Shift your mindset

Question your ‘winter blues’

Convinced you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (Sad)? Don’t be so quick, says Kari Leibowitz, winter psychology mindset expert and author of How to Winter: Harnessing Your Mindset to Thrive in Cold, Dark Or Difficult Times. “Sad is a subtype of clinical depression, and diagnosis relies on meeting the critria for this,” she explains. “Beyond that, people fall into two categories: those who feel more down in the winter, with worse mood in response to the lack of daylight; and those who are having a very normal, healthy response to a change in daylight but don’t view it that way.” Leibowitz argues that feeling more tired and less social is a normal response to the “10-hour difference in the amount of daylight between the summer solstice and the winter solstice – yet people have this expectation that they’ll have the same energy, the same interests, the same productivity year-round”. She advocates tuning in to “your body and mind telling you to slow down, rest more, socialise in a low-key way”.

Socialise gently

“In winter, I do more low-energy gatherings – I’ll invite friends over to watch a movie, or if I’m making a big pot of stew, it’s easy to make it for a few extra people,” says Leibowitz. “If you’re a knitter, invite people over for a knitting night. If you’re a baker, drop cookies off to friends and go in for a cup of tea.” Don’t want to socialise at all? “There’s a big difference between ‘I don’t feel like socialising so I’m staying home feeling depressed’ and ‘I don’t feel like socialising so I’m staying at home and making myself a nice dinner and watching a show that I love and feeling cosy’. If you don’t feel like going out, be indulgent about staying in.”

Notice the actual weather

Watch your negative winter weather bias. “We have this designation that if it has rained at all, it’s a rainy day,” says Leibowitz. Weather apps play into this; we see the dreaded double-raindrop icon and write off the day, but often the rain is only scheduled for part of the day. “If we start noticing the actual weather, we enjoy those times when the clouds part and you get that beautiful golden winter light.”

Find new ways to have fun

When it’s chucking it down outside, Leibowitz recommends asking yourself what things are actually more fun because of the weather. “Maybe going to the pub for a roast with friends, maybe reading, painting or baking. Rather than saying, ‘I’m stuck inside because it’s raining,’ say, ‘These are the things I get to do because it’s raining’.”

Three winters are better than one

The idea is not to see winter as one eternal, dragging juggernaut. “The Sami, Indigenous people of the Nordic countries have eight seasons, so each season has what’s called a ‘shoulder season’; they have autumn-winter, winter and spring-winter,” says Leibowitz. It helps you to have realistic expectations, so in spring-winter you notice the days are getting longer, plants are starting to bud, but it’s not yet T-shirt weather. “A lot of people feel fatigued in February and March because they’re ready for it to be over. Splitting winter into three can help.”

Look for the light

Waking up in the dark, only to be shrouded in it again by 4pm is grim, so “Find and create light,” says Dr Emma Hepburn, clinical psychologist and author of A Toolkit for Your Emotions. “Morning light can be particularly beneficial for your sleep/wake cycle, so try to get outside in the morning, even if briefly, or sit next to windows if you are stuck indoors. Creating light means bringing light indoors to create welcoming, cosy, comforting spaces that help us relax.” Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo, psychologist and co-author of Mental Health Micro Gains, agrees, also suggesting using mirrors to reflect the light at home and “undoing your coat when you can to let the light fall on your skin”.

Get outside!

Connect with winter nature

To feel more upbeat, Leibowitz recommends that you, “Look outside your window or step outside for a moment, and think: ‘What looks nice in the winter?’” It could be patterns of rain and fog, the light reflected in the street, a robin perched on a window ledge. This changes our mindset because “attention is a muscle and if we get used to opening the curtains every morning and noticing what we don’t like, that becomes our default, but we can rewrite some of those scripts in our heads”.

Keep kids entertained in the rain

Negativity towards “bad weather” is an adult thing, according to Linda Akeson McGurk, author of There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather. She recommends a bit of outdoor play every day, and Dr Yiannis Ioannou, paediatrician and founder of Childhealthy clinics in London, agrees. “Getting outdoors has a huge effect on children’s mood, mental health, sleep and appetite,” he says. “If they’re adequately wrapped up, children will be happy to play outdoors even if it’s raining.” Not sure what to do? “Follow your child’s lead,” says McGurk. “If they need some nudging, younger children enjoy stomping in puddles, digging canals in the dirt or making mud pies.”

