I just got back from Poland during my half term break. To be more precise I was in Ustrzyki Dolne in Bieszczady. The weather was about 1 degree on average - this is only October.
The last time I was in Ustrzyki in February was ages ago, my mum was still dressing me back then. I plan to go back in Feb 2010.
What should I wear? I mean what type of jacket etc..... and shoes, considering my tennis pumps didn't go down well with my grandparents, and my winter boots just about cut it. ;)
Hi Anni , welcome to the forum...I am a guy , and a biker , so i know zero about fashion , but having served a few years in the army , i know how to stay warm...The answer to keepng warm is layers , rather than wearing your normal clothes , and then putting a heavy jacket on the top , go for layers of clothing , wool is always good for keeping body heat close to your body...As for boots , your best bet is to go to your local camping shop and get some walking boots , and warm socks , again wool ones are the best to go for...If its a good camping shop they will have staff that can advise you on what is going to keep you warm...Walking boots will not make much of a fashion statement , but they will cope very well with Polish pavements , and the snow too...You will get decent gloves from the same shop , and don,t forget a hat to keep your head warm...I have a Russian army fur hat which is pretty good , they look kinda cool on a woman too.....No doubt some of the forum ladies will advise you better on how to stay warm...and look good too
It's more about layers than about individual items (although with that said get a jacket filled with down and make sure it comes down over your bottom).
on a more serious note, weather in Poland is really wayward.. it's good to have few types of clothing, it might get really cold but on sunny days you'd definitely need something lighter. As for the boots, some nice sturdy mountain boots would be a good idea. It all probably depends on if you are gonna have long winter strolls, or go out only when you need to..
I'm only partially concerned with fashion when it comes to staying warm (: I was thinking I'd invest in a decent coat, then stick with what I have, and as you said wildrover, layer.
I was wondering if I could get away with normal boots, the typical ones the ladies wear in Poland. Although I have no idea how they'd fair in the snow.
I have a pair of fur lined "snow" boots, but they are quite pathetic as I don't think UK manufacturers could produce a decent pair of snow boots.
And just a normal pair of leather knee high boots.
And in regards to trousers, are jeans ok in the snow?! - I have no idea and I know it sounds stupid.
I was wondering if I could get away with normal boots,
That depends on what your plans are in Poland,,,if you are just going to pop out now and then to the shops , or to a local bar , they will probably be fine , but if you are going out in the snow on a regular basis , or walking in the countryside , you need some proper boots...As for jeans , Denim is not a good material for keeping warm...
use layer system: 1. t-shirt: avoid cotton as long as you can! use 'thermoactive' t-shirts (i suggest: coolmax)- it wont warm you, but it will absorb sweat of your body
2. midlayer- use thin fleece (substance /? pol. gramatura/) of 100 or less- it will absorb sweat transported by tshirt 3. than thick fleece- like 200 or 300- it will warm your body 4. in case of heavy snowing/rain/windy weather- jacket
in case of socks- in cold weather i'd also recommend double layer: coolmax (thin, wont warm you) than woolen one (i recommend merino wool, it can be used also in tshirts or middlayer)
My advice, get a pair of timberlands for the day time, jeans are just fine, as suggested layers are the way forward, but in all honesty a good coat, scarf and hat will keep you warm. Going out never sacrafice your heels at any cost! Aldos have some great boots in at the moment :D
Merino wool is the best for really cold conditions. And real sweaters, not cotton, but woolen (mix with nylon, viscose or other also). Polartec fibre also good but not elegant.
10 - 20 years ago, when I was very slim, I had to put on really warm clothes to survive winters which could be quite severe.
Today, with some fat protective layer on me, and mild winters in Poland for a few years, I wear the same clothes in autumn and winter. I put my old snow boots in the corner of the wardrobe and don`t remember when I used them last time.
