It's Effing Cold

I know I'm stating the obvious here, but it's absolutely freezing outside. To any of my fellow Great Lakes dwellers, you guys know what I'm talking about, right? I saw a tweet the other day that described Buffalonians (and I'm sure others) so accurately that both me and my mom laughed out loud. It went something along the lines of: 

Buffalonian: You know, this weather wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the windchill!

I hear this...literally every single day during the winter. But really, it's true! The windchill is the true killer and to anyone who lives in Chicago, how are you doing? Are your limbs frozen? Have you left the house yet? I'm praying for y'all, from the comfort and warmth of my home because even I don't want to leave my house.

*This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.*

But Francesca, is that all you're going to talk about? Really? How cold it is outside? During winter? 

Well, yeah, that's all I had planned. Can I tell you the truth behind this outfit though? It was cold outside, but not nearly as cold as it's been the past few days and definitely not as cold as it's going to be this week. Regardless, I was brave and went out without a coat, which meant I had to get creative. 

This requires sneaky layers. I mean, obviously, I'm wearing two sweaters. My Athleta cashmere sweater that I got for free (F R E E) at work is my second favorite layering piece of all time and sometimes I just lounge around the house in it. But lo and behold, I have a sneaky layer that has gone completely unseen. 

Underneath those culottes that could be called gauchos are...fleece lined leggings that I just hiked up high enough so they are unnoticeable.

Speaking of gauchos. I, ironically, took these pictures at my childhood elementary school. Look, there are slim pickings in my neck of the woods and photo locations are far and few between. Anyways, I remember dress down days and rocking gauchos every single time I could during my fifth-grade year. Ugh, how tragic?

I guess it all comes full circle though, doesn't it? I mean, at least culottes sounds a hell of a lot more fashionable than gauchos.

The moral of the story is: don't be afraid to create unseen layers. A pair of fleece lined leggings or thick tights under things that you might not normally wear them under can make all of the difference. I don't mess around when it comes to the cold. Well, most of the time. 

Sometimes you just have to risk it for the aesthetic of it all, right? But, not today, satan! I'll be enjoying my cashmere blends and hidden fleece lined leggings to keep myself insulated, thank you very much!

Cardigan: Vince

Turtleneck: Athleta 

Pants: Lilith

Shoes: Kate Spade (exact)

Hat: Epoch

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (very similar)

How are you handling winter? If you're from the south or like, LA or something, please don't talk to me. KIDDING! All winters are welcome here!