How to Have an Outdoor Gathering in Winter and Spring Months
It’s entirely possible to have a fun gathering outdoors in the winter or spring. The key is to plan ahead and prepare for the weather. We’ve put together some tips for having an outdoor gathering when it’s cold, along with outfit ideas to keep you and your family warm and comfortable.
Plan Ahead
Winter and spring gatherings require a little advance planning. In the summer, it’s easier to go spur-of-the-moment, but when it’s cold, you’ll want to check the weather ahead of time. The last thing you want to do is plan a get-together and then get stuck in icy rain or a snowstorm, so look at the extended forecast when choosing a date for your gathering. Send out invites as soon as you’ve chosen your date to give people plenty of time to respond. You can send invitees a reminder about your event a few days prior.
Dress for the Weather
Choosing the right apparel is important when it comes to enjoying any outdoor gathering, whether you’re hosting or attending. Here are some cold-weather fashion tips for the whole family:
For Women
Start with women’s thermals for maximum warmth and comfort. Thermaskin underwear comes in an array of bottom and top styles to go under any outfit. What makes this long underwear so special is the blend of itch-free merino wool, nylon, and spandex. These soft and sturdy separates wick away moisture to keep you warm yet perspiration-free. With flatlock seams and a close-to-the-body fit, these winter undergarments are virtually imperceptible under your clothes.
Layer slacks or jeans over long underwear for a dressy or casual style. Pants provide more warmth than a skirt, making them the best option for outdoor gatherings in the colder months. You can even opt for leggings or jeggings, especially when you wear thermals underneath. Women's jeans are also an excellent choice for a casual outdoor gathering. They come in styles, sizes, and fits for everybody, including petite, plus, regular, tall, and curvy.
Turtlenecks are always an appropriate choice for winter and cold spring days. They come in Supima cotton, cotton modal, and cashmere styles, so you can find one that’s right for the occasion. You can layer turtlenecks under sweaters or tunic tops, or you can wear them on their own on moderately chilly days. These wardrobe staples can be dressed down with a jean jacket or dressed up with a blazer.
For Men
Guys can also wear thermal underwear beneath their clothing for added warmth. The same Thermaskin underwear mentioned above for women comes in men’s sizes, including big and tall. Layer these separates under khaki chinos for a business casual look, or wear them under men's jeans for versatile, laid-back style.
Sweaters are a good choice for winter and spring gatherings because they’re warm and semi-dressy. They come in a wide variety of styles, including pullover and zippered. You can choose from solid colors, ranging from neutral to bright, as well as with stripes, plaids, and nautical prints. Wear a men's sweater over a buttoned shirt for a classic look or over a tee for casual flair. For casual outdoor get-togethers, guys can stay warm and comfortable in sweatshirts. With pullover, zippered, and hoodie styles available, there’s a sweatshirt for every man’s fashion preference.
For Kids
Boys and girls also need the right apparel to stay comfortable during an outdoor gathering. Jeans over thermals are a warm, comfortable option. Or you can opt for pants with stretch for full freedom of movement. Leggings for girls and elastic-waist pants for boys offer comfort and style. Plus, many styles are equipped with reinforced knees to prevent holes from wearing through.
Both girls and boys can wear sweaters to an outdoor event. Sweaters come in an array of styles and colors, so you can find one that they’ll love to wear. Hoodies are another option for casual events—these sweatshirts for girls and boys come in just as many styles and colors for kids as they do for adults.
For the Whole Family
Everyone in your group needs the right outerwear and footwear for an outdoor gathering in winter or spring. Down coats are one option for cold days, and they come in sizes to fit kids and adults. There are also synthetic down coats and jackets if you prefer down-free outerwear, along with a variety of fleece jackets in a rainbow of colors.
Provide Warm Beverages
If you’re hosting the event, keep your guests comfortable by providing warm beverages such as coffee, tea, and cocoa. You may also want to provide your guests with hand-warmer packets, which are activated by shaking and found in almost any convenience store or supermarket. If you’re sending out official invites, make sure to specify that the event is outdoors and that guests should dress appropriately for the weather. You may also want to provide a backup plan in the event of inclement weather.
Now you’re ready to prepare for your own outdoor gathering. Planning in advance and dressing for the weather ensures your event will run smoothly and you’ll stay comfortable from start to finish.