In Alaska, November typically is the time of the first crisp cold weather of the new cold season. This November lookbook illustrates what to wear under which weather conditions for which occasions. Welcome to life at the Last Frontier in Interior Alaska in November.
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What to Wear in Alaska in November
Dressing in Interior Alaska in late fall requires layering once the temperature drops below 14F(-10o) to stay comfortable for a short while. Occasionally, you need wind-proof clothes in the Interior. However, during snow storms, layering and windproof attire just reduce the thermal stress.
Now let’s see what to wear in Interior Alaska in November for various temperatures.
When Temperatures Aim for a Negative Record (-29.2F, -34oC)
When it is freaking cold because of high humidity and slight wind, applying several chic layers is a Must to create chic cold wet weather outfits. Yes, of course, a thick down coat is part of the outfits. I faked a “nude leg” using my nude opaque tights.
What to Wear When It Is -5F (-20.6oC)
I like crisp November weather when the sky is blue, and you can watch the aurora dances at night, and the air just sits there and cools, and cools and cools. Crisp, cold, dry weather is the easiest to dress for. Long underwear, a Fair Isle sweater, two pair of tights, and boots.
An important “weapon” to beat cold weather is layering. The fun part is that layering at the same time is stylish. Because it is cold, you don’t hesitate to layer. Layering is so much easier to look chic in winter than in summer. Seriously, who would have the nerve to layer during the dog days?
For outside, a shearling coat is appropriate because it provides good insulation. The burgundy shearling works best with this dress that is longer than the coat. Style your outerwear with a statement bag, gloves and fedora hat.
Windy Weather Outfits
Leather protects against wind, but is a bad insulator. Try layering with a top and a half-slip underneath when wearing a leather dress on a cold windy day.
Outside the shearling coat was a good choice. Its inside fur is about an inch long. The air that is between the hair is a great insulator. A trendy red beret is a stylish street style hat Must-have in windy weather. It sits tight and won’t take off easily like a fedora.
The photos below show how windy it was. Pretty nasty when you have to pose in that wind. People in the Interior fear wind more than 40 below. One of my fears? Hair damage! Therefore, I put my hair up so the hair wouldn’t suffer from friction by the wind. Any detangling isn’t great for any hair.
For outside, I picked my winter motorcycle jacket. The bucket hat also sits tight and hence is suitable for high wind speeds. This look proofs that there are ways to not to look fat in a shearling.
When It Is Around the Freezing Point
Well, the looks below are my typical winter business casual style. Here I worked with hunter green, black and white and a small pop of tan for the indoor and outdoor outfits. In November, we have lost already a huge amount of daylight. Currently, we loose nearly 10 minutes a day. Taking photos outside is a challenge not only when it is cold, but also when it is dark in Interior Alaska.
In Some Rare Cases There Is Still No Snow
It doesn’t happen often, but it may occur. Sometimes there is no snow yet at the beginning of November. This means you can still get away without heavy boots. When there is also a Chinook either from the Brooks Range or the Alaska Range pantyhose is fine. The weather is dry and sunny. The outfit below is for visiting a bar in such weather.
In such weather, a traditional pea-coat is a great stylish option to stay in thermal comfort.
Can You Wear a Holiday Scarf in November?
A boots skirt with blazer and a crisp white button-down is always appropriate for a business meeting. In November, you can already accessorize with a holiday scarf to maximize the occasion to wear it.
Business Casual November Office Outfit in Alaska
This look shows a business casual look when stylish layering is a Must. I went with a layering top, dress, tights (over pantyhose), and a zipper front jacket. I used a belt for shape. Of course, boats were a must.
In Summary: Interior Alaska November Weather Is a Mixed Bag Dressing-Wise
Typically, in November, the first crisp cold weather episode occurs in the Interior. Typically, it isn’t windy. Windy in the single negative digits isn’t fun. I rather prefer 40 below than wind.
Big snow loads happen, when the Bering Sea is a bit warmer than on average. More water vapor evaporates and finally falls as snow, well at least some of it.
Chinook events lead to relatively mild November weather with temperatures around the freezing point. Then, some people still host a grill party outside with their friends. It’s an odd thing that Alaskans also grill outside or throw outdoor parties in winter. Sure, they run either a heater or have a fire in an old oil barrel; and you bundle up.
Insider tip: Therefore, pack a capsule color-matching wardrobe that permits layering to be able to layer for thermal comfort and style.
