9 Winter Clothing Hacks for Modest Outfits

Scarf: Amazon / Coatigan: my own handiwork / Necklace: DIY, similar here

"Aren't you cold in a skirt?"

It can be tricky to stay warm when wearing skirts and dresses. It can be even harder if you don't want to add bulky layers.

I love a winter ensemble like the ones Duchess Kate and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands are wearing below. They show that it's possible to have a streamlined, flattering silhouette--even when it's cold.

In this article, I'll share my 9 top tips to achieve a winter look that's modest, dressy, and warm. Scroll to the bottom for the most clever!

1. Knee-high boots

Boots: Naturalizer / Skirt: made by me / Bag: Kate Spade, similar here

Knee-high boots give skirts and dress a hip, stylish edge. They retain body heat, and keep the cold wind off your calves.

For the best fit, I recommend choosing a brand that offers different calf sizes. The above boots by Naturalizer come in sizes narrow, regular, and wide.

UK brand Duo Boots offers calf sizes ranging from 30cm to 50cm! They also have petite and tall fit.

2. Ankle warmers to "heighten" booties

In the colder months, wear your ankle-high booties with leg warmers. They visually raise the height of the boot shaft, while keeping you warm. I love how they create a smoother, more flattering transition from boot to calf.

I find that ankle warmers last longer than socks, since they don't wear against the bottom of your feet or tips or your toes. This makes them less prone to holes and runs.

For a splash of color, consider novelty leg warmers in funky textures and colors.

Ankle warmers also serve as a protective layer, so the inside of your boots don't wear away at your...

3. Flat-waistband sweater tights

I love a good sweater tight. Nylon tights are cute, but sweater tights keep you even warmer.

Just like scarves and hats, they're a way to have fun with prints and bold colors. Choose tights that have bulk-free waistbands.

My go-to sweater tights are flat-knit, like these Hue tights from Bloomingdale's. I machine wash them on delicate in a mesh bag, then line dry. I don't put them in the dryer, as I find it wears out the fabric and fades the color.

For extra warmth and luxury, consider cashmere-blend tights.

4. Socks underneath said sweater tights

That's right, first I put on socks, then the sweater tights.

I find that wearing a lightweight sock under tights protects the toes of the tights from holes and unraveling. Any sweat from your feet will be absorbed by the sock, not by your pricier (and super pretty) tights. This matters because sweat can break down clothing fibers over time.

I wear no-show socks to prevent bulk at the ankle. Silicone grips inside the socks keep them in place.

5. Capri leggings

As much as I love sweater tights, sometimes a dressy occasion necessitates pantyhose.

When this is the case, I wear cropped leggings over stockings. The leggings only go to the knees, so only the hosiery shows. The effect is dressy, yet retains warmth.

These cropped, aka capri leggings are easy to find in misses, plus, and maternity sizes.

6. Full slips... with sleeves!

Slip with sleeves: Linear Collection

This 3/4-sleeve slip by LA-based indie brand Linear is a fantastic innovation for modest women! It comes in both midi and maxi lengths, in a handful of useful colors.

It can serve so many purposes: layering under sheer dresses, adding a bulk-free layering of warmth, and ensuring that dresses drape gracefully.

A slip like this one also protects your main garment from sweat and body odors, so there's less of a need to launder your outer garment. (Discover my favorite tools for laundering delicates here).

I love layering this slip underneath dresses made of textured (and potentially irritating) fabrics, like wool or angora.

For similar layering dresses from Amazon, check out this one, available in sizes XS-4X, and this one (S-XL).

7. Fleece-lined and wool leggings

The feel of fleece is heavenly, especially on a frosty day. The above options are affordable, and come in misses and plus sizes.

8. Crop tops as underarm shields

Layering top: Halftee, XS-4X

Here's the part where we talk about underarms.

Sometimes a gal can overheat in the winter. This often happens when going from outdoors to indoors, or while enjoying a hot drink by the fire. Other times you are stuck wearing a coat indoors, like while shopping.

This lightweight 100% cotton absorbs any moisture, thus protecting your garment from underarm stains.

For extra absorption, I pin in these Kleinert's underarm shields. I machine wash them on delicate, and they've lasted for years.

9. A heated vest

Wow! Why didn't someone think of this sooner? These snug-fit vests can be worn underneath your regular coat. Plug in to charge, then enjoy hours of warmth.

This heated vest from Amazon is more affordable than the ones above, and comes in sizes XS-2X.

Wear it under a casual puffer, a tailored cashmere maxi coat, or a wool wrap coat.

Wishing you warmth and coziness, inside and out. This article was such a pleasure to write for you. I hope it makes your life as a modest gal easier in the chilly months.