Winter is here in full force but you’re still ready to get down. The party might be hot but outside is definitely not! Before you head out, here are a few things to think about:
What’s the weather like?
Walking to a party through a snowstorm, like a dedicated partier, in your platform shoes may be the cheapest but not the best idea. Wet socks and soggy shoes aren’t very fun to dance in, plus you gotta watch for ice in those sky high shoes! Boots are best for this kinda weather but you can still dance in style if you pack some light sneakers or flats (and maybe an extra pair of socks) in your backpack. Even if it’s looking alright before you head out, check the weather to see what it will be like later on in the night or the next morning when you crawl back into the daylight.
What chu wearing?
If you’re NOT wearing pants to the party (dress/skirt/bootyshorts/no pants style), it doesn’t mean you have to suffer the consequences. Wear a pair of warm sweatpants to the venue, then stuff ‘em in your coat sleeve for coat check or bring them in your bag for the trek home. It’s a little easier to justify freezing your butt off when you’re about to go into an awesome party if you don’t have far to go, but waiting for a ride back home afterwards or sitting around an after party in just your tutu can be less than stellar.
If you ARE wearing pants to the party, you may want to wear some PJs under your pants – you can always hit up a bathroom and shove them in your coat before you check it. It’s especially important if you’re wearing something like UFO’s (which are super thin, and not very warm in the winter) or phat pants (which can sometimes let cold gusts up, making you extra chilly).
Fun fur (like coats, fluffies, spirit hoods) can be pretty warm and a great way to make sure that you look good while staying cozy, whether you’re in or out of the party. Cotton actually isn’t great for wicking away moisture (like sweat), so make sure the layer closest to your bod is a synthetic material or a mix of synthetic and silk. That can mean a spandex/polyester blend tank top/muscle shirt or even a sports bra.
Where you going?
Partying outside can be super fun but let’s be real: it’s cold. If you’re partying at a freeze rave or any other kind of party exposed to the elements, bundle up! You might get warm dancing but resist the urge to peel back all your layers. Make sure to plan ahead and have your phone charged just in case things get intense (ie. snowpacalyse).
If you know you’ll be outside at a freetek or festival, emergency blankets are a lifesavers! You can get these tiny little foil blankets at any dollar store, they fit perfectly into any fanny pack or hip pouch and they can fit two people, huddled for warmth. You can also pick up single use hand warmers that you can put in your shoes or mittens.
When are you dropping?
Pre-partying is awesome, but if you’re using before the party, wear a few extra layers so you won’t be chilly if it hits you while you’re in line. Some substances, like MDMA can throw off how you gauge your own body temperature and leave you extra vulnerable to the cold. You might feel super sweaty and like you don’t even need a coat when you’re rolling but the extreme cold can be a shock to your bod! Hat, scarf and mitts are a must. Even wearing a few layers of tights with your dress/skirt/no pants outfit are great for staying warm in line and just taking off when you make it inside.
How you getting home?
Don’t forget to bring money for coat check, and save some cash for a cab or for public transit. Check out our blog on getting home safer & have a plan. Whether it’s catching an uber or the TTC, make sure you have options so you and your friends don’t drive under the influence. Walking home while trashed can be pretty easy in warmer weather but not such a good call when it’s below freezing. Even if you’re not feeling the cold because of your buzz, your body sure can. Figure out if there’s a friend’s place close by where you can crash before you go out so you can end your night snuggled up with some hot cocoa to celebrate being the safest partier on the block.