Photos: G. Kramm
© 2013-2025 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
It’s turning colder here in the UK but nowhere near as cold as Alaska. Great selection of outfits!
Lovely outfits Nicole! I would really struggle in such a cold climate but you’re always so stylish!
Emma xxx
The Style Splash
Nicole, I love how you put your outfits together. And you are so savvy about the right coat for each look! Beautiful cold weather styling!
xx Darlene
Love all your looks! I especially love the way you style your dresses-and I’m all over that little goat jacket!! xx
Love all of your cold weather looks! It’s such a challenging climate to be stylish in, but you look fantastic!
Katie
Hello Katie Girl Blog
I adore your bold and creative style!
Rena
Fine Whatever Blog
I found this post fascinating Nicole. You certainly live in a challenging climate. In the NE of England our climate is cool, unpredictable and rainy a lot of the time – hence, my addictions to coats. You put together some stylish, creative, lovely outfits here.
Alison xx
I am always inspired by your creative layering for winter, Nicole! Living in an equally cold climate, layers are a must!
Shelbee
Shelbee on the Edge
Since i live in the south this was really interesting to me to see how you layer up for the weather. I really love that last skirt you shared. It looks to me that the most important is footwear and outer layer and then you can wear what your heart desires under.
Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
You’ve got some lovely clothes. When I complain about the cold I know we know nothing about real cold!!!
Thanks so much for hosting the link-up. Take care 🙂
You layer so well! All of these outfits are lovely!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I’m cold now and it’s almost 60F here in North Central Texas this morning. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t survive Alaska (and so much dark). I love these looks! It’s so hard to bundle and stay warm and not look like the Sta-Puft marshmallow guy but you’ve managed to make it chic. I love that you have an all-leather dress! And that first photo with that beautiful sweater and gorgeous statement pieces (what an amazing belt!) is just perfect! I love that you’re wearing that beautiful red jacket with the thumb holes with your cuff bracelet on top – that’s perfect! Many times when I’m wearing long sleeves I don’t even bother because I know the bracelet won’t even show. Thanks for sharing the cold and the linkup! I’m going to get some hot chocolate now (not really – I’m getting coffee and the other half of my donut).
Ruth
Vogue Faux Real
Dressing for the exceptional cold and wind would be a challenge, but your outfits make it look effortless. These are fantastic!
Michelle
I just don’t know how you do it in such cold and darkness Nicole. You always look so great.
XOOX
Jodie
Lovely.looks, especially the leather dress!!
Loved each and every outfit. You look fabulous in all!
Thank you dear Nicole, for choosing me as your favourite – that gives me a huge much-needed boost!! I am always in awe of how you do so well with your style and fashion in such a challenging and cold environment!! You’re right that it’s easier to be stylish with layers in cool climates, as i well know coming from the hottest continent! Thank you for sharing and I would personally love to borrow that leather dress if I was ever up your way – it’s just gorgeous..l not that it would fit mind!! Have a great evening!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
Gosh, it sure does look windy! Brr! Sometimes outfit photos are painful with the weather!! I love that red on you and the peplum mixed with that gorgeous plaid skirt!
Carrie
Nicole, you have got layering stylishly done!! Such cute looks. I would love to see the aurora borealis in Alaska sometime! We BBQ year-round, too, but it’s definitely not as cold! I can picture the cooks standing around the fire barrel! Thanks for sharing.
xx Darlene
Lovely Outfits, dear Nicole! My favorites are the leather dress and the look with the Banana Republic skirt.
xxxxx Nadine
Lovely outfits! I can imagine how cold it is when I see those pics! I keep staring at your red pointed booties, very nice! You also have some great coats. Love your fair isle sweater on you too.
jess xx
Oh wow I do not know if I would be so happy, eager and courageous to go out in the snow and take pictures 🙂 Love the button down shirt worn with the scarf – its tied perfectly!
I love the Misook studded skirt – so unusual and edgy.
I grill outside all year, even in the winter too. I love reading about life in Alaska because it’s different in so many ways from where I live. I love the bright floral dress!
Debbie
so happy to be featured. Thank you. So many great outfits shared, but loving you in red
I am loving your fair aisle sweater, Nicole. And all of your cute coats! I have a huge coat wardrobe myself because it is just as cold here. Although I am quite done with the negative 40 temperatures and I just hope we don’t get that cold this winter!
Shelbee
So many great looks. You have definitely mastered layering in a chic way. ☺