may end up staying in your PJs all day long! While flannel is the best for frosty nights, the length is probably the most important. Have a full-length set to help you stay warm as you cuddle under a mound of fleece blankets.
Dark Wash and White Wash Skinny Jeans
I’ll be honest. The skinny jean is not my favorite silhouette. I’m much more partial to straight and wide leg jeans. Whenever I head up north, I’m always sure to pack my skinniest pair to help me stay warm. It only makes sense, the more space between the fabric, the more cold air can get in to give you a chill. My go-to is this pair from J. Crew. Isn’t the color of the wash just gorgeous?
Set of Warm Socks
Bring as many wool socks that will fit in your suitcase. Even consider bringing multiple types to help keep your feet extra warm. For a touch of luxury, you could even pack this pair of cashmere socks. They definitely kept my feet toasty warm during my entire Vermont stay!
Oversized Turtleneck Sweater
This oversized turtleneck sweater from J. Crew was the best new addition to my Vermont wardrobe. I always love a cable knit pattern, but it was the incredible warmth that made me fall in love. On this particular day, we walked around Stowe when it was a balmy 4 degrees, but this sweater made me feel so comfortable and warm. I even mustered up the courage to take a picture without my wool coat.
Cashmere Leggings
Another new-to-me staple that I couldn’t live without is cashmere leggings! They were an absolute must for this particular blog post, but I found myself wearing them nearly the entire trip. On their own, they are perfect for lounging around the house. On those frigid days, you can even wear underneath your jeans to stay warm.
SPF 30 Sunscreen
If I said it once, I said it 1000 times, always pack sunscreen. Just because it’s cold and cloudy, you still need at least SPF 30 to help keep your skin healthy. My recent favorite has been SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen from Sun Bum. Even though your hundreds of miles from the ocean, this brand is reef safe and harsh chemical-free.
Polarized Sunglasses
It’s surprising how damaging the sun can be to your eyes on a snowy day. The light reflects off the white of the snow and makes the UVA/UVB rays even more powerful. Packing a pair of polarized sunglasses is always a good bet, but especially so if you’re expecting to spend a lot of time in the snow and sun. Krewe is always my favorite for sunglasses and their polarized pairs are always crowd-pleasers.
And just like that you’re packed for a Vermont Winter. While staying warm is clearly the name of the game, I want to still be as fashionable as possible. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for, right? Weather you spend the wintertime up north or in the southeast, stay warm folks!
Love from Vermont,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.