Our Favorite Snow Day Gear, from Basic to Bougie

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Snow doesn’t mean a day off from work or an excuse to play outside like it did in middle school, but there are still plenty of opportunities for fun. Of course, as with any outdoor activity, having a good time (or simply avoiding cold, wet misery), hinges on having the right gear. Here are a few of our favorite storm-day staples. 

Flying down a snow-slicked hill is one of those time-honored traditions that remain fun no matter how long ago you graduated from grade school. You can make do with a cardboard box or trashcan lid, but this basic saucer will seriously elevate your game.

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No snow day is complete without a giant cocoa or toddy. But busy lives often leave little time for lounging at home in your jammies. Take your beverage on the go with this 12-ounce cup from Hydro Flask. The handle and ceramic lining mimic your favorite coffee mug, but vacuum insulation and a sippy lid mean liquid stays warm for hours while you navigate slushy streets. The bright color options don’t hurt, either.

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Nothing fends off winter chill quite like a few sips of whiskey. Those who aren’t a fan of 80-proof malts will appreciate this spiced liqueur, which is made from the alcohol byproduct of kombucha fermentation. It tastes great straight from a flask or mixed for a hot or cold toddy.

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Not everyone likes their hats pom-pommed and brighty patterned. Enter the minimalist beanie. This one is lined with fleece for added toastiness and comes in toned-down colors that are equally at home on the slopes or in the city.

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When the mercury drops, most of us bundle up on top and forget about layering our legs. Eddie Bauer offers a way to do that without sacrificing style. The flannel lining in these boyfriend jeans offers a one-two punch of coziness and warmth yet is thin enough to avoid the constricting feel of regular pants over long underwear. They look cute cuffed and are loose while flattering our curves.

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Wicking base layers keep us warm and dry when we ski, hike, and run. Why not add them into your everyday wardrobe? Topo Designs offers men’s and women’s tops in a merino-poly-spandex blend that breathes and moves moisture just like other next-to-skin technical layers, with style hits—crewneck, curved hem, thick tapered cuffs—that blend in with basic long-sleeve tees. You can go straight from a snowball fight to a restaurant without attracting strange looks.

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Get the protective, insulating, and anti-slip benefits of snow boots minus the clunk. The ankle-high Elsa is warm, waterproof, and grippy on slick surfaces but the low profile has the snug, sleek feel of a sneaker. For men, the 59 Chelsea offers clean leather looks with a hardy Vibram outsole. 

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Neckwear doubles the cozy factor of any winter outfit. This rib-knit cashmere infinity scarf from Vermont-based Skida is incredibly soft next to skin and provides warmth-inducing loft without suffocating bulk. Plus, the simple solid colors go with pretty much everything.

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On-mountain performance meets street-savvy looks in this parka that comes down to mid-thigh—it’s the more fashion-forward sister to Stio’s Shot 7 resort jacket. The waterproof-breathable outer shell and 800-fill waterproof-down insulation mean you won’t be soaked or cold after two hours of sledding.

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