… and the snow

Aside from whizzing down a hill on a kitchen tray (which, while tempting, isn’t recommended), McGurk says that “many children love playing with ice, only when in a safe place, of course – sliding on it, stomping on it or excavating toys from it. Another fun activity is to follow animal tracks in the snow – see how many you can find and try to work out what has left which tracks. You can also pack up some tasty food and hot drinks for a winter picnic.”

Provide screen alternatives for little kids

To avoid overreliance on screens among younger children, Ioannou suggests “reading, make-believe games, any kind of drawing, painting, arts and crafts. Dancing indoors means you’re getting exercise in by stealth, which will help on with physical and mental health – it’s hard to be grumpy when you’re dancing. Involving children in cooking is a good way to instil good eating habits, and for older children, board games and anything that involves manipulating things are excellent. This could be doing puzzles, building blocks, drawing, colouring, painting, throwing and catching or climbing. There’s some benefit in terms of hand-eye coordination with some video games as well,” he adds, “just use them in balance and moderation.”

Tear teens away from their phones

Struggling to keep your adolescent away from gaming or social media? Dr Nihara Krause, consultant clinical psychologist and founder of stem4, which provides training to support teenage mental health, suggests working out their “individual attraction to online activities, to then tap into the same need or reward”. She advises parents to rotate these activities regularly to keep teens engaged, join in with them, and set screen time limits together and review them. Here are her favoured swaps:

If they seek instant gratification “Real-life alternatives to onscreen rewards might include playing an exciting board game, an organised treasure hunt or a science experiment.”

For those who crave social connection “Having friends over, or having a film-making competition with friends in real life” might hit the spot instead of “online gaming or chasing likes on a post or reel”.

For mastery and achievement “For teens who enjoy being the most skilled at a game out of a group of friends, introduce activities or sports that involve learning a new skill.”

To escape from boredom or stress “Provide calming or mood-changing activities: collating an album of jokes, having a cosy reading corner, or cooking something special together.”

For teens who love fast-paced entertainment “Provide real-life high-energy activities such as dance, exercise or an indoor obstacle course. Intersperse these activities with learning to get used to a slower pace in between.”

Stay fit when the weather sucks

Find a challenge

Unmotivated when it’s gloomy? Matthew Bourke, research fellow at the Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation at the University of Queensland in Australia, says the research-backed antidote is “to find something that brings you joy. People who sustain exercise during winter are more strongly motivated by enjoyment, challenge, competition and social affiliation.” To that end, find a challenge. “A mass participation event a few months down the track might be a great way to motivate yourself during winter.”

Stay social

“Join a team, get a membership to a group exercise club, join community events like Parkrun, or find a friend or family member to exercise with,” advises Bourke. Fire up a playlist, as “research shows that people report more enjoyment during exercise when they are listening to music”, says Bourke, who recommends high-tempo tracks to improve performance, but adds that “audiobooks and podcasts can achieve the same thing”.

Replace willpower with habit

“When exercising becomes a habit, it takes less motivation and self-control to initiate,” says Bourke, who suggests context-dependent repetition, ie doing the same thing in the same contexts, such as “going to the gym during your lunchbreak every Tuesday. Habits can be strengthened by providing cues – this could include leaving a set of workout clothes at the office, leaving a pair of running shoes by the front door, or having workout equipment in the lounge.”

How to avoid slipping on the ice

Appropriate footwear is the key, says chief scout Dwayne Fields, who in 2021 became the first Black Briton to reach the north pole. Start with proper insulated winter boots. If you’re heading out alone, tell someone where you’re going. “Use a stick or a walking pole. Take your time, look and think about what could be underfoot, and take each step cautiously. Walk on grass, if that’s an option, as concrete can be slippery when snow has melted and refrozen into a sheet of ice.” If you need to walk on a pavement, “look for fluffy, white snow”.

Keep the feeling in your fingers and toes

Wear appropriate gloves and use handwarmers, says Fields. For a quick, simple warm-up, “swing your arms like a windmill, as this movement forces blood to your fingertips”. And to use your phone (though Fields always recommends carrying a paper map, too), “choose gloves made of electrostatic material”. Fields has never got a blister, so follow his sock rules: “Wear a pair of thin, silky-type socks with a thick pair made of merino wool or something synthetic on top. It allows moisture to dissipate to keep your feet warm, but instead of the sock rubbing your foot, the boot will rub the sock and the sock will rub the other sock.”

