How to Keep Warm in Autumn & Winter
Knowing that the temperatures are soon to drop, many of us are asking, how can I stay warm in autumn and winter? With the current energy crisis and spiralling energy costs, you can’t always just turn up the heating.
As Old Man Winter approaches, keeping warm in winter is crucial. When fighting off the cold, you should arm yourself with plenty of easy-to-adjust layers that are warm and comfortable. With this method, you can still do the things you love without worrying about being cold.
Just staying warm may not be enough for you, you might be thinking, how to dress warm and stylish in winter?
With our top tips for staying warm, lowering bills, and expertly designed and picked warm autumn clothes for mature ladies, you’ll have it all this autumn/winter season.
What is the best way to layer up clothes?
Planning your layers can make all the difference. Layers should be snug but not too tight so that air can circulate but retains your body heat. It is also critical to have a base layer that wicks moisture. Natural fibre knitwear such as Merino Wool and Lambswool Knitwear is ideal for this purpose.
Dress warmly with these layered clothing style techniques. Start with a base layer such as a thermal vest or pure cotton t-shirt, a middle layer such as a jumper or sweatshirt and an outer layer such as a gilet or cardigan.
This technique is versatile, and comfortable, offering optimal insulation in the home even when it is freezing outside. It also allows you to add or remove clothing as necessary to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
It may also be worth investing in fleece-lined trousers, thicker tights to wear under your lightweight trousers and wearing cosy and stylish slippers with a solid base and wool lining to make sure that both your upper body and lower half are as warm as possible.
What is the best way to layer up clothes?
When venturing outdoors, a coat that retains your heat and repels the elements is essential for keeping warm in the winter. And on wet days it’s vital to ensure that this is waterproof.
Once you start to soak water into your inner layers, not only do your clothes become heavier, but your body soon loses its heat, and shivering starts. If you get soaked or wet through, change your clothes as soon as possible.
Healthline answered, why do we shiver? Shivering is your body’s involuntary natural response to being cold and is attempting to warm you up. This is a sign that it's time to add a layer or head inside and warm up.
Quick-start guide to layer clothing for cold weather
1. Base layer: For absorption
2. Middle layer: For insulation
3. Outer layer: For protection
4. Accessories: For extra warmth
5. Nightwear: For bedtime warmth
How many layers of clothing are recommended for cold weather?
It is recommended that you wear three layers for cold weather including, the base, middle and outer. We have also explained below how accessories and nightwear can be valuable assets for keeping warm too. Read on to find out more.
1. A Base layer that keeps you dry
What is base layer clothing?
This is the first layer you should consider. So, let’s start with underwear. It should be a snug fit for comfort and be made from a non-absorbent and breathable material. This works by wicking away any moisture and keeps your skin dry.
Hot tip: For extra warmth, tuck your base layer in to keep out drafts of cold air. Your back will thank you!
2. Middle layer: For insulation
This layer is important as it seeks to trap air, preventing air circulation from carrying away body heat. This layer also acts as a conduit for moisture and transfers it from your underwear beyond your outer layer through evaporation. Natural fibre materials are fantastic for this as they are warm and breathable, making them the perfect choice for keeping you warm in cold weather.
If it’s not raining cats and dogs, and the wind isn’t strong enough to knock your hat off, the middle layer may be enough to keep you warm without a jacket. However, when the elements are against you, read on.
When deciding on your outer layer, you should think about your environment. If it's a brisk and sunny day, popping a gilet on may be enough to keep you warm. However, if it's piercing cold, you may require something more heavy-duty to combat it.
If this is the case, choosing a jacket or coat will be the way forward. When selecting an outer layer you must also consider the material from which it's made. Natural fibres like wool provide you with great amounts of warmth yet allow moisture and airflow to circulate due to its breathable nature. This will help prevent sweating when you're active.
As well to this, high-quality wool is water repellant. So if you're caught in a light shower you should be able to make it home without getting too wet, however, wool is not totally waterproof. If wool gets saturated, water can soak through the fibres and it can become heavy, so be mindful of the level of rain when wearing a wool coat.
4. Accessories: For extra warmth
So, you’ve made it this far and could now be thinking, what to wear in autumn and winter to complete my look? And how stay extra warm yet stylish at the same time?
