Winter in Ithaca: The Musts

Ithaca, NY is located right at the base of Cayuga Lake and with that feels the effect of the lake, especially in the winter.  Winters are cold, wet, and windy.  So how can you be prepared for them?  Below are some suggestions for what helps me get through the winter, but feel free to comment if you have anything else to add!

1.  Warm socks

I am a huge fan of SmartWool Socks.  They are incredibly comfortable and keep your foot temperature regulated, especially in the colder months.  I think that these are the ones I own and I've had them for at least five years and never once got a hole in a pair.  I'll wear them all through the fall and winter and I've honestly never been disappointed by them.  Though they're a bit expensive, I really think they're worth every penny.

2. Versatile Winter Boots

I own L.L.Bean "Duck" boots and they're my favorite.  I've had them since high school and they've recently become quite the trend on college campuses around the country.  These are the ones I own, without any Thinsulate or Gore-Tex®, and honestly I don't think I need those fancy finishes.  I've been just fine with my plain ones, and they are great for the fall too!  Rain, sleet, snow, and more, these boots will get you through it!

I also do own a pair of Hunter Rain Boots but am not as happy with them.  It's hard to walk around all the hills and stairs in Ithaca while lugging around a big pair of boots on your feet.  I bought them mainly to be trendy and because I wanted a pair of rain boots, but looking back, I wish I had bought from a company that had more of a meaning to me.  Roma Boots has a social mission and really cute boots if you're in the market for a pair of rain boots (and they're cheaper than Hunters)!

Boots that are brushed leather (like Uggs) are nice for warmth but will not stand up to the salt, nor will they deal well with the icy patches you're bound to find.

3. Leggings to Layer

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I really like layering leggings under more pairs of leggings or under jeans in the winter, and fleece-lined leggings are super comfy with some added warmth.  The really cheap kind do get holes pretty easily and they often are see through, so purchase smartly.  I have one pair that I bought somewhat randomly at a boutique in my mall, but I'm definitely open to purchasing more.  I don't have a specific brand to recommend but would be really interested in hearing if you do!

4. A Warm Jacket

Length is important!!! The wind in Ithaca whips all around you in the winter so the longer your coat is, the warmer you'll be!  I have this parka from Patagonia and it honestly is the best.  I felt a little silly buying such a long coat, but you realize that during the winter the people who have the short coats are the ones that look silly.  With Patagonia's commitment to sustainability and eco-fashion, I knew that I could be happy with my purchase.  They stress this as much as I do, don't buy a new clothing item unless you really need to…so they offer repairs for everything they make!

I have some friends with Canada Goose parkas, but they seem overly expensive and quite overdone.  My Patagonia parka was less than $400, and I think that I got a much better coat.  That's not to say that I know anyone who has openly been disappointed with their Canada Goose parkas, I just personally like Patagonia's mission better.

5. Hats/Scarves/Gloves

The wind sometimes makes snow blow directly at your face, so it's nice to be covered up.  I like ear bands, but I also own normal hats.  Ear bands you can wear with your hair up (or down) so it's not blowing around and they stay put!  I have no specific brand to recommend, but I will say that many colleges have ones with their name on it if you want one of those, or if you're into knitting, I hear they're quite easy to make (shoutout to my friend Sam D who knitted me one!).

Texting gloves are nice to have although you'll probably put your hands in your pockets for warmth anyway.  Scarves are great to have and wrap around your face to protect you from the windchill too.  I wore my hood a lot during the winter to stay warm as well.

Did I miss anything?  Let me know what you can't live without in the winter in the comments below!