Bolster your health

Eat for energy

Food-wise, dietitian Priya Tew suggests going for diversity, “planning as many plant foods and colours into your meals as you can”, adding that “wholegrains such as couscous, quinoa, wholemeal bread, oats and brown rice and pasta can provide great sources of energy, but this does not mean you can only eat the brown versions. Also take a vitamin D supplement in winter, as low vitamin D is linked to fatigue, and in the UK there is not enough sunshine to make it in our skin.”

Mix up your meals

Winter food can get samey, but Tew says meal planning can help you avoid getting in a rut. “I love roasting a tray of vegetables like courgette, peppers and aubergines, and then adding them to all sorts of meals; stir through pasta with chicken or chickpeas and pesto, make extra for lunches or as a side, or as a vegetable lasagne to bring a taste of summer.” She also suggests some spice, via a ramen or noodle soup: “Spices such as ginger and turmeric help fight against infections, and are a way to add extra plants into the diet.”

Tackle your perma-cold

Constantly dripping nose or tickly cough? “Hydration is essential; warm teas with honey, ginger and lemon can be soothing, while using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help ease respiratory symptoms, and saline nasal sprays can help clear nasal passages,” says immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi. “Zinc lozenges have been shown to reduce the duration of colds if taken within the first 24 hours of symptom onset. Additionally, adequate rest can help your body recover more quickly.”

Finally, check if you are a mouth breather, as “this can leave you more susceptible to infections”. Either ask a partner to let you know how you breathe as you sleep or, look out for “telltale signs – drool on your pillow when you wake up, snoring, dry mouth upon waking, bad breath, thirst during the night or after sleep, feeling tired and irritable”, says Macciochi. “Your mouth doesn’t filter the air like your nose does. The nose also humidifies and warms the air, making it less likely to dry and irritate the airways inside your lungs, which makes them more sensitive and makes it easier for infections to enter your cells.” How can you become a nasal breather? With awareness and time, “making a conscious effort to breathe through your nose during the day and bringing awareness to your breathing habits,” says Macciochi. “You can also practise specific breathwork exercises, like diaphragmatic breathing.”

… and your kids’

For children, Ioannou says handwashing is key to limiting spread. Feel as if your toddler is constantly ill? “In that age group, as many as 12 upper respiratory infections a year is normal – it doesn’t mean there’s a problem with their immune system.” He reminds parents to keep up with vaccines, including the nasal flu spray, and says it’s recommended that under-fives take a daily multivitamin.

Weather-proof your pets

Clean up muddy dogs

“If your dog has a naturally long coat, keeping them well-groomed can help,” says vet Michael Lazaris. “Sometimes even just clipping the fur around their paws is enough.” If they get caked in muck, “use a coarse brush to comb out the majority before it dries and gets matted. Also, keep a microfibre towel at hand or in the car to dry and wipe off as much as possible before getting home.” If pooch needs a shampoo, “use a mild product specifically for dogs once every one to two weeks, as it can dry out fur and wash away natural oils. Stick to warm water the rest of the time.” If your dog just has dirty feet or underbelly, “only wash these areas. For mucky paws, I’ll either fill a paw cleaner with water and a touch of doggy shampoo, or I have a spray bottle with diluted shampoo at hand to wet paws and spray off any dirt. Paw washing is especially important as road grit can get stuck between your dog’s paws and cause irritation. Finally, dry your dog properly, especially if it’s cold.”

Keep pets calm for new year fireworks

First prepare them: “Exercise and tire out your dog as much as possible during daylight hours,” says Lazaris. Then at night “provide safe spaces, like dens made of blankets and pillows where they can hide if they’re scared. Close curtains to drown out loud noises and flashing lights, keep the telly on or play relaxing music.” You can also try natural calming supplements in the lead-up. “My go-to for dogs is Relax + Restore by Your Pet Nutrition (£34.95). Calming sprays and plug-in pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) work wonders for kitties, while if your dog has severe noise phobias, your vet can dispense prescription options.” Animals in hutches? “Turn them inwards against a wall during the night and cover them with blankets. Better still, move them inside, adding lots of hay and blankets to help them feel safe and warm.” Distraction is also useful. “Puzzle feeders, slow feeders and new chew toys allow your pet to focus on something else. Ignoring the fireworks yourself can help, as dogs play off their owner’s actions and emotions.” Finally, says Lazaris, “Escape-proof your house as some cats and dogs will do anything to get away, including digging under fences, jumping over gates and even out of windows.”

