You are currently viewing What to wear in Alaska in November (Lookbook)

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.

Contents
  1. November Weather Is a Mixed Bag Dressing-Wise
  2. 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
  3. Top of the World Style linkup No. 235

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

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

 

stylist in layered attire with dress, layering top, nude tights, tall boots

street style blogger in printed dress, blue sweater, and boots with red tote
Lula Roe fit-and-flare dress, Halftee layering top, L.K. Bennett tall suede blue boots, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Celine bag (allown) and opaque tights c/o Hipstik

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.

Nicole in cable knit skirt, sweater, statement belt cold weather outfit

style book author sitting on a chair in cable knit skirt, Fair Isle sweater accessories, tights
Outfit details: Vince cable knit skirt, Harley Davidson booties, Eddie Bauer Fair Isle sweater, Rebecca Collins belt, gemstone bangle, Hermes collier de chien bangle, DIY ear studs (all own) and tights c/o Hipstik

 

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?

Nicole twirling in an orange burgundy black fit-and-flare dress

fashion blogger Nicole in orange dress with red tights and black layering top
Outfit details: LulaRoe fit-and-flare dress, GNW tight, Manolo Blahnik booties, BCBGXMAX belt, DIY half-slip, moonstone and citrine statement necklace, citrine earrings (all own), and layering top c/o Cami Confidential

 

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.

 

mildlife lady in coat, dress, tight with hat, gloves, heels and bag
Cole Haan shearling coat, Bellorita bag, GNW tight, Manolo Blahnik booties, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves (all own) and fedora c/o Tenth Street Hats

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.

style blogger in leather shirt dress with layering top, tights, booties and scarf

over 50 fashion blogger in leather dress with tights, and red booties
G.I.L.I purple leather shirt dress, Manolo Blahnik booties, Anne Klein scarf, gemstone bangle, Hermes collier de chien bangle, GNW tights (all own) layering top c/o Halftee

 

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.

 

Nicole of High Latitude Style in a motorcycle coat, beret, tights and booties

mature woman in shearling coat over leather dress in all purple colors and red shoes
Outfit details: Cole Haan shearling motorcycle coat, unbranded structure bag, GNW ight, G.I.L.I leather dress, LeatherCoatsEtc beret and gloves (all own)

 

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?

woman in pink top, brown glen check midi skirt, tights and pink shoes walking in snow

woman in winter skirt and jacket outfit

woman in pink top with smoky quartz necklace

stylist walking thru the snow in pleated midi skirt, motorcycle jacket, hat, gloves, pink boots
Outfit details: Marc Andrew motorcycle goat jacket, GNW tight, Daily Shoes booties, Pendleton pleated glen check midi skirt, smoky quartz necklace, Hermes collier de chien bangle, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves, 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, (all own), top c/o Coolibar and hat c/o Tenth Street Hats

 

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.

 

Alaskan woman in business casual winter look with houndstooth skirt, tights, hunter green sweater, beret and boots

over 50 years old woman walking thru the snow in hunter green sweater and black and white skirt
Outfit details: Banana Republic skirt, Gucci boots, LeatherCoatsEtc green beret, unbranded hunter green cashmere sweater, statement belt, Hermes collier de chien bangle, golden bangle (all own), tights c/o Hipstik

 

Alaskan woman in maxi quilted leather coat with faux fur trim

older woman in long leather coat with faux fur trim looking down the street
Outfit details: LeatherCoatsEtc quilted maxi leather coat with faux fur trim, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves and beret, Kate Moss for Longchamp bag, Gucci boots, DIY scarf (all own)

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.

street style blogger in chic pattern mix of polka dots, houndstooth and leopard

midlife woman sitting in a bar with beret and mixed pattern look
Outfit details: LeatherCoatsEtc winter white wool beret, Banana Republic skirt with houndstooth inspired pattern, GNW leopard print cardigan worn as top, Anne Klein square silk polka dot scarf folded over the long side and tied at the ends, pearl studs, and opera length pearl necklace wrapped around the neck twice, and unbranded pantyhose (all own)

 

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.

fashion blogger in sneakers with skirt

midlife style blogger in pea-coat with skirt
LeatherCoatsEtc winter white wool beret and cashmere lined leather gloves, Banana Republic houndstooth knee-length skirt, unbranded pantyhose, Adidas sneakers, Esprit bag (all own), and pea-coat c/o London Traditions

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!

mature woman in business casual work outfit with skirt, blazer white button-down
Silk holiday scarf, Harley Davidson booties, Anne Klein blazer, Hermes collier de chien bangle, scarf holder with pearl, DIY belt (all own), tights c/o Hipstik, studded skirt c/o Misook, button-down shirt c/o Coolibar

 

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.

style blogger donning a fall office look with sheath and belted jacket

mature woman in burgundy and purple work look

midlife blogger looking fashionably stylish in Pantone winter colors
Calvin Klein sheath over halftee layering top, Paloma Picasso statement belt, pendant necklace, Vince Camuto tall suede boots (all own), bracelet c/o Lizzy James and herringbone zipper front jacket c/o Whistle River

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Welcome to the 285th Top of the World Style linkup party

I am glad you are here. The favorites of the last party were:

diamond disk on a gold necklace
K. Mich from Wedding Soiree Blog by K Mich became the Top of the World OOTD Readers’ Fav. Photo from her post.

 

Iris of La Mamous in red floral dress
Iris from La Mamous became Top of the World Style Winner. Photo from her post.

 

Terri of Meadow Tree Style in leopard and purple pants top shoes and scarf look
Terri from Meadow Tree Style became the Top of the World OOTD My Fav. Photo from her post.

 

Congrats Ladies! Grab your award buttons.

 

Join/see the Top of the World Style linkup party here

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This Post Has 26 Comments

  1. thestylesplash

    Lovely outfits Nicole! I would really struggle in such a cold climate but you’re always so stylish!

    Emma xxx
    The Style Splash

  2. 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

  3. Love all your looks! I especially love the way you style your dresses-and I’m all over that little goat jacket!! xx

  4. 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

  5. I adore your bold and creative style!

    Rena
    Fine Whatever Blog

  6. 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

  7. shelbeeontheedge1

    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

  8. mireilleftm

    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

  9. the frugal fashion shopper

    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 🙂

  10. You layer so well! All of these outfits are lovely!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  11. voguefauxreal

    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

  12. Dressing for the exceptional cold and wind would be a challenge, but your outfits make it look effortless. These are fantastic!

    Michelle

  13. Jodie

    I just don’t know how you do it in such cold and darkness Nicole. You always look so great.
    XOOX
    Jodie

  14. Shugunna Alexander

    Lovely.looks, especially the leather dress!!

  15. donnadoesdresses

    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 🧚🏻‍♀️❤️🐝

  16. 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

  17. aquamarinastyle

    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

  18. Nadine Fei

    Lovely Outfits, dear Nicole! My favorites are the leather dress and the look with the Banana Republic skirt.
    xxxxx Nadine

  19. 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

  20. 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!

  21. Lise

    I love the Misook studded skirt – so unusual and edgy.

  22. stinedurfdl

    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

  23. Linda Cassidy

    so happy to be featured. Thank you. So many great outfits shared, but loving you in red

  24. 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

  25. Angie H.

    So many great looks. You have definitely mastered layering in a chic way. ☺