Now you have the main parts of your body wrapped up, it’s time to think about what’s left. You can lose body heat from any exposed part of your body, so your head, neck, hands, and feet are next.
Centra Care states in their article, Top 5 ways body heat is lost that “40-45 per cent of body heat is lost through the head and neck due to increased blood flow in comparison with the rest of the body. Combined with the wrists and ankles, this can approach 60 per cent. These areas need to be covered!”.
Autumn fashion for the over 50s and 60s doesn’t have to be difficult. Finish off your layering with some stylish accessories made from natural and breathable fibres to trap in all your body’s warmth.
Scarfs, snoods, gloves, hats, or ear warmers should do the trick. You can also opt for high-cut boots for extra leg and ankle coverage.
Hot tip: If you’re looking for how to dress warm but not bulky? Pick a few complementary colours to add depth to your winter look. Too many layers of the same colour, and you may end up looking much bulkier than you might like.
Bonus Tip
Once you have finished layering, you should test your ensemble. Move around a little to test your manoeuvrability. If folding your arms or keeping them flat by your side isn’t possible, you’re most likely wearing too many layers.
If this is the case, lose a layer or change it. Layers can be made up of varying thicknesses or combinations of materials. So, when you’ve found the perfect balance, you’ll be ready for anything the day has to throw at you.
5. Nightwear: How to get warm in bed?
Finally, keeping warm during the night is just as important, especially if you are looking for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Choosing the right garment for keeping warm at night can make a difference. A cotton flannel nightdress or pyjamas are a warm option. Alternatively, a luxuriously soft cotton jersey is extremely comfortable and warm, particularly when paired with a bed jacket, housecoat or dressing gown.
But how can you warm your feet up?
Consider alpaca bed socks and cosy sheepskin slippers if you want to make sure that you are kept warm from head to toe.
Hot tip: Alpaca socks are ideal for people with diabetes as they fit comfortably snug but do not restrict any blood flow.
Examples of clothes: Flannel Nightdress, Jersey PJs, Alpaca Bed socks, Housecoat, Dressing Gown, Bed Jacket and Slippers.
Hot water bottles are another great and effective way of keeping you warm. They also have additional benefits of reducing stress, easing aches, alleviating pains, and helping you sleep.
How long does a hot water bottle last?
Uncovered it will stay warm for approx 1-2 hours, however, we would always recommend only using a hot water bottle with a suitable cover. It can stay at high temperatures all night when paired with a good cover. This will also minimise the effects of hot water bottle heat rash.
Finally, during the autumn/winter, electric blankets can give you warmth without having to turn up the thermostat. You cannot heat a whole room, but they do a great job of keeping you warm at night.
We do not recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on. They are great for short-term use, and although unlikely, they can overheat if used poorly or for lengthy periods.
Does an electric blanket use a lot of electricity?
According to Nimble Fins, the average cost per kWh of electricity in the UK in 2022 is 28p. As an example, a 100W electric blanket at 28p per kWh would cost just under 3p to run at full power for an hour.
How to wear a dress in winter?
1. Sweater vs jumper vs cardigan
So you’re going out in the cold. Well, as long as they don’t restrict movement, try combining any of these instead of a coat. This will help keep you warmer without making you feel too bulky.
What cardigan to wear with a dress in winter?
Just couple one of your favourite dresses with a cosy cardigan in a thicker material, something heavier than a cardigan you would wear in spring or summer. Merino wool, shetland wool and lambswool knitwear are perfect for this purpose.
2. Layer underwear and layer clothing
As previously mentioned, you should also layer undergarments underneath your clothes. This helps trap heat inside your body.
3. Add some accessories to create an elegant look
If you're going out in the cold, add accessories to your outfit to make it more stylish and even warmer. Adding a stylish natural fibre scarf, hat, gloves, or boots are great accessories to keep you warm while still looking fantastic.
4. Choose a colour that will work for you
There's no right or wrong colour when it comes to dressing up in the winter. However, certain colours have warmer tones and work better than others. Autumnal shades reflect the season and are often a popular choice.
5. Don't forget about shoes
You should also consider what kind of shoes you're going to wear. If you plan on walking around outside, then you'll need comfortable shoes that won't slip off easily. A waterproof walking shoe is worth considering for wet days.