Keep walkies safe

“Very cold conditions can lead to frostbite or dry, chapped skin for your pets,” says Lazaris. If the mercury falls below zero, keep walks short, and remember that “if it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s probably too cold for your dog”. Protect paws with either boots, a paw balm or Vaseline. “Dogs with short coats, such as greyhounds, staffies and French bulldogs, benefit from winter coats, as well as very young or old dogs, or those with underlying illnesses,” says Lazaris. “Just make sure they don’t overexercise in a very warm coat, as this can lead to heatstroke – even in winter.”

Be mindful with antifreeze

It’s extremely toxic to dogs and cats, says Lazaris, “but for some reason many pets find the flavour appetising. Even a few drops can cause kidney failure in a cat, so store it safely and clean up any spillages straight away.” Also, remember that cats often seek refuge under warm car engines, so “double-check before you start your car and drive off”.

Get cosy at home

Turn off ‘the big light’

As Scandinavians know, having all overhead lights on in your house when it’s dark and rainy outside is a no-no. “That contrast is exhausting to the eye,” says Leibowitz. “So have low lights, twinkly lights and some candles. It’s such a pleasant vibe in which to eat dinner, do chores, hang out with your kids, and is only possible in the winter.”

Turn to some warming dishes

“It has become an annual test of our collective will to see how long we wait to turn on the heating, but I cheat by locking myself in next to the stove and setting myself to cook,” says recipe writer and restaurateur Thomasina Miers. Her favourite winter warmers include a squash and pasta soup with fried sage leaves, which she says “lights some internal kindling”. She also turns to chillies: “Not only do they speed up our metabolism, I find the rich warming spice of dried chillies puts a gentle glow to mind as well as body. A slow-cooked mutton with cardamom was one of the first curries my father cooked us, and we were as amazed at his prowess in the kitchen as we were delighted to be eating a feast of such deliciousness.” For those who can take the heat, Miers recommends her spicy Ethiopian lentil and spinach soup. Not a fan of fiery food? “Find comfort in more soothing flavours like a rich and silky celeriac and potato soup with cheese toasties, or the blissfully simple barley, chorizo and radicchio risotto.”

Drink yourself toasty

Want to warm your cockles at the end of a long day? “A hot whisky cocktail is always a delight – stir 1 tsp of honey into 150ml boiled water with 10ml of lemon juice, 50ml farmhouse apple juice and a generous slug of whisky,” says Miers, who is also a fan of a hot chocolate. “I whisk a heaped teaspoon of raw cacao and very dark chocolate either in full-fat milk or water. A hint of cinnamon, a touch of anise and a small scrunch of brown sugar, and I am in heaven with all the mood-boosting and reviving properties of this nutrient-dense drink.”

Prepare for party season

Boss your diary, not the other way round

If endless small talk and a calendar crammed with festive events fills you with dread, psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn suggests being more intentional with your precious RSVPs. “Think about how particular activities or events make you feel. Do they energise you and make you feel good, or do you feel exhausted and worse afterwards? Are they meaningful to you, or are you saying yes because you feel you should, or don’t want to miss out? Learning to turn down activities that don’t work for you can be a powerful tool. Think of your time as a precious commodity.”

Don’t get Christmas overwhelm

Find the buildup to 25 December exhausting? “Try not to get caught up in expectations,” advises psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo. “We may have different historical relationships with Christmas, for example it might be associated with grief, so we need to practise self-compassion and autonomy around how we navigate it. Engage in purposeful, value-based living by identifying the things that negatively impact your mental health – and things that help it.”

Survive the slump to New Year’s Eve

There are many names for this period, ranging from the sublime (Betwixmas) to the ridiculous (Christmas perineum), but whatever you call it, it can feel notoriously flat. Guard against that, says Quinn-Cirillo: “Spread seeing people over the whole festive period rather than squashing it all in before, which adds to the feeling of deflation after Boxing Day. Then think about some values and goals for the year ahead and use the time to pause – spending targeted downtime with yourself is different from isolation.”

