Romanticizing the dark season

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This week—while re-listening to Serial szn 1 (a time capsule from the adorable year of 2014)—I’m embracing the dark days ahead.

I live in the very wet Pacific Northwest, where daylight saving time (it’s saving, not savings) hits particularly hard—tonight, the sun will set at 4:48 p.m.

There are things to cherish about every season, though. Summer’s fine, but I certainly don’t long for it because, well, I’m an adult…with a job. Plus, it’s nice to not slather on whole-body SPF every time I step a single toe out the door.

Anyway, these are actually good things to help romanticize the dark season.*

A chic yet sporty insulated raincoat

A Norwegian proverb says, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”

This Helly Hansen trench is it for the dreary season. It’s waterproof, hooded (not all trenches are), and lined with down-like insulation. I like that it’s sporty enough to wear on my daily walks but chic enough for a date night. Olive is one of my neutrals.

Transitional weather staple

It’s not freezing and rainy every day. If you somehow run both hot and cold (🙋🏻‍♀️) or need an extra layer amid a battle-of-the-sexes thermostat war, a down vest is just the thing.

This absolutely pristine Canada Goose vest is among the top five things I own. It’s expensive, but the brand’s products never die, and they’re guaranteed for life. Quince has a budget option—it’s made with real goose down and has a similar shiny black finish.

A grab-and-go windbreaker

Windbreakers are apparently in for fall. (Such a practical outerwear piece was never out for me, but okay.) This colorblock one from Cotopaxi is a current fave—I’ve always liked the striking contrast of pink and green.

Waterproof walking sneaks

I was off Nikes for a while because they’re famously too narrow. But I’ve accepted them back into my life. Motivas not only have extra wiggle room but also bouncy, curved rocker outsoles to keep my feet happy. This particular pair is waterproof—clutch for wet-season walks.

Pants > shorts

I bought Loup pants after reading this story on The Strategist. Though I usually find jeans too stiff to wear for a full day of desk work, these don’t hurt my bits.

Accurately touted as “life-changing,” indeed, I want more pairs. Not cheap but made in New York City!

Not-embarrassing socks

Socks seem so simple, but they’re tricky to get right. For one, it’s hard to have them complement rather than clash with an outfit. They don’t always fit right (on feet or in shoes), and Gen Z likes to bully millennials for wearing the wrong ones.

Having said that, I currently like these (elevated, cozy), these (sporty, on-trend), and these (for fancy flair)—all of which come in two sizes.

Upping the indoor vibes

This Amazon blanket is under $25 but looks high-end. I have the white striped colorway—in person, it has a light-catching silvery finish.

I also have a bunch of these battery candles around my house.

A winter arc beauty routine

The chilly season is the perfect time to home in on a skincare routine (here’s mine). You might also consider more intensive treatments that work best when you can avoid the sun. At-home microneedling kits and fractal lasers are getting better—the results from Qure and Nira are as good as in-office treatments, if you ask me.

Maybe you start using minoxidil daily so you have noticeable new hair growth by spring. Or maybe you religiously apply Latisse to grow longer lashes (you need a prescription, but it’s easy to get one online).

Winter arc, anyone?

Dark, vampy lip colors

Go darker on your lips in the dark season. I’m into this plumping, balmy, semi-sheer lipstick from Estée Lauder. Neutrogena makes an affordable dupe.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission.

What I’m reading lately:

• The New Yorker | It’s Cool to Have No Followers Now

• Vogue | The Wholesome, Healing Pleasures of an Adult Sleepover

• Hello Beautiful, a novel by Ann Napolitano

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | 16 Unexpected Things to Buy With HSA/FSA Funds

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