When do autumn clothes come out?
Autumn/Winter clothing usually launches in high street stores and online retailers from June. Even though it tends to still be warm out, clothing brands prefer to offer new lines early so that customers can prepare their wardrobes ahead of the season change The previous summer season will then go into sale. The Country Collection Autumn/Winter 2022 line is scheduled to drop in July. Sign up with your email to be the first to receive special announcements. Sign up here.
Tips for keeping warm in winter without heating
As well as layering your clothes correctly, staying active is important when boosting your circulation and warding off cold chills. We have carefully selected tips for staying warm this winter without a heater below.
TIP ONE
Quick chores
Spreading out a few chores throughout the day can help get your blood pumping.
Simply moving your body is a great way to keep warm in winter without electricity, this will also help you keep on top of those daily chores that can easily stack up
TIP TWO
Try some light exercise
You can also try some light exercises like chair yoga, resistance band workouts, pilates or even dumbbell strength training. Keeping fit has many other health benefits other than staying warm in winter.
We’ve put together some additional resources at the end of this blog to help you start these activities in the comfort of your own home.
TIP THREE
Go for a stroll
If staying indoors isn’t your thing, then wrap up and go for a light walk. Correctly layering your clothes means that you can still venture outdoors on cold days and soak in the fresh air.
Just remember our layering techniques, how to dress when it's cold and what clothes keep you warm.
TIP FOUR
Lighten up your home
Another great tip is to lighten up your home. Opening your curtains during the day allowing the sun to shine in will radiate heat throughout your home. Although, be mindful of the sun setting and close your curtains before nightfall to trap in the heat.
TIP FIVE
Recycle your Ovens heat
If you have just been using the oven, another great idea is to leave the oven door open. The heat that has already been generated inside will be released into your home.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that no children or pets have access to the oven when doing this.
TIP SIX
Flask up your morning coffee
Everyone loves a good cup of tea or coffee, but how much power does a kettle use? 3kW kettle boils one cup of water (235ml) in approx 45 seconds.
This means it uses 1p every minute (60p per hour), so 0.75p to boil a single cup over 45 seconds. To reduce the number of times you need to use it perhaps you could make up a big flask each time to go back to rather than re-boiling the kettle
TIP SEVEN
Say goodbye to draughts
A draught in your house can suck out any heat you try to generate in an instance. Using a home draft excluder is one of the most cost-effective and best ways to trap the heat inside your home.
Furthermore, also consider covering cold floor spots with a rug to keep your feet warm on large chilly surfaces.
TIP EIGHT
Add a thermal layer to your curtains
Next, I will explain, what are thermal curtains? They are a fantastic investment when it comes to lowering your energy bills. Windows are the thinnest part of your home between you and the elements.
Providing an extra thick layer of insulation here can have huge effects on your home's overall heat retention rate.
TIP NINE
Reflect radiator heat
And finally, using radiator reflectors. This is a real game changer! Simply put, reflecting the heat off your wall into your room will make your heating system much more efficient at heating your home.
You could use something like a foil sheet to accomplish this. Do radiator reflectors work? As long as there is space behind the radiator to fit the reflector, yes!
Final thoughts
So, how do you stay warm this autumn and winter?
With rising energy bills and the cold weather soon to approach, it's important to think ahead. With many different layering options, your clothes can be what stands at the front line in the battle against the cold and rising energy bills.
Not only that, but small changes in the way you light your home or the activities you do in it can have huge impacts on your overall comfort and standard of living.
You don’t need to make sacrifices to your comfort and style this year when the temperatures drop. You just need to think practically.
Do you want to stay comfortably warm? Do you want to save money on energy bills? And do you want to stay fit and healthy? Then you’re in the right place reading this blog.
Thank you for reading this blog, I hope it has helped you. If you enjoyed it, please share it on social media with your friends so they can benefit from it too.
Popular posts
Additional resources:
Video: 10 Minute Resistance Band Workout for Seniors
Video: Free Weight Workout for Seniors
Article: 10 Ways to Warm Up at Home Without Turning on the Heat
Video: Chair Yoga for Restricted Mobility & Seniors 65 and up - 20 Minutes
