Winter Wanderers Go to Extremities to Avoid Overcoat Overkill

Let’s face it: Unless you’ve grown up in the ice and snow, you’re not going to be completely confident about what to wear when you travel to cold climes this winter.

When the temperature drops to the 30s in the big cities back East, the locals have a inside joke about how to tell if a Southern Californian is in town. He’s the one with the new muffler, hat, gloves and thick, new topcoat with the collar up.

Most people, however, won’t be wearing a topcoat.

“It’s become fashionable to keep your topcoat in the closet and just wear your gloves, muffler and hat” with a sport coat, says Leith George of Burberrys Ltd. in Costa Mesa. “Of course, when it gets real cold, everyone wears a topcoat as well, but if you can stand the weather with just your extremities covered, you might want to try it.”

Of course, even though the forecast may not show blizzard conditions, it’s a good idea to pack that topcoat.

And while your only purpose for going to New York may be for three days of business meetings, don’t forget to take some winter casual clothing--jeans, wool sweater, casual jacket. You may get an unexpected urge to ice skate at Rockefeller Center.

The big stretch: To the outside world, long-legged women seem to have all the luck. Fashion models are praised for gams that go on forever. But ask a Ms. Long Legs about finding that simple fashion staple--the stirrup pant.

Many styles are too short for tall women, creating a super-taut stirrup strap at the foot and a pull at the top of the pant. If they try to lengthen the pant by adding elastic to the stirrup, there’s too much space between the shoe and the pant bottom.

“This often happens when you try to extend the length of the stirrup by sewing in a piece of elastic,” says Marge Le Valley of Le Valley’s Fashion Discounts in Fountain Valley. “You’re better off trying lots of different pants until you find a pair that fit right.”

Also, when wearing stirrups, stay away from shoes with lots of straps. The combination of the straps and the stirrups creates a jumbled look.

Getting snowed: Now’s the time when retailers have their skiwear prominently displayed, and if you love swooshing the slopes you’re probably getting your gear ready. Take note: There’s been a subtle change in eye wear over the seasons, which you may not have noticed.

“When the weather is good, more people wear sunglasses on the slopes,” says Lee Webb of the North Face in Costa Mesa. “Goggles look out of place when the sun’s out and the wind is down. Goggles are mainly used for blocking the wind and snow, or for night skiing.”

If you take your glasses along, be sure they’re the right kind. Because of the altitude and bright light, use glasses that are designed for skiing and can help you see into the shadows.