Commute Essentials: The 5 Things Getting Me Through The Winter Commute

Since I work a traditional 9-to-5, I have to commute through New York City every single day. There are a few things that are MUST haves for the winter commute.

The winter commute in New York City can be absolutely brutal. When there’s extreme weather conditions, it usually means a lot of mass transit delays — I take a bus and the subway, and then I walk a bit to my office. When there’s a wind chill that makes it feel like 0 or below, there are a few things I know I’m going to be wearing during my commute.

Winter Commute Essentials: A warm jacket

This is obviously a no-brainer commute essential. If you’re in a cold weather city, you’re going to need a warm jacket. When I started working after college, I knew I wanted to invest in a Canada Goose jacket. I just couldn’t find a good parka or puffer that kept me warm enough while I was walking to the subway or waiting for the bus. I heard such great things about Canada Goose jackets, plus I feel like everyone in New York City owns one, so I saved up and purchased my first one from Tuckernuck (it was on sale!). It was, of course, a game changer. I can’t recommend them enough! I know they’re really expensive, but you gotta think about how much wear you’ll get out of them. I actually got sick of the olive color I had, so I sold it on Poshmark, and purchased this new black one. I felt like it was a much better investment for my wardrobe, and I loved the slimming model (there’s adjustable back snaps that allow you to cinch the waist).

Winter Commute Essentials: All the (practical) layers

Again, this may seem obvious. When I first started working, I really liked layers, but not cold weather layers. These were more fashion layers. I would commute to work, and then get into the office and be SWEATING. I mean, that still happens, but I have a little trick: I always wear a tank top underneath any outfit. Now I can wear a ton of warm layers, and be able to ditch them for a few minutes until I cool down! I really don’t wear the most fashionable outfits to work: lots of chunky sweaters and either these ponte leggings, black denim or denim.

Winter Commute Essentials: Tech gloves

I think tech gloves are ridiculously important for any commuter. Whether I’m looking for directions to the bar for happy hour or just playing around on my phone while waiting for the bus, I’m always on my phone (although I’m trying to cut back on this). And I shouldn’t have to sacrifice the feeling in my hands just so I could be on my phone. That’s why tech gloves are SO important. I prefer a good leather tech glove, but they have other options out there too! Leather ones just look sleeker, and they also really help when I have an iced coffee in my hand when it’s 20 degrees out;)

Winter Commute Essentials: Weatherproof & warm boots

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve passed people on the streets wearing dress shoes or flats…IN THE SNOW. I just don’t understand 1. Why they’d risk messing up your shoes, and 2. How their feet aren’t freezing. When it’s winter, I always wear boots to the office. If it’s snowing, I’ve been opting for these warm/weatherproof Sorel boots (they’re on sale!). I’ve realized just how not practical my Hunter boots are in the snow. They are NOT warm at all, and I don’t really like the idea of having to purchase special socks for them. When there isn’t snow on the ground, I’ve been reaching for these boots. They’re faux-fur lined, so they keep my feet extremely toasty. Sometimes I “forget” to change my shoes at work and just wear them around all day.

Winter Commute Essentials: Big sunglasses

I know, this doesn’t seem like a commuter essential, but I’m here to tell you why it is. For starters, I just hate when I’m trying to get my people watchin’ on, yet people can see me doing it. (I know, I’m so ridiculous). But when it comes to being one of my winter commute essentials, big sunglasses really help protect my eyes from the wind, and I don’t look like I was just trying for hours. The bigger, the better.

photo by allie provost