In Alaska, November typically is the time of the first crisp cold weather of the new cold season. This lookbook illustrates what to wear under which weather conditions for which occasions. Welcome to life at the Last Frontier in Interior Alaska in November.
- November Weather Is a Mixed Bag Dressing-Wise
- What I wore in November
- When temperatures set a new negative record (-29.2F, -34oC)
- When it is -5F (-20.6oC)
- Windy weather outfits
- When it is around the freezing point
- In rare cases there is still no snow
- What I wore for a meeting
- Business casual fall office outfit
- Top of the World Style linkup No. 235
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November weather is a mixed bag dressing-wise
Typically, in November, we get our first crisp cold weather episode here in the Interior. This year, it was early in the month. However, unlike in most years, it was windy. Windy in the single negative digits isn’t fun. I rather prefer 40 below than wind.
After that, we got a couple of big snow loads. This happens in years, 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.
Another reason for relatively mild November weather are Chinook events. Then temperatures can be around the freezing point. Thus, our neighbor even made a grill party outside with her friends last weekend. It’s an odd thing. Alaskans also grill outside or throw outdoor parties in winter. Sure you bundle up. Also you run either a heater or have a fire in an old oil barrel.
What I wore in November
Now let’s see what to wear in Interior Alaska in November. Below you find some outfit examples for various temperatures.
When tmperatures set a new negative record (-29.2F, -34oC)
It seems that new records are only of interest when they are positive. However, early this month, temperatures seemed to be in free fall. Several old minimum records (around -11F, -24oC) were broken several days in a row. It was freaking cold because of the humidity and slight wind. Therefore, applying several chic layers was a Must to create chic cold wet weather outfits. Yes, of course, a thick down coat was part of the outfits. I faked a “nude leg” using my nude opaque tights. <3
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. I think crisp, cold, dry weather is the easiest to dress for. Long underwear, a Fair Isle sweater, two pair of tights, and boots. Here I go, well stand or sit.
As aforementioned, an important “weapon” to beat cold weather is layering. The fun part is that layering at the same time is stylish. Since it is cold, you don’t hesitate to layer. It’s so much easier to look chic in winter than in summer. I mean, seriously, who would have the nerve to layer during the dog days?
For outside, my choice was the burgundy shearling coat as its color works best with the dress that is longer than the coat. Furthermore, this coat provides good insulation. I accessorized with a statement bag, gloves and fedora hat. More on how to style your outerwear.
Windy weather outfits
Leather is a great protection against wind, but a bad insulator. I wore a layering top and a half-slip underneath my leather dress.
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 at the beginning of the month. The skirt really flies as does the peplum. 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! Thus, I put my hair up so the hair wouldn’t suffer from friction by the wind. Any detangling isn’t great for any hair. What do you do to protect your 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 Interio 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 short pea-coat is a great stylish option to stay comfortable. For what to look for in a pea-coat see the post at this link.
What I wore for a meeting
Last week, I was supposed to have a meeting. However, it got canceled last minute because of the huge amount of new snow. Anyhow, I had already dressed for it. A boots skirt with blazer and a crisp white button-down. I accessorized with my holiday silk scarf. There are not many occasion to wear it. Now is the season!
When you like my Alaska November outfits, please feel free to pin the photos to your pinterest board.
Business casual fall office outfit
This look shows a business casual fall 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.
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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. ☺