How to Stay Warm and Modest in Winter
by Rita Davidson
With fall leaves turning red and yellow and temperatures falling lower and lower Mary Beth (HT Mary Beth!) J Reminded me that this question comes up every year.
I thought it about time to write a post about this question, so everyone could benefit from this basic advice.
For those that wear skirts and dresses all the time (pretty much) we want to stay cool in summer, and warm in winter just like anyone else. This post will deal with keeping warm in winter.
Our home here is about 120+ years old, and has plenty of drafts. Our winter here, easily gets down to -30C or -22F on average with up to 4 feet of snow drifts, so cold and wet, is something I’ve dealt with often.
Choosing to be modest is a challenge at the best of times. It is not for the faint of heart, since some challenges could weaken the best of commitments. Cold is one of those things that can really scare someone off. After all, we all know what it’s like to feel cold, and to get a chill that won’t wear off. It’s not healthy, nor do we want to get sick when we have our families to take care of.
In really cold winter, and in old houses that many of us have, we have more drafts and so need to keep warm so chilling is not a problem.
Wearing skirts may give us a few challenges to keep warm in winter but it is not impossible.
The choices are varied and thankfully so, since everyone has different needs.
Cold Weather Tips:
1. Try Wear Heavier Skirts: To help keep skirts from flying up in winter winds. Heavier fabrics are good at this time of year. Denims, and cordoroys, twills, and such. Heavier fabrics also help to keep the winds away from our bodies, acting like a windbreaker, instead of coming right through our clothing and skirts.
2. Wear a Winter Slip: If you want to extend the life of your summer skirts but help them be warmer, wearing a winter slip from flannel will extend the life of your summer skirts. Winter slips should be made of soft flannel or for really cold days, wool. A thin, but soft real wool is extremely good at keeping the heat in. I have often found used wool jersey skirts and was able to make them a wool slip in the winter for a fraction of the cost. Other options are to get a wool jersey fabric and make a easy slip with elastic waist. You won’t be able to wear these everyday they are so warm. For those allergic to wool, another option would be a silk slip. I have heard that silk is very warm and not as picky as wool can be. Having ruffles around the bottom of your slips can help keep the cold from rising up your skirt too.
3. For feet: Keeping your feet warm will go a long way to staying warm. We often don’t’ notice our feet getting cold until it’s too late. I would suggest wool slippers. If not wool slippers, even one with pile that can be washed, but will hold in the heat on cold floors. Long cotton socks or stockings should be worn in them. Our floors are cold so as long as I’ve got my feet in long socks and my shoes I do okay. Slippers would be warmer for someone that needs that extra warmth that shoes do not give. If you can’t find decent wool slippers, then an extra heavy paid of men’s wool work socks can be worn and you will never again have cold feet!
3. Layers: If really cold, layers are what keep in the heat. Remember it is not so much the heat that keeps us warm, as it is our own body heat that we can minimize loosing. So, use layers of various fabrics to keep the heat in. Start with tights, or leggings, then wool slip, then skirt, is the basic to keep warm in winter.
4. Layers on the body; Don’t forget your whole body needs those layers. Often we will get chilled because our necks are bare and drafts tend to chill us from there. So keep your neck covered, whether a turtleneck or a colorful scarf, you’ll be surprised at how much warmer you feel all over with just your neck covered.
5. Wear Thick Tights: Another option is to wear thick tights. The kind we were used to wearing when we were younger. This is not my first choice, since they are often only sized small. And I did not find these were warmer then using wool slips as above. But for those looking for this option, the cabled knit tights can often be found at Walmart and Target in the U.S. when colder weather hits.
Online here are a few shops that you can look for cable knit tights:
http://warmlegwear.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2
I get all my knee socks from this place:
Other sources for leg warmers are:
With winter, comes dryness and our old friend, Static:
As winter continues and your many layers become a habit, you’ll notice static trying to build up. Wearing skirts that are hugging your legs tightly is not only unsightly, it is a real issue if it starts riding up on you!
1. Wearing natural materials of wool, cotton can help keep down the static.
2. Wearing a nylon slip between thick leggings and your skirt can help keep them from sticking.
3. Rinsing clothes in vinegar has been said to minimize static in winter. Using dryer sheets can also help.
Keep in mind that moving around, can help us keep warm and circulate our blood to keep us from getting chilled. Get up and move around at least once per hour if needed.
Getting enough rest will also help us to stay warmer, since when we are well rested, our bodies run better.
Special needs, such as arthritis, or other health issues like low iron might need special precautions beyond this list.
If serious chilling is an issue:
1. 1. keeping a electric pad nearby, to put on your legs when sitting.
2. 2. use a hot water bottle at your feet, will do wonders to keep us warm when not moving around much.
3. 3. A regular blanket (especially of wool) will do wonders on your legs when there is a draft.
All in all, I hope you’ll find some ways to dress warm so you do not abandon your modest dressing. Remember that wearing pants can make us just a chilly, when it is really cold out. Taking simple steps to ensure you stay warm, will help you to see that modesty is possible!
Share with me what other things you have found to keep warm?
©Copyright 2012 Rita Davidson All Rights Reserved.
Rita is a Catholic wife and mother of seven children. She reverted back to the faith when her oldest was making her First Communion. By then, she had completed degrees in Hairdressing and Make up artistry. She went on to receive a degree in Natural Health and another degree in Art. At age 26, Rita suffered a minor stroke. With no lasting effects, this dramatically changed her outlook on life. In 1996, Rita began ‘Little Flowers Family Apostolates’ to reach out to other families with her new found faith, by creating unique Catholic books and resources.. In 1999, she wrote the bestselling, ‘Immodesty; Satan’s Virtue’. She was editor of ‘The Catholic Health Letter’ for 7 years. She has been a homeschooling mom for 20+ years, and has written for various magazines. She is honored that families have trusted her with their questions, needs and concerns over the years. She continues to write and reach out to Catholic families with her husband, Mark and their 4 boys through http://www.LittleFlowersFamilyPress.com
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