Anyone who lives in New York City knows that winter is a brutal season (it’s right up there with that last weekend in August, except that we are forced to endure the colder temperatures for five months). We have it all: the sub-freezing temperatures, snow, rain, sleet, hail, and — worst of all — that biting wind that comes straight off the Atlantic Ocean, swooping through all the building-created wind tunnels to slap you on your face like the icy-cold hand of death (not even a dramatization).

I thought it would be fun to cozy up inside and peruse the Nordstrom sale to find the best pieces to help one survive a New York City winter. Enjoy!

Item No. 1: A Coat

Don’t even think about wearing an army jacket, or a denim jacket, or a leather jacket, or a vest, cardigan, blazer, basically-any-type-of-clothing-that-isn’t-a-straight-up-COAT. You will need a practical coat, a coat that defies all logic, a coat that will be like a suit of armor to protect you from the onslaught of nasty weather.

Coats on sale from left to right: Cole Haan Signature Faux Shearling Coat with Faux Fur Trim in Burgundy, Vince Camuto Down & Feather Fill Park with Faux Fur Trims in Black, Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Fur Trim Down & Feather Fill Parka in Grey, Michael Kors Faux Fur Trim Down & Feather Fill Parka in Olive, French Connection Belted Quilted Jacket with Faux Fur Trim in Navy, Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Fur Trim Down & Feather Fill Parka in New Litchfield Loden.

Item No. 2: A Hat

Make sure to buy a hat that covers your ears, and that won’t get blown away by gusts of wind.

Hats on sale from left to right: Hinge Knit Pompom Beanie in Blue Poseidon, Treasure&Bond Stripe Knit Beanie in Brown Combo, rag & bone “Mallori” Beanie in Black/Red, Halogen Slouchy Cashmere Beanie in Beige Oatmeal Heather.

Item No. 3: A Scarf

Your scarf should be big enough to cover your neck and lower face when the winds kick up. Buy a few, and mix and match with your outfits.

Scarves on sale from left to right: Sole Society Fringed Plaid Wrap in Black Multi, rag & bone “Sandra” Scarf in Saffron, Echo Fringy Muffler in Rich Jade,  Halogen Faux Fur Pull Through Scarf in Navy Combo, Nordstrom Solid Woven Cashmere Scarf in Black, J Crew Cable Knit Scarf in Heather Nickel.

Item No. 4: Gloves

Leather, knit, mitten…whichever works for you! Some people really love gloves with the “tech” fingertips, but I really don’t mind — with or without is fine.

Gloves on sale from left to right: Fownes Brothers Stitched Leather Gloves in Saddle,  Fownes Brothers Short Leather Gloves in British Tan, Marc Jacobs Striped Gloves in Black Multi, Sole Society Rib Knit Gloves in Black, Fownes Brothers Bow Short Leather Gloves in Aladino.

Item No. 4: Boots

I think everyone in New York City should own two kinds of utility boots: snow boots and rain boots. When the sidewalks are slippery, wear snow boots for traction. When the sidewalks are slushy (and those huge freezing cold puddles form at the crosswalks) wear tall rain boots.

Boots on sale from left to right: Bass Daisy Waterproof Duck Boot in Dark Gray/Black Leather, Trotters “Blizzard III” Boots in Cognac, Sperry “Saltwater” Duck Boot in Tan/Brown,  Coach “Tristee” Waterproof Rain Boot in Black, dav “Lisbon” Weatherproof Knee High Rain Boot in Black, Bernardo Footwear “Eve” Water Resistant Boot in Eve Faux Leather.

Thanks for reading!

C.C.B.B