When Fashion and Nature Collide – The Winter Outdoor Activities Issue

Published by 3C Style

Scientific journalist, author and fashion blogger from Montreal - Journaliste scientifique, auteure et blogueuse mode de Montréal View all posts by 3C Style

Hello!

The summer months are not the only time of year that you can take on the great outdoors. When it comes to winter, however, you do need to be a bit more prepared for the elements! Fortunately, there are ways to dress for winter outdoor activities that do not limit your ability to move, get crazy and have fun! Let’s take a look at some of the best ways.

For our January edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide I went skiing, skating, snowshoeing and I visited an alpaca farm… Yes, I layered like an onion but I made sure it was done properly and with style ––With the help of Lisa’s beautiful artwork! See below what she did with Darren’s onion drawing. Stunning, simply stunning art.

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Artwork by Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper, & Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman –– Photo collage & Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style

Note: In case you’ve not seen these capsules before, the When Fashion and Nature Collide project is a monthly collaboration with two of my WP friends: Lisa of Lismore Paper and Darren of The Arty Plantsman.

The third wednesday of each month you can see outfits styled by me, and art from Lisa, that were inspired by Darren’s flower pictures and the critter pictures of photographers who collaborate with the team. With the spirit of protecting nature I pull together my outfits with clothing already available in my wardrobe. When purchases are to be made, these come from vintage shops and thrift stores or from socio-eco-friendly brands.

Enjoy the issue!

Snowshoeing

The Gazania krebsiana and the Namaqualand daisies

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Flower & landscape photography by Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman –– Artwork by Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper, and Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman; creatice concept by Dominique Nancy, 3C Style –– Photo collage by 3C Style & Lismore Paper –– Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style

No Cotton!

One of the secrets of dressing well for the winter is wearing clothes that stay dry. Cotton is a material that holds moisture. Use synthetics or merino wool, both of which draw wetness away from your skin and into the clothing. From here, it can evaporate more quickly, leaving you with a dry layer that remains comfortable during extended activity in the cold.

Your Base Layer

You will be wearing multiple layers of clothing in order to effectively dress for winter activity. The most important of these layers is the base layer, which will be worn underneath everything else right next to your skin. Your base layer should protect your entire body, meaning that you should have long sleeved underwear on both the top and bottom parts of your body.

As for weight, go for a midweight fabric (also known as T2 weight). Merino wool and synthetics will provide a great base layer for all but the worst winter conditions. Cashmere and alpaca are incredible if your budget allows!

Skiing 

The Gentiana acaulis

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Flower photography by Darren Sleep, The Arty Plantsman –– Artwork by Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper –– Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style –– Photo collage by 3C Style & Lismore Paper

Your Mid Layer

Directly above your base layer, you can try a soft shell pant that will not limit your agility while giving you protection from harsh winds. If you know that the weather will be extremely poor, you may upgrade to fleece pants and put a shell pant above those. On top, wool or fleece sweaters provide the same kind of balance between movement and protection.

Ice Skating

The Turquoise Puya berteroniana

Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola –– Photo of flower used with permission of Strange Wonderful Things (Thank you Darren for finding this gorgeous plant and getting us the permission to use the pictures) –– Artwork by Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper –– Photo Collage by 3C Style –– Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style –– Coat from Heart and Soul (Thanks Elena!)The photo on the right is by Alison Rushbrooke –– @buttonbothy 

Your Shell Layer

Your body is generating heat that it uses to protect itself throughout your time outside. The top layer of your clothing should be worn to insulate your body heat and keep it from escaping. Gore-Tex is great to use for this, as long as it is waterproof and windproof. Make sure that you have the correct size for your body type so that you can still move around effectively. This may mean that you get a size bigger than normal, so try a couple of sizes before you decide on your final choice.

Your Extremities

If you can keep your hands, feet, head and neck warm, the rest of your body will have an easier time maintaining its natural temperature. For the head, a wool toque or synthetic may work well along with a neck buff, which is a bit more versatile than a tube. Buffs are usually better than tubes when it comes to retaining heat.

Finally, make sure that your gloves and socks come from the same material as the rest of your winter gear. Wool or light synthetics are great here as well. Gloves are usually more agile than mitts, so choose for the balance if you are going to be extremely active.

Visiting an Alpaca Farm

A magical moment

Photography of 3C Style by Emmanuelle Faubert –– Artwork by Lisa Lawrence, Lismore Paper –– Photo Collage & Stylist: Dominique Nancy, 3C Style –– Hat and mitts from La ferme Alpagas du Domaine Poissant (Thanks for this wonderful visit!)

The rust Alpaca that you see in the above and below pictures kept following me around. Well, my outfit did match his fur! He was so adorable and friendly. The white one (see the left photo above) almost gave me a kiss on the mouth. I turned my head really fast so I got a big yet gentle smack on the cheek instead.

Hope you have enjoy our January Issue.

Don’t forget to visit Lismore Paper and The Arty Plantsman to get an overall view of When Fashion and Nature Collide.

Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: February 20th 

Let’s stay connected: Bloglovin – Instagram @3cstyle_fashion

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When Fashion and Nature Collide

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