I used to spend months in -30C weather – my favourite ‘cold girl’ essentials including a £8 buy from Marks & Spencers
A WOMAN who spent months in freezing -30C conditions has revealed the nine items she used to stay warm – and one of them is LIVa simple £8 buy from M&S.
As the temperatures begin to drop and we approach the dreaded arrival of winter, many of us are wondering about the same thing – how to keep toasty this season?
Although the answer may seem relatively straightforward – to switch on the heating – for a number of cash-strapped families across the UK this is not an option.
According to a recent study by The Sun, the energy prices have sky-rocketed and you can expect a hefty £94.08 bill if you’ve kept the central heating on all week (for eight hours every night).
As many people in the nation are struggling to make ends meet, heaps of savvy social media users have taken to share their favourite heat hacks – and one of them is also TikTok fan Clara.
The mum, who regularly shares parenting-related content on her platform, used to live abroad in cold climate, often finding herself skiing in freezing temperatures.
Sharing her favourite tips to tackle the cold, Clara said: ”I was living between -20C to -30C and I used to get called the Michelin Man or an onion because I was literally dressed in so many layers.”
The right base layer – M&S
As someone who knows a thing or two about chilly conditions, Clara said the first thing you should put on is a solid base layer – and the tighter, the better.
”If it’s not too close to your skin, it lets a lot of air and it’s gonna, you know, move around and make you cold,” she explained in the clip.
Over the last few winter seasons, the savvy mum has been a big fan of the Heatgen Medium Fleece Thermal Top from the high-street retailer Marks&Spencer, which you can snap up for £16.
These, she added, can be worn under any clothes and will keep you cosy no matter the weather.
Cosy bottoms – M&S
Meanwhile, to keep your bottom half warm this winter, Clara advised to bag a pair of merino wool leggings – or a more affordable alternative from M&S.
In her video, the stylish parent was raving about £8 60 Denier Body Sensor Tights by the popular store, which come in a three-pack – a total bargain deal.
These tights, which run in sizes XS to XL, come in numerous colours, including black, navy and dark red.
”They’re warm […] and they’re actually really nice.”
Jumpers – fleece is a must
When it comes to shopping for the perfect jumper, the whizz advised to stick to fleece material, as cotton is too thin and won’t keep your body as warm.
Although high-end fleeces, such as by the brand Patagonia, are great quality, their clothing can also cost a fortune – another fantastic alternative is looking out for wool garments.
Clara said: ”I love cashmere jumpers and Uniqlo actually do really nice affordable cashmere, as do M&S.
”A polo neck cashmere jumper is always really nice to have,” the guru told her followers on TikTok.
”Keeping your neck warm is a good way to keep warm.”
Extra layers
Speaking of keeping your neck warm, Clara advised another ‘cold girl’ hack – to bag a large cashmere scarf you can just chuck on on top.
”Again, pricey, but it’s worth it.”
On top of your jumper, however, the winter whizz urged to put on a down sweater vest, which can also be worn underneath your jacket or coat.
One budget-friendly option, she went on in the clip, was the viral Ultra Light Down Vest from the high-street brand Uniqlo.
This winter must-have retails for £39.90 and shoppers can choose between a range of colours, such as off-white, blue and navy.
Once you’ve put on your favourite winter coat – a puffer jacket works wonders, she noted – Clara instructed to complete the look with a pair of Uggs.
Although these might be ”basic”, the mum said ”they are the best at keeping your feet warm”.
”I swear if you have warm feet, you stay warmer.”