Hepburn agrees, advising seeing “this as a time to recuperate, rest and regenerate. Having plans that lift your mood can be helpful, but these don’t need to be big. It can be reading a book or taking a frosty walk exploring somewhere you’ve always meant to visit. Also, make plans for later in the year, to have something to look forward to.”

Give nature a helping hand

Keep houseplants alive

If you neglect your plants in winter, they can quickly go from lush to limp, or worse still, dead. Guardian houseplant expert Gynelle Leon has a remedy:

Avoid the windowsill If yours is shaded by heavy curtains, especially thick or blackout ones, it can turn into an icebox during the night when temperatures drop.

Keep away from heat It’s tempting to place your plants near a radiator or heat source, but the heat is dry and intense, which can lead to dehydration and stress. Natural sunlight, on the other hand, provides balanced warmth.

Reduce watering Winter is a period of dormancy for many plants. Overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot – a common killer.

Follow the 10C rule Most houseplants are not frost-tolerant. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10C can lead to damage and death. Move them to a warm spot.

Stop fertilising During the winter, plants rest and slow their growth. Fertilising can cause more harm than good.

Keep your garden looking cheerful

Don’t hack it back If your garden looks like a wasteland of sticks, Alice Vincent, a Guardian gardening columnist, suggests a more laid-back approach. “One of the biggest winter gardening mistakes people make is tidying up their more structural perennials too early,” she says. “Grasses and sculptural plants such as Phlomis russeliana, fennel, sedum, hydrangea and echinacea conjure magical shadow play in low winter sunlight and leave seeds for the birds. I wouldn’t touch them until late February at the earliest.”

Add evergreens “Holly and ivy inspire carolling for a reason, and in less traditional gardens, Fatsia japonica creates drama from its large, tropical-looking leaves even from small containers,” says Vincent. “Check out beautiful and swift-growing Clematis urophylla ‘Winter Beauty’. It will scramble up a boundary and flower in the darkest days.”

Get bulbs in the ground To feel hopeful as winter turns to spring, choose bulbs. “You can plant them as late as January,” says Vincent. “Sticking to a loose colour palette will lend cohesion, and covering pots with a cloche will stop the squirrels.”

Adapt your beauty approach

Sidestep rosacea flare-ups
Think gentle, says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at the Self London clinic. “Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritating your skin, and apply a hydrating moisturiser to combat dryness from cold air and indoor heating. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher, as UV rays can still affect your skin in winter.” Lifestyle tweaks help too: “Dress warmly, using scarves to protect your face from harsh winds, but ensure the material is soft to prevent irritation. Avoid hot beverages and spicy foods, which can trigger flare-ups. If your rosacea is severe, consult a dermatologist.”

Combat frizzy hair
Misty rain (AKA mizzle), steamy buses … there are plenty of reasons for your hair to crinkle in winter. “Depending on your hair type, texture and condition, there are a few options,” says Anita Bhagwandas, a Guardian beauty columnist and author of Ugly: Giving Us Back Our Beauty Standards. “The longest lasting is a keratin treatment, a chemical procedure that helps to smooth hair for three to six months, but it can be pricey. Blow-dry sprays such as It’s a 10 Blow Dry Miracle H20 Shield (£24) and Kérastase Styling L’Incroyable Blowdry (£34.85) also give you a little protection and help the hair to recover post-shower.” If all else fails, “keep a chic clip on hand. I like the ASOS clip claw with snake design in gold tone.”

Nourish chapped lips
“First, establish the cause,” says Bhagwandas. “Is it dehydration, lack of moisture in the lips, the climate, or have you been picking them? Get rid of any dead skin by giving them a gentle scrub with a flannel, or Refy Lip Buff (£16), and follow with your chosen balm. I find the most long-lasting ones have a thick, ointment texture, such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume (£8.50) or Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner (£24), which genuinely lasts all day. Using a lip mask at night can also help – try Laneige (£19).”

Conquer cold-beaten skin
“Layering moisturising products can help,” says Bhagwandas. “First apply a serum laden with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, followed by a heavy moisturising cream with ceramides such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion (£16.50) and top up during the day with a ceramide-based spray like Curél Deep Moisture Spray (£19.50). At night, layering serum or face oil with a heavy night cream can help protect your skin from central-heating induced dehydration.”

Style solutions

Stop your glasses fogging up
Jumped on the bus and feel as if you’ve just opened the dishwasher? “Apply a high-quality anti-fog spray to your lenses,” says Jamie Bartlett, co-founder of Banton Frameworks. “Ensure there’s a small gap between the top of your scarf and the bottom rims of your glasses, which prevents warm, moist air from directly hitting the lenses and causing condensation.” If the indoor temperature is vastly different from outdoors, “clean your glasses with mild soap and warm water when you come in”. Keep them clean with a microfibre cloth, and think about getting the frames adjusted as “if they sit too close to your face, they are more prone to fogging. Or consider low-cost adhesive silicone nose pads if the bridge is too wide, which allow for better airflow around your lenses.”

Layer up like a pro

Dwayne Fields advises a merino wool base layer “because it dries quickly, allows your body to breathe, but also traps a bit of air to keep you warm”. On top of that, “a relatively thin fleece mid-layer with a zip to control how much air goes in and out”. Pick an outer layer with vents, “so you can open those to adjust to your own liking”. And before choosing a one-piece, like a ski suit, “consider how often you might need to go to the loo”, says Fields. Live by this motto: Be Bold, Start Cold. “It’s what I was told when I was doing my mountain-leader training. Go out in your fleece layer before putting on your outer layer, because after five or 10 minutes of some light activity, you’ll find that actually, it’s not that cold – what you were feeling was the difference between the temperature in the house and outside.”

Beat the rain in style

When you neither want to look like a drowned rat nor an overheating sweaty mess, choosing the right winter jacket is essential. “The perfect winter coat must possess one characteristic,” says Guardian fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley. “I am not going to insult your intelligence by pointing out that it needs to be warm, nor remind you that it needs to be waterproof. The magic is finding a coat that looks great. We spend so much time in them that they become our personality through the most depressing months of the year. A chic, elegant, fabulous one will do as much for your wellbeing as a flu shot. I love Marks & Spencer’s checked longline trench coat with wool (£109).”

Handle whatever the weather throws at you

In the UK, we need a few key pieces to survive the daily smorgasbord of winter weather challenges. Cartner-Morley says: “One minute you’re marching through wind and rain, the next jostling for oxygen on a packed train carriage. No one outfit will work for every moment, but key accessories will save your sanity.” From top to toe, Cartner-Morley advises “a waterproof scarf with integral hood” such as a padded hybrid hooded scarf from Cos (£65) and a pair of “sturdy, smart shoes that you can run from the bus to a meeting in. The Frankie chunky loafers by Office (£65.99) have you covered, with a puddle-clearing chunky sole and retro tassel detail.”

Find a stylish boot

“A welly is practical, but unsuitable for the office, running errands or meeting someone for lunch,” says the Guardian’s styling editor, Melanie Wilkinson, “so I’d recommend investing in Chelsea boots, such as the Grenson Milly (£380), which look great and will keep your feet bone dry, or Blundstone Chelsea (£210), which have sealed elastic seams to prevent even a drip of water getting in.” For a slightly more affordable option, try the Tretorn boot from Arket (£145), which is “made from neoprene and rubber, so is a bit of a hybrid”.

… and a brolly that lasts

Sick of your umbrella blowing inside out or collapsing? “My wet-weather game was hugely improved last year when my partner bought me an umbrella from London Undercover (£39),” says Wilkinson. “Sturdy, compact enough to fit in my bag and easily spotted thanks to the neon strap, it hasn’t blown inside-out once.”

Remedy snagged tights

“A snag in your black opaques will quickly get worse if you don’t address the problem immediately,” warns Wilkinson, who always has a spare pair tucked in her handbag. “Ditto a bottle of clear nail varnish which, painted over the top, will stop ladders growing.” However, her best tip is to “invest in a pair of ultimate opaque tights from Commando. They aren’t cheap at £40, but should last the season snag-free.”

Sidestep soggy trousers

On those days when rain is coming in sideways, you need to up your trouser game. “I’m a fan of Rains’ waterproof trousers (£65), which you could wear over your jeans for your commute, or on their own with a navy jumper and chunky black boots for instant Scandi cool,” says Wilkinson.

… and if all else fails

Remember, it’s only 124 days until spring.