You might have noticed, it’s cold. And it’s been snowing a lot. If you have a choice, and you’re sensible, you’ll be staying indoors as much as possible. But if you can’t avoid going out in the cold, knowing what to wear in the snow is vital. You need to stay warm and cosy but don’t want to overheat as soon as you get indoors where offices, shops and buildings are all heated on turbo.

The most important thing to remember is that layers are you friend. Imagine building your outfits from the inside out. Don’t fall into the trap of wearing more clothes for the sake of it, though. That will just leave you overheated and uncomfortable. Layering smart means opting for the right number of layers to keep you warm but not overdoing it.

What to wear in the snow – start with your base layer

They aren’t sexy but if you plan to be outside for long in sub-zero temperatures, you need to start with something thermal. The layer you wear directly next to your skin helps to draw any moisture away from your body. Look for moisture wicking materials to keep your body warm but keep you dry at the same time.

The middle layer

This is your woolly jumper or a warm, fleecy top. Or you could opt for a warm sleeveless hoodie and slip some Wingz on underneath, so that your arms are double warm while your body won’t get too hot?

Jeans and thick trousers are by far the best thing to wear to work but what about if you have to work with an office or shop dress code? Try a normal pair of thick leggings under a skirt for double heat protection, and you can always whip the leggings off and change into tights if the office dress code is authoritarian.

Your outer layer

Look for something breathable that’s going to give you protection from the elements -warm and waterproof is the way to go. When it’s blowing a blizzard on your way to work, the umbrella won’t cut it, so you need to keep your head warm too; add a scarf and a snuggly hat to keep the worst of the weather at bay and top off with a waterproof coat.

Real snow aficionados and people who love to ski and snowboard know that zips are better than buttons in extreme weather, and roomy jackets can be better for insulation purposes than stiff woollen coats. Think Bianca Jackson’s puffa jacket, or the much-maligned duvet coats from the eighties. They may not be glamorous, but neither is hypothermia!

Accessorise

Don’t forget your extremities – there are plenty of stylish hats to choose from, even in March. Your hands need protecting too, so fleecy gloves (if you’re like most of us and hate not being able to use your phone while you’re out in the cold, you can buy gloves that have conducting patch on the fingertips to allow you to use your smart phone with gloves on!)

Socks need to be thick and cosy, and don’t even think about going outside in anything other than boots with a LOT of tread. Wearing the wrong footwear is asking for a broken ankle, especially as the snow begins to thaw and then refreezes into ice. A pair of funky woolly socks under some decent boots will keep your feet and toes toasty.