Winter Layering Gifts
More so this year than ever, we’ve been making it a priority to get outdoors for fresh air (even if it’s just for a walk around the neighborhood!). My mom is visiting this month and I’ve been looking for warm, petite-friendly layering pieces as useful gifts.
Backcountry has a big selection of name brand outdoors wear like Patagonia and Arc’teryx, and are running some awesome promos this month! Their Cyber sale is going on with discounts up to 40% off these brands, or you can use JEAN15 for 15% off regular priced items. Below are a few gift picks currently on sale!
Slim Fit Patagonia Jacket
Also comes in a longer parka style that’s also on sale! Sustainably made of almost entirely recycled materials, this is a lightweight yet warm jacket with a number of useful, zippered pockets (including a hidden one on the interior). I ordered this after reading several reviews about it running small & narrow. It truly is on the slimmer fit side, and even the sleeve length on an xs is petite-friendly! On very cold days, the streamlined cut also fits under a heavier coat.
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Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip
Available in sizes xxs – xxl, with select colors on sale. Another popular layering piece from eco-friendly Patagonia that makes a great gift. Fabric is their signature medium-weight Better Sweater knit, made of 100% recycled materials. XS is a semi-slim fit on me compared to their usual cuts, and hits around hip length on someone my height. The generous zipper pocket on the upper sleeve is useful for keys, credit cards.
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Stoic Funnel Neck Top
My first time trying this brand, and I’m pretty pleased and interested in trying more! It has quilted detailing at the top for interest, and I like the higher neck and longer length for layering. Stoic also makes this similar heather fleece pullover (runs small) at an awesome sale price with great reviews + coordinating joggers!
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Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
Compared to the two Patagonia picks shared above, this one is a more generous, slouchy / oversized fit rather than slim, and would look cute with leggings or other slender bottoms. The contrast banded bottom is nice since you can wear that band higher and let the rest of the jacket fold itself over for a shortened length.
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Last but not least, Smartwool anything makes a great stocking stuffer (and happens to be on sale) – their socks have kept my feet toasty over the years!
Thank you to Backcountry for partnering on this post.
Hi, Jean! Love your blog posts! Where are those sunglasses from?
Thank you Pauline! These are my $15 Amazon sunglasses that I’ve been reaching for more often than most of my other pairs
I really like the zip up sweater! X
Thanks for the recommendations. I’m a Southerner who moved to the Midwest a few years ago and I still don’t quite have winter dressing down. I’m investing in pieces this winter because I’m determined to keep going outside while I’m stuck working from home! Enjoying your warm winter style suggestions, they’re helpful and cute.
Yes, I feel like getting outside a few times a week (once a day would be idea) has been extra important both mentally and physically while WFH! If you haven’t yet, I’d look into Uniqlo heattech layers as they’re just thin basic tees and leggings that I tend to wear under almost all my outdoor outfits in the winter!
I also moved from the south to the Midwest. A fleece works wonders for extra warmth. I always wears a full zip fleece like a Old Navy performance fleece, Uniqlo fluffy yarn fleece like Jean recommended, Amazon Essentials polar fleece, or a North face Denali fleece under my winter coat and over my sweaters to give extra warmth. I purchased this in a color closer to my black winter coat like black or navy blue so it blend well under coat if I leave coat and fleece unzipped and I can pull both off at the same time. Also I wear a tank top under sweaters. Like Jean mentioned, Uniqlo sells some heat-tech style. Also h&m, and forever21 carry basic affordable cotton tanks in all colors. For warm snow boots I use Columbia Minx Mid boot (lightweight but warm) or Ugg Adirondack snow boots.
Hi Jean. You look so beautiful in these outdoor shots. Thanks for the much needed winter gear post. Two questions about the very flattering Patagonia coat – are you wearing the black or grey color and how warm is it (40 degree weather?). Love your blog/Insta and all your styling and fit tips. Many thanks.
Hi there! Thank you for the kind words. I’m wearing the forge grey. And I just checked, the weather was about 40 degrees when we photographed this and I felt pretty good with the funnel neck quilted top underneath. I don’t think I’d wear it for weather colder than that though without an additional layer, either underneath (like a Uniqlo Heattech layer) or a coat over it.
Love Smartwool socks! The best! You look so beautiful, as always!
Thank you! And yes, I’ve always enjoyed finding Smartwool in my Christmas stockings : )
Hi, Jean – I’ve been following your blog the past two years, and it has really helped me avoid such fashion faux pas as looking like the Pillsbury Doughboy in the frigid NYC winter. I normally have HATED shopping for clothes. I am in my mid-50s and about your size/weight, and had to rely on the kids’ or teens’ departments many times in the past. Your size and styling tips are truly helpful. I am hoping you and your mom do a spinoff style blog for older petite women who might be a bit more conservative, but still want to look put-together. I love the side-by-side stylings you do with your mom (as well as your food and home content), and would love to see more. I wish you and your growing family well, and happy holidays!
MC – thanks so much for your encouraging message and for your support over the past two years! My mom is very modest so I’m not sure if I can convince her to make more appearances in outfit posts, but I’ll be sure to pass along your kind comment nevertheless. Happy holidays to you and yours as well! xx
Jean. I just have to say, you look so pretty.
Thank you, lovely … wